10 Days Katavi and Mahale Safari is an exciting mix of chimpanzee tracking, walking safari with armed ranger, snorkeling and much more.
Day 1: Arrival
Your driver/guide and our representative will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport to begin your Katavi and Mahale safari. We’ll transport you to Lake Duluti Lodge or Rivertrees Country Inn. We’ll send our safari manager to greet you and give you an overview of the trip. Dinner will be served.
Day 2: Arusha-Katavi
After breakfast you will be transferred to Arusha Airport for your shared charter flight to Katavi National Park in southwest Tanzania. The flight departs at 8:00 a.m. and you arrive in Katavi around 11:30 a.m. Your guide will take you to Katuma Bush Lodge for lunch. The lodge is located in the middle of the park, on an elevated point overlooking the vast plains of Katisunga. Herds of animals searching for fresh pasture and water provide the perfect view right from your tent. Tamarind and acacia trees provide shade and the sunsets behind the distant forests surrounding the seasonal lake provide a perfect backdrop to the breathtaking scenery. Accommodation is in spacious tents where every little detail has been taken care of to ensure comfort and luxury – from luxurious linens to international cuisine that blends with the natural surroundings to maintain the spirit of Katavi. After lunch, your personal safari itinerary will be put together. Explore Katavi on your first game drive. Overnight at Katuma Bush Lodge. All meals included.
Day 3-4: Katavi Safari
Spend two full days in Tanzania’s third-largest national park, Katavi National Park. It is located in a shortened arm of the Rift Valley in the isolated southwest of the nation, and it finishes in the level, menacing expanse of Lake Rukwa. Game drives will take you into forested areas around the seasonal lakes Chada and Katavi, where the majority of wildlife, including big cats, calls home. With an armed ranger accompanying you, you will embark on a walking safari to some of the most breathtaking spots in the park, giving your customers the opportunity to experience the special, peaceful enjoyment of being a part of nature. 2 x overnight at Katuma Bush Lodge. All meals included.
Day 5: Katavi-Mahale safari
Enjoy a leisurely morning until you travel for the short, picturesque flight to Mahale Mountain National Park, which is situated on the banks of Lake Tanganyika, from Katavi Airstrip (packed lunch will be provided).
Your boat is waiting for you at Mahale Airstrip to transport you to Kungwe Beach Lodge, which is situated on a lengthy stretch of golden sand beaches overlooking the majestic Mahale Mountains in Lake Tanganyika.
Ten comfy and opulent tents with private bathrooms and views of Tanganyika’s pristine waters make up the camp. The camp manager is waiting for you to arrive so they can give you a briefing and talk about your personalized itinerary. You embark on your first, quick chimpanzee tracking adventure in the afternoon in the nearby forest. Overnight at Kungwe Beach Lodge. All meals included.
Day 6-8: Mahale National Park
Spend three full days exploring the Mahale Mountains at Lake Tanganyika. The primary draw at Mahale is chimpanzee tracking, which is always prioritized. The guides typically begin tracking early in the morning, beginning at the location where the chimpanzees nested the night before and continuing from there. Tracking in Mahale can take up to four hours. When there is an abundance of fruit nearby, chimpanzees will always be close by because they are fruit-loving animals. Walking on the beach, swimming, and snorkeling in Tanganyika’s crystal-clear waters are some additional activities. Additionally, knowledgeable boatmen at the camp can organize fishing excursions to Tanganyika, an angler’s paradise (boat trips at some extra cost). To gain a firsthand understanding of life in a typical African village, one can also visit nearby fishing villages. 3 x Overnight at Kungwe Beach Lodge. All meals included.
Day 9: Mahale-Arusha
Spend the morning relaxing at the beach before taking a boat to the Mahale Airstrip, where you will board a shared charter flight to return to Arusha. After arriving there at approximately 17:30, return to Rivertree Country Inn Lodge to spend the night. Every meal is served.
Day 10: Departure
Proceed to Kilimanjaro Airport in order to depart or extend your stay.
Note: If you intend to travel to Zanzibar, you may be able to arrange to be dropped off in Kigoma Town for the night before taking a plane to Zanzibar the following day.
~ End of Tour ~
From: USD $ 7275
per person sharing
INCLUDED
- All airport transfers
- 01 x HB at Rivertrees Country Inn or similar Lodge in Arusha
- Sharted charter flights Arusha-Katavi-Mahale-Arusha inclusive taxes
- 15 kg luggage allowance
- 03 x FB at Katuma Bush Lodge, Katavi including 3 meals per day, coffee/tea, scheduled safari activities
- 04 x FB at Kungwe Beach Lodge, Mahale including 3 meals per day, coffee/tea, scheduled safari activities
- New Tourist Development Levy
EXCLUDED
- International Flights
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for safari guide
- Travel insurance
- Visa fee (50 US$ /100 US$ for Americans & Irish Passport Holders- to be paid upon arrival)
- Drinks and beverages in lodges
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Katavi and Mahale safari unique?
A safari combining Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park is truly one of Tanzania’s most remote and exclusive experiences. These parks are far from the usual tourist routes, which means you’ll enjoy a sense of untouched wilderness. Katavi is known for its dramatic wildlife scenes, while Mahale offers something completely different with its forested mountains and lakeshore setting. The journey feels adventurous and intimate, perfect for travelers seeking something beyond the classic safari. It’s a rare opportunity to explore places few people ever visit.
What kind of wildlife can I expect in Katavi National Park?
Katavi National Park is famous for its raw and intense wildlife encounters. You can expect to see large herds of buffalo, elephants, and hippos, often gathering around shrinking water sources during the dry season. Predators like lions and crocodiles are also common, creating dramatic and unforgettable scenes. Because the park is less crowded, wildlife behavior feels more natural and undisturbed. It’s a place where you truly feel the wild side of Africa.
What is special about Mahale Mountains National Park?
Mahale Mountains National Park is best known for its chimpanzee trekking experience. Unlike traditional safaris, here you hike through lush forests to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The park sits along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. After trekking, you can relax by the lake or enjoy activities like swimming and kayaking. It’s a beautiful blend of adventure and tranquility that feels very different from the savannah.
Is this safari suitable for first, time visitors?
This safari is better suited for adventurous travelers or those who have already experienced the more popular parks. The remote locations mean travel can involve small aircraft and longer journeys, which may not suit everyone. However, for those looking for something unique and less crowded, it’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll experience a deeper connection with nature and fewer vehicles during game drives or treks. It’s ideal if you want a more exclusive and off, the, beaten, path safari.
What should I pack for a Katavi and Mahale safari?
Packing for this safari requires a mix of safari and trekking essentials. Lightweight clothing in neutral colors is perfect for game drives in Katavi National Park, while sturdy walking shoes are essential for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park. You should also bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat for protection. A good camera and binoculars will help you capture both wildlife and scenic beauty. Since these areas are remote, it’s best to pack thoughtfully and keep things simple.
Still have questions?
Our local safari experts are happy to help you plan the perfect African safari.
