Trek with wild chimpanzees in an ancient rainforest, swim in the world's deepest lake, then disappear into Tanzania's most remote and untouched wilderness.
Two of Africa's most remote and extraordinary wilderness areas — combined into one unforgettable journey for those who seek something truly different.
Mahale Mountains National Park juts dramatically from the shores of Lake Tanganyika — the world's deepest lake and one of the oldest on Earth. Here, a habituated community of over 1,000 chimpanzees roams the lush rainforest, allowing for extraordinarily intimate encounters. There are no roads into Mahale — it is accessible only by boat or light aircraft, giving it a true sense of discovery.
From Mahale, fly east to Katavi National Park — Tanzania's most remote and least-visited major park. Katavi's dry season spectacle is one of Africa's best-kept secrets: hippos crammed into shrinking waterholes in their hundreds, massive lion prides, and buffalo herds that can exceed 2,000 animals. You may spend an entire day without seeing another vehicle.
Mahale Mountains NP + Katavi NP
Chimpanzee trekking, Lake Tanganyika, Katavi hippo pools
No roads, no crowds — among Africa's most private parks
Adventurous travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, return visitors
Rainforest, lake, and raw savannah — ten days into Tanzania's most extraordinary wilderness.
Fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, connect to a scheduled domestic flight to Kigoma on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, then board a traditional wooden boat for the scenic 2–3 hour journey south to Mahale Mountains National Park. Arrive at your lakeside camp as the sun sets over the Congo hills across the water. Overnight: Mahale lakeside camp. Meals: Dinner.
After an early breakfast, set out with an expert tracker to locate the habituated M-Group chimpanzees in Mahale's dense rainforest. Trek through fig trees and mountain streams following fresh knuckle prints and vocalizations, until suddenly you find yourself face-to-face with wild chimpanzees going about their daily lives — feeding, grooming, playing, and socialising. The hour spent with the chimps is deeply moving and utterly unforgettable. Overnight: Mahale camp. Meals: Full board.
A second chimpanzee trek in the morning — different routes reveal different aspects of their forest home. In the afternoon, snorkel or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, watching colourful cichlid fish that exist nowhere else on Earth. Kayak along the lakeshore at sunset for extraordinary views of the Mahale Mountains rising from the water. Overnight: Mahale camp. Meals: Full board.
A morning walk through the forest with a focus on birds and the rich botanical diversity of the Mahale Mountains — one of only a handful of places in East Africa with true equatorial rainforest. Look for Mahale's rare birds, colobus monkeys swinging high in the canopy, and the shimmering lake below. Afternoon at leisure at the camp — swimming, kayaking, or simply reading with a cold drink on the lakeside deck. Overnight: Mahale camp. Meals: Full board.
Board a light aircraft at Mahale's bush airstrip and fly northeast to Katavi National Park — a stunning flight over Lake Tanganyika and the Rift Valley escarpment. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in one of Africa's most secretive parks. The vast Katavi floodplains open up before you, dotted with elephant herds and their trademark large tusks. Overnight: Katavi tented camp. Meals: Full board.
Early morning game drive to the famous seasonal hippo pools of the Katuma River, where hundreds — sometimes over a thousand — hippos are crammed into shrinking waterholes during the dry season. The bellowing, rolling, and territorial disputes create scenes of raw natural drama. Lions and crocodiles patrol the banks; buffalo herds crowd the banks at dusk. An extraordinary and completely uncrowded spectacle. Overnight: Katavi camp. Meals: Full board.
Full day exploring Katavi's expansive floodplains. Lions here are extraordinarily relaxed around vehicles, allowing remarkably close observations. Watch elephant families move across the golden savannah in the morning light, and look for the rare roan and sable antelope in the miombo woodland at the park's edges. Walk safari option available with an armed ranger. Overnight: Katavi camp. Meals: Full board.
Full game drive beginning before dawn — Katavi's golden early-morning light is extraordinary. Buffalo herds of 2,000+ animals move slowly across the plains. An evening drive stays out until the last possible moment, watching predators begin their nocturnal activity as the stars fill the vast African sky. Overnight: Katavi camp. Meals: Full board.
A final morning drive in Katavi before flying back to Dar es Salaam. Transfer to your hotel near the airport for a final night in Tanzania. Overnight: Dar es Salaam hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your onward flight. You leave having seen and felt a side of Tanzania that very few travellers ever experience. Meals: Breakfast.
Rainforest trekking and remote wilderness living — here's how to pack smart.
The dry season is essential for Katavi's famous hippo spectacle — and makes chimpanzee trekking easier and more comfortable.
Katavi's waterholes shrink dramatically, concentrating hippos in extraordinary numbers. Chimpanzee trekking at Mahale is also at its best — drier trails and chimps congregating near lower forest zones.
Excellent value, fewer other guests, and still very good conditions. May sees the parks re-opening after the long rains — forests are lush and birds are spectacular. October is warm and beautiful.
Most camps at Mahale and Katavi close during April (long rains). Do not plan this itinerary in April. We will advise on exact opening dates when you enquire.
Very few people experience Mahale and Katavi. This is a journey for those who want to feel truly remote — and truly alive.
Mahale chimp permits are strictly limited. We secure them early as part of your booking to guarantee your experience.
A personalised proposal with camp options and permit availability confirmation within one business day.
Add a Zanzibar beach extension or Tanzania Northern Circuit to round out your journey.
Mahale & Katavi Wilderness — 10 Days