Discover Tanzania’s 9-day Katavi & Mahale Wildlife Safari, visiting Katavi National Park for elephants and hippos, then trekking Mahale’s forests for wild chimpanzees. Combines remote wilderness, abundant wildlife, and expert-guided experiences for an unforgettable adventure.
Explore the wildest and most untouched corners of Tanzania on this immersive 9-day journey through Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park. This safari blends raw African wilderness with rare primate encounters, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Tanganyika.
Dar es Salaam Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Embark on a 9-day adventure to Tanzania’s most remote wilderness destinations, combining big game safaris in Katavi National Park with chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park along the pristine shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel in Dar es Salaam. This bustling coastal city offers a gentle introduction to Tanzania, blending Swahili culture, Indian Ocean influences, and modern urban life.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the city’s vibrant atmosphere—perhaps dining on fresh seafood or relaxing by the ocean. Your guide will brief you on the adventure ahead, ensuring you are fully prepared for your journey into some of Africa’s most remote wilderness areas.
Accommodation Options:
Meals & Drinks
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Katavi National Park. As you leave the coastline behind, the landscape transforms into vast, untamed wilderness—an exciting preview of what lies ahead.
Upon landing on a remote airstrip, you’ll immediately feel the isolation and raw beauty of Katavi. After settling into your camp and enjoying lunch, head out for your first game drive.
The park’s dramatic floodplains and seasonal rivers attract extraordinary wildlife concentrations. Expect to encounter large herds of buffalo, elephants moving through acacia woodlands, and possibly predators preparing for an evening hunt.
Accommodation Options:
Meals & Drinks
Rise early for a sunrise game drive when wildlife is most active. Katavi is renowned for its high density of animals, particularly during the dry season when water sources become scarce.
You may witness lions tracking massive buffalo herds, crocodiles basking along riverbanks, and hippos jostling for space in shrinking pools. The park’s remoteness ensures that sightings are intimate and uninterrupted—often without another vehicle in sight.
Return to camp for lunch and relaxation before heading out again in the afternoon. Each drive offers new surprises, from elusive leopards resting in trees to large elephant bulls roaming freely.
Accommodation Options:
Meals & Drinks
Today offers the opportunity to delve deeper into Katavi National Park, exploring areas rarely visited by others. With your expert guide, you’ll track wildlife movements and discover hidden pockets of activity.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, a guided walking safari may be available. Walking through the bush allows you to connect with the environment on a deeper level—learning about animal tracks, bird calls, and the intricate ecosystems that sustain life here.
By now, you’ll truly appreciate Katavi’s raw, unfiltered beauty—where nature unfolds exactly as it has for centuries.
Accommodation Options:
Meals & Drinks
After breakfast, bid farewell to Katavi and board a scenic flight to Mahale Mountains National Park. Upon arrival, a boat transfer takes you along the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.
As the Mahale Mountains rise dramatically from the shoreline, you’ll notice a striking contrast from the dry savannah of Katavi to this lush, tropical paradise. Arrive at your lodge and spend the afternoon unwinding—swim in the lake, relax on the beach, or simply enjoy the serenity of this remote setting
Today is dedicated to one of Africa’s most extraordinary experiences: tracking wild chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park.
After an early start, your expert guides lead you into the forest, following calls and signs left by chimpanzee troops. The trek can be challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Once the chimps are located, you’ll spend time observing them in their natural habitat—watching them groom, play, communicate, and move through the forest canopy. The experience is deeply moving and offers a rare glimpse into the lives of our closest relatives.
Today offers flexibility based on your preferences. You may choose to embark on a second chimpanzee trek, increasing your chances of witnessing unique behaviors and capturing exceptional photographs. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed day along Lake Tanganyika. The lake’s calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling.
This balance of adventure and relaxation is one of Mahale’s greatest appeals—allowing you to tailor your experience to your pace.
Your final full day in Mahale is all about soaking in the tranquility of this remarkable destination. Explore forest trails with a guide, where you may encounter other primates, colorful birds, and butterflies.
Optional hikes lead to hidden waterfalls cascading down the mountains, offering refreshing natural pools. Alternatively, spend the day at leisure—reading by the lake, enjoying the beach, or reflecting on your journey.
Mahale’s untouched beauty and peaceful atmosphere provide the perfect conclusion to your safari adventure.
After breakfast, transfer by boat and light aircraft back to Dar es Salaam. As you leave the remote wilderness behind, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of Africa’s wildest landscapes. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your Hotel.
This 9-day Katavi & Mahale safari is more than a trip—it’s a deep exploration of Africa’s last true wilderness. From the thunder of buffalo herds in Katavi to the quiet intimacy of chimpanzee encounters in Mahale, every moment is authentic, raw, and unforgettable.
Experience the wild heart of Tanzania on a shared 1-Day Nyerere National Park Safari from Zanzibar! This ultimate quick escape begins with a comfortable scenic flight across the ocean to the legendary Selous ecosystem, one of Africa’s largest and most diverse wildlife sanctuaries. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on an exhilarating game drive with an expert guide, giving you the chance to spot massive herds of elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos thriving in their natural habitat. The day is fully inclusive, culminating in a delicious bush lunch surrounded by raw African beauty, offering a complete, unforgettable safari experience in a single day.
