10 Days Western Tanzania

West Tanzania presents a unique opportunity to escape the tourist crowds and enter the hear of the bush. You can see chimpanzees in their natural habitat at Gombe Stream or Mahale Mountains and trek through breathtaking forests. Katavi is exceptional for hippo and lion. You can also visit the great lakes: Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa (Malawi) and Lake Rukwa.

Because of the extreme distances involved in visiting West Tanzania most safaris are flying safaris. If you wish to see an example of both a luxury trip and a lodge trip have a look at our safari itinerary bellow.

Day 1: Depart by Air to Katavi National Park

From Arusha or Dar, by shared charter plane (two-hours), fly to Katavi National Park. Afternoon game drive and late afternoon/evening walking safari. Dinner and overnight at Katuma Bush Lodge.

Day 2: A Full Day of Walking Safaris & Game Drives in Katavi

After breakfast, Morning walking safari to explore the Katavi floodplain. Late morning break for picnic brunch. Afternoon game drive to Katavi’s inner side. Dinner and overnight at Katuma Bush Lodge.

Day 3: A Full Day of Walking Safaris & Game Drives in Katavi
After breakfast, spend another day exploring the Katavi floodplain. Afternoon game drive to Katavi’s inner side. Dinner and overnight at Katuma Bush Lodge.

Day 4: Depart for the Mahale Mountains

After breakfast; take shared chartered flight (one-hour) to the Mahale Mountains. Transfer in boat along Lake Tanganyika. Afternoon foot-walking safari in the Mahale Mountains. Dinner and overnight at Nkungwe Beach Lodge.

Day 5 - 6: Two Full Days in the Mahale Mountains

Spend two-full days of bird-watching and chimpanzee tracking in Mahale Mountains. Picnic lunches in the mountain forest afternoon walking safaris in the mountains followed by late afternoon leisure time along the beach on Lake Tanganyika. Dinner and overnight at Nkungwe Beach Lodge.

Day 7: Depart Mahale for Kigoma Town
After breakfast depart for Kigoma by boat. Arrive in Kigoma Town in time for lunch. Afternoon and late afternoon of leisure, dinner and overnight at Kigoma Hill Top Hotel.

Day 8: Depart Kigoma Town for the Gombe Stream

After breakfast; depart for the Gombe Stream by boat along Lake Tanganyika. After arrival, proceed with game viewing/chimpanzee tracking and climb the Kakombe waterfalls. Overnight at Gombe Forest Lodge.

Day 9: A Full Day of Game Viewing & Chimpanzee Tracking
After breakfast, go game viewing, bird-watching, chimpanzee tracking and climb to Jane’s peak in Gombe Stream National Park. Overnight at Gombe Forest Lodge.

Day 10: Depart Gombe Stream for Kigoma then to Dar es Salaam

After breakfast, return by boat then 4WD to Kigoma Town. Lunch at Kigoma Hill Top Hotel. Transfer to the airport for 18:00 scheduled flight to Dar es Salaam. Arrive in Dar es Salaam for overnight or for your connecting flight.