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

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    Kenya · Tanzania · Uganda · Rwanda

    Telephone Contact:              +256 771 983 630

    Email:  info@karibuadventuresafaris.co

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