7 Day Katavi and Mahale Safari – Remote Wildlife and Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania

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Venture into Tanzania’s most remote safari frontier on a rare journey that combines the untamed wilderness of Katavi National Park with the misty rainforests of Mahale Mountains National Park. This 7 day expedition is designed for travelers seeking raw, crowd free wildlife encounters, immersive nature experiences, and refined safari living far from mainstream routes.

In Katavi National Park, explore vast floodplains and seasonal riverbeds where large herds of elephants, buffalo, hippos, and predators gather in one of Africa’s least visited wildlife regions. Enjoy guided game drives and walking safaris that reveal the rhythms of truly wild landscapes untouched by mass tourism.

Continue to Mahale Mountains, set on the pristine shores of Lake Tanganyika, where rainforest covered slopes shelter one of Africa’s most significant populations of wild chimpanzees. Trek through lush forest trails with expert trackers, observe chimpanzee behavior up close, and unwind with lakeside activities such as kayaking, birdwatching, and peaceful beachside relaxation. This exclusive safari blends adventure, primate encounters, and remote luxury into one of Tanzania’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Fly Arusha-Katavi. Overnight.
Day 2: Game drive. Katavi. Overnight.
Day 3: Walking safari. Katavi. Overnight.
Day 4: Fly Katavi-Mahale-shared charter. Boat transfer to Mahale. Afternoon Kayaking/rest. Overnight.
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking in the rainforest Mahale mountains. Overnight.
Day 6: Second Chimpanzee trek and birdwatching. Overnight.
Day 7: Boat transfer and fly to Arusha via Kigoma.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 Arusha – Into the Wilds of Katavi

Begin your adventure with a scenic flight from Arusha to the untouched expanse of Katavi National Park.
Upon landing, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your bush camp or lodge nestled near the Katuma River.
Enjoy lunch, followed by your first afternoon game drive, where herds of elephant, buffalo, and hippo gather around the remaining pools of the dry season.

Overnight: Katavi Camp / Lodge
Day 2 Game Drives in Katavi – Untamed Africa

Embark on a full day of exploration through Katavi’s wide floodplains, acacia woodlands, and seasonal lakes.
Track lions, crocodiles, and the region’s famed massive buffalo herds.
Return to camp for sundowners and a fireside dinner beneath a blanket of stars.

Overnight: Katavi Camp / Lodge
Day 3 Walking Safari & Riverine Wildlife Encounters

Start the day with a guided walking safari, offering a ground-level perspective of Katavi’s pristine wilderness.
Learn to read animal tracks and understand the rhythm of the bush.
Later, enjoy a relaxed game drive or spend time observing hippo interactions in Katavi’s famous mud wallows.

Overnight: Katavi Camp / Lodge
Day 4 Katavi – Mahale Mountains by Air & Boat

After breakfast, board a shared charter flight to Mahale Mountains National Park a remote paradise accessible only by air and water.
Upon arrival at the lakeshore, a boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika brings you to your lodge, tucked between rainforest and beach.
Settle in with lunch, and spend the afternoon at leisure swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying the calm of the lake.

Overnight: Mahale Luxury Lodge / Beach Tented Camp
Day 5 Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Rainforest

After an early breakfast, join expert trackers on a guided trek into Mahale’s rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees.
Follow them through the forest canopy as they feed, groom, and call across the treetops.
Return for lunch, with time to relax by the lake or explore forest trails in the afternoon.

Overnight: Same Lodge in Mahale
Day 6 Second Chimp Trek & Lakeshore Serenity

Enjoy another morning chimpanzee trek, increasing your chance of observing deeper group behavior and interactions.
In the afternoon, unwind with optional activities such as kayaking, birdwatching, or visiting a nearby fishing village.
Evenings in Mahale are magicalgentle waves, glowing sunsets, and forest sounds as night falls.

Overnight: Same Lodge in Mahale
Day 7 Mahale – Kigoma – Arusha (Departure)

After breakfast, return by boat to Mahale airstrip.
Board your flight to Kigoma, then connect onward to Arusha.
Your journey concludes with memories of two of Tanzania’s most unspoiled landscapes where earth and forest speak in echoes of the wild.