Tanzania Ultimate Wildlife & Chimpanzee Adventure: 13-Day Itinerary

This itinerary offers a unique and unforgettable journey through some of Tanzania's most remote and pristine wilderness areas. You will experience the thrill of tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat, explore the vast plains of Katavi, and relax on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This safari is designed for those seeking an authentic and exclusive African experience.

Itinerary

Morning: Depart from your home city in the USA, connecting to your international flight to DAR Tanzania
Meals: Full-service meals and beverages are provided on your international flight.

Upon your arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, a Kiboko Safaris representative will greet you. You will be transferred to your accommodation, where you can relax and prepare for your adventure. A pre-safari briefing will be provided to ensure you are ready for the days ahead.
Accommodation: TBD (e.g., Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam or similar)
Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Dar es Salaam airport for your scheduled flight to Kigoma. The flight offers stunning aerial views of the Tanzanian landscape. Upon arrival in Kigoma, you will be met by a Kiboko Safaris guide and transferred to your lodge, which is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful scenery and prepare for your chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will embark on an exciting boat trip across Lake Tanganyika to Gombe Stream National Park, the renowned home of Jane Goodall's chimpanzee research. Upon arrival, you will begin your trek into the forest with an experienced guide. Tracking the chimpanzees can take several hours as they move freely through the park. Once you locate a chimpanzee community, you will have a unique opportunity to observe their behaviors, social interactions, and daily life from a respectful distance. After your trek, you will return to your lodge for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Chimpanzee trekking

Your second day in Gombe allows for a deeper exploration of this fascinating ecosystem. You can opt for another chimpanzee trekking session to observe a different community or spend more time with the same group. Alternatively, you can explore the park's walking trails, which offer opportunities to see other primates, such as red-tailed monkeys and baboons, and a variety of bird species. The afternoon is at leisure to relax by the lake or reflect on your incredible wildlife encounters.
Accommodation: Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Chimpanzee trekking or forest walk

Today is a travel day as you make your way to the remote and stunning Mahale Mountains National Park. The journey involves a scenic drive from Kigoma to a departure point, followed by a boat transfer across the vast Lake Tanganyika. The boat ride itself is an adventure, offering breathtaking views of the Mahale Mountains rising from the lake's edge. Upon arrival at Mbali Mbali Lodge Mahale, you will be welcomed and shown to your private banda on the beach.
Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mahale is home to the largest known population of chimpanzees in the world, and today you will embark on a trek to find them. The trekking experience in Mahale is often more challenging than in Gombe due to the terrain, but the rewards are immense. The chimpanzees here are accustomed to human presence, offering excellent viewing and photography opportunities. After a successful trek, you can relax on the pristine white-sand beach or take a refreshing swim in the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.
Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Chimpanzee trekking, swimming, beach relaxation

Enjoy a final morning in Mahale. You may have the option for one last chimpanzee trek, or simply relax and take in the serene beauty of the lodge and its surroundings. After lunch, you will begin your return journey, taking a boat back to Kigoma. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the night.
Accommodation: Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, you will have an early breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Katavi National Park, a remote and untamed wilderness. Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by a guide from Mbali Mbali Katavi and transferred to the camp.
The next three days will be spent exploring the vast plains of Katavi. This park is known for its large herds of buffalo, significant populations of hippos and crocodiles, and excellent opportunities for sighting lions, leopards, and elephants. Your days will be filled with a variety of activities, including game drives, walking safaris, and sundowners in scenic locations.
Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Katavi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Game drives, walking safaris

After a final early morning game drive and a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will have the option to connect to your international flight home or, if time permits, be transferred to a day-use room before your departure. This marks the end of your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure with Kiboko Safaris.
Meals: Breakfast
Activities: Departure

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive back in the USA with incredible memories of your safari adventure.