12-Day Mahale Mountains Safari – Chimpanzees, Lakes & Fly-Ins
Overview
Venture into Tanzania’s wildest frontier—where jungle meets lake, and chimpanzees roam free. This immersive fly-in safari blends barefoot luxury with raw nature. Track primates in the misty Mahale Mountains, cruise Lake Tanganyika, and unwind in Ruaha and Katavi’s untamed beauty.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Day 2: Fly to Ruaha National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
- Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Ruaha
- Day 4: Fly to Katavi – Game Drive in Remote Wilderness
- Day 5: Katavi – Full-Day Safari
- Day 6: Fly to Mahale Mountains via Kigoma
- Day 7: Mahale – Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Swim
- Day 8: Mahale – More Chimpanzee Tracking & Forest Exploration
- Day 9: Mahale – Village Visit & Sunset Dhow Cruise
- Day 10: Fly to Arusha via Tabora
- Day 11: Arusha – Leisure Day or Optional Activities
- Day 12: Departure
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
- Board scenic flight to Ruaha – Tanzania’s largest park
- Afternoon game drive: elephants, lions, kudu, and baobabs
- Sundowner at camp with river views
Day 2: Fly to Ruaha National Park
- Scenic drive to Tarangire – famous for elephants & baobabs
- Stay at a luxury lodge with sweeping savanna views
- Game drives, sundowners, and optional night safari
- Private bush breakfast on your final morning
Day 3: Full-Day Ruaha Safari
- Morning and afternoon game drives across diverse habitats
- Chance to spot wild dogs, buffalo, cheetahs, and hyenas
- Optional walking safari with an armed ranger
Day 4: Fly to Katavi – Remote Safari Begins
- Fly into Serengeti – iconic plains and endless wildlife
- Game drives to witness the Big 5 and the great migration (seasonal)
- Sundowners, surprise bush dinners, and optional balloon safari
- Luxury camp with en-suite tent and personal service
Day 5: Katavi – Full-Day Safari
- Explore this remote, predator-rich park
- Watch crocodiles in drying pools and leopards on fig trees
- Campfire dinner under the stars
Day 6: Fly to Mahale Mountains via Kigoma
- Fly over Lake Tanganyika’s shoreline
- Boat transfer to your lodge on the lake’s edge
- Welcome swim or kayak at sunset
Day 7: Mahale – First Chimpanzee Trek
- Morning trek into the forest to track wild chimpanzees
- Witness social grooming, foraging, and vocalizations
- Afternoon relaxation by the lake
Day 8: Mahale – Second Trek & Forest Hike
- Another chance to observe chimp groups
- Explore lush trails, waterfalls, and tropical birdlife
- Optional fishing or snorkelling in the afternoon
Day 9: Mahale – Village Visit & Sunset Cruise
- Walk to a nearby lakeside village for cultural exchange
- Late afternoon dhow cruise with drinks on deck
- Magical sunset over Lake Tanganyika
Day 10: Return Flight to Arusha via Tabora
- Light aircraft transfer back to Arusha
- Optional stopover at a lakeside airstrip for a break
- Check into your lodge for the night
Day 11: Leisure Day in Arusha
- Relax at the lodge or visit local attractions
- Optional activities: Arusha Coffee Tour, Maasai Market, or Snake Park
- Final dinner in a local restaurant or lodge garden
Day 12: Departure
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Fly home with unforgettable memories of chimpanzees and untamed Tanzania
Included
- All internal flights & airport transfers
- Accommodations in boutique lodges and tented camps
- All meals during safari (FB basis)
- Game drives in Ruaha & Katavi
- Two chimpanzee trekking permits
- Guided walks, village visit & dhow cruise
- Park and conservation fees
- English-speaking guides & bottled water during activities
Information About
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Address: Kampala, Uganda — serving all of East Africa
Postal Address:Kenya · Tanzania · Uganda · Rwanda
Telephone Contact: +256 771 983 630
Email: info@karibuadventuresafaris.co
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