Description
A unique safari to western Tanzania exploring the vast plains of Katavi and tracking the chimpanzees of Mahale.
Overview
A truly unique week exploring the far western reaches of Tanzania, spending time in one of the largest wildernesses in Tanzania: Katavi. In Katavi, there are huge numbers of hippos, elephants, crocodiles and more, and their presence around waterholes makes for excellent wildlife-viewing. You'll then move on to enjoy an unforgettable chimpanzee experience, trekking each day into the forested Mahale Mountains from your base at Kungwe Beach Lodge, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Here you can not only track the chimpanzees but also take to the lake and enjoy the beach, whether it's canoeing, swimming, walking or simply sipping a cocktail. It's the perfect way to combine relaxation and adventure at the end of your Tanzania safari.
What makes this trip extraordinary:
- Watch hippos, crocodiles and savannah game at the watering holes of Katavi National Park.
- Enjoy bush walks, game drives and boat safaris.
- Track chimpanzees in lush tropical jungles.
- Swim, fish, canoe, sip cocktails and take forest walks at Mahale.
- Spend four nights on the golden shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Inclusion
Exclusion
Itinerary
An early-morning departure to catch your shared charter flight from the Arusha airstrip to Katavi. Upon your arrival you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred to your base camp for the next few days, the delightful Katuma Bush Lodge. After lunch you'll have a little time to relax before heading out for an exciting early-evening game drive.
Overnight: Mbali Mbali Katavi
(L, D)
Uniquely isolated in western Tanzania with over a million hectares of wilderness surrounding you, Katavi is one of the last true remaining wildernesses in Africa. The majority of your wildlife safaris here will take place in the areas around Lake Katavi and Lake Chada, which tend to be open grasslands in the dry season and wetland areas during the rains. Large numbers of crocodiles, elephants, hippos and other savannah game congregate around these watering holes. With access to the park limited, the number of visitors to the park is minimal whilst game viewing is optimal! While staying at Katuma Bush Lodge you'll be able to see the local wildlife during both day and night drives, accompanied by expert guides who will be more than happy to share with you their knowledge of the park and its animal inhabitants.
Overnight: Mbali Mbali Katavi
(B, L, D)
This morning you set off on the next leg of your adventure, departing from Katavi Airstrip to Mahale National Park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Landing at the airstrip nestled at the foot of the Mahale Mountains, you'll then have a pleasant cruise on a traditionally constructed dhow along the shores of the lake towards Kungwe Beach Lodge. Here you can sit back, relax and take in the picturesque views from your beachfront accommodation before heading off on a forest walk in the afternoon or early evening, before enjoying dinner back at the lodge as the sun sets over Tanganyika.
Overnight: Mbali Mbali Mahale
(B, L, D)
You'll now have two full days to track the habituated chimpanzees of Mahale and take in all that this amazing lodge has to offer. After early-morning breakfasts at camp, your first activity will be to go chimpanzee tracking in the forested foothills of the Mahale Mountains. Lush tropical jungle surrounds you as you follow the frenetic pants and hoots of the chimps off in the distance; it is only when you finally come across them that you realise how privileged you are to spend time with these intelligent apes in their natural habitat. Sometimes sitting in the middle of the group it is difficult not to feel part of the family. A truly amazing experience! Returning to camp in the afternoons you can then spend time on the beach, hop in a kayak or take a boat safari to spot the fish, birds and reptiles that inhabit Lake Tanganyika.
Overnight: Mbali Mbali Mahale
(B, L, D)
After breakfast, a dhow transfer back along the shores of Lake Tanganyika to Mahale Airstrip will allow you to catch a charter flight back to Arusha, and your international flight home. We can make any post-safari arrangements on request.
Accommodation
- Suggested Safari Accommodation:
- Mbali Mbali Katavi
- Mbali Mbali Mahale
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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