Safari · Western Circuit
Chimpanzees of the Mahale Mountains
The Mahale Mountains National Park is situated on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in remote western Tanzania. It’s spectacularly beautiful, with the backdrop of the Mahale Mountains and lush, tropical flora. The main attraction is walking safaris to observe the chimpanzees who live here.
On this package, you will also experience the Swahili culture of Dar es Salaam before flying to Mahale National Park.
- Trek the habituated Mimikere chimpanzee community
- Boat transfer along Lake Tanganyika
- Full day Dar es Salaam city and culture tour
- Return local flight Kigoma – Dar included
7 Days
6 Nights Full Board
Mahale
900 Wild Chimpanzees
Fly-In
Local Flights Included
Lake
Tanganyika Boat Transfers
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Dar es Salaam International Airport
Pick up from Dar es Salaam International Airport and transfer to Dar es Salaam city.
Dar es Salaam from the Arabic world means “the house of peace”; formerly Mzizima, it is the former capital and largest city in Tanzania. It is known as the safari capital of Tanzania’s Southern Safari Circuit. It is the largest city in East Africa by population, as well as a regionally important economic centre. Located on the Swahili coast, the city is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
- 🛬 Airport Transfer
- 🏙️ Dar es Salaam
- 🏨 Hotel in Dar
Day 2
Full Day Dar es Salaam
Pick up from the hotel and depart for the Dar es Salaam city tour.
Embark on a city tour in Dar es Salaam and experience a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. The largest city in Tanzania reflects a fascinating combination of its rich historical past and its sophisticated contemporary present. This tour of Dar es Salaam will take you to the National Museum, Village Museum, Mwenge Carvings Market, Tingatinga Art Gallery, Slipway Shopping Centre, The Fish Market, City Centre, Historical Buildings, and many other sites. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
- 🏛️ National Museum
- 🎨 Tingatinga Gallery
- 🐟 The Fish Market
- 🏨 Hotel in Dar
Day 3
Dar es Salaam – Kigoma
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Kigoma.
Kigoma is a town and lake port in northwestern Tanzania, on the northeastern shores of Lake Tanganyika. It is close to the border with Burundi. A hidden gem in Tanzania, it is a place where natural beauty and historical significance intertwine. Situated in the western part of Tanzania, it offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and promising economic prospects. Arrive Kigoma and drop off at your hotel, with the option to visit Ujiji. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
- ✈️ Flight to Kigoma
- 🗺️ Optional Ujiji Visit
- 🏨 Lodge in Kigoma
Day 4
Kigoma – Mahale Mountains National Park
In the morning after breakfast, you’ll be driven to Lake Tanganyika for your boat trip to Mahale Mountains National Park.
Chimpanzees are the star attraction of Mahale Mountains National Park. The forests of this mountainous park are home to 900 chimps, and trekkers can visit the habituated Mimikere community, which includes about 75 individuals and has been studied by Japanese researchers since the 1960s. Mahale is also notable for its remote location on scenic Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest contained freshwater body. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
- 🛥️ Boat to Mahale
- 🐒 900 Chimpanzees
- 🏨 Lodge in Mahale
Day 5
Full Day Mahale Mountains National Park
Breakfast then depart for chimpanzee tracking.
Spend an adventure-filled morning searching the forested slopes of Mahale Mountains National Park, ideally placed on the banks of Lake Tanganyika. The park stands as one of only two chimpanzee protected areas in the country, as well as boasting the largest chimpanzee population, and is the only park where chimpanzees and lions exist side by side. The park’s breathtaking array of habitats include rainforest, grasslands, alpine bamboo and woodlands, where some 50 species of animals have been recorded, predominant among these being representatives from various monkey and ape families, and over 90 unique species of fish swim in the clear waters of the lake. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
- 🐒 Chimpanzee Tracking
- 🌿 Rainforest & Bamboo
- 🐟 90+ Endemic Fish
- 🏨 Lodge in Mahale
Day 6
Mahale Mountains National Park – Kigoma
After breakfast transfer to the lake for the boat departure to Kigoma town. Pick up on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
- 🛥️ Boat to Kigoma
- 🏨 Lodge in Kigoma
Day 7
Kigoma – Dar es Salaam
Fly to Dar es Salaam.
Arrive Dar es Salaam and connect your international flight. End of programme.
- ✈️ Flight to Dar
- 🛫 International Connection
Cost
What Your Trip Covers
What’s Included
- Airport transfers
- Meals and Accommodation
- Return local flight Kigoma / Dar
- Return boat Kigoma / Mahale
- Chimpanzee Trek
- Park Entry fees
Not Included
- International flights, visas & taxes
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities (approx. $20 per person per day)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional extras and personal excursions
- Personal items and souvenirs
Get Your Tailored Quote
Rates vary with group size, season and accommodation level. Tell us your dates and party size and we’ll send a detailed, no-obligation quote within 24 hours — usually much faster on WhatsApp.
Map
Where You'll Be Travelling
An Hour with the Chimps
Mahale is remote and seasonal — the dry season from May to October is best. Talk to us about timing.