During this 4-day experience, you will visit one of the best national parks (Mahale), located in Western Tanzania on the dramatic shores of Lake Tanganyika. The famous large chimpanzees are the main attractions of the park. Many other mammals including a variety of birds, black and white, red colobus, and red-tailed monkeys, as well as reptiles are residents within the reserve. The main activities include tracking endangered chimpanzees, walking in the forest, and swimming in the waterfalls.
You’ll board a flight from Arusha to Kigoma, connecting via Dar Es Salaam. Upon arrival in Kigoma, our representative will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, perched above the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Take the afternoon to unwind and enjoy a delicious lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, followed by time to relax by the poolside or explore the beautiful hotel surroundings. In the evening, savor a freshly prepared dinner as you soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this lakeside town. Overnight at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, where you’ll rest and recharge ahead of tomorrow’s exciting journey to Mahale National Park.
Staying overnight in Kigoma allows you to relax after your flights and ensures a smooth start to the next day’s adventure, as the transfer to Mahale involves a long journey best begun feeling rested and refreshed.
After breakfast at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, you will depart with a packed lunch for an adventurous drive to Mahale Mountains National Park. The drive takes approximately 5 hours, traveling along dusty roads and passing through remote villages that offer a glimpse into the rural life of western Tanzania.
Upon reaching the park entry point, you will transfer to a boat for a scenic 1-hour ride across Lake Tanganyika. This journey by water offers breathtaking views of the Mahale Mountains and the surrounding landscapes.
You will arrive at Mbalimbali Mahale Lodge, where you will check in and freshen up before embarking on a late afternoon trek. Accompanied by experienced guides, you will venture into the forest in search of the famous chimpanzees of Mahale, while also discovering the rich biodiversity and natural beauty the park has to offer.
After breakfast at Mbalimbali Mahale Lodge, set out for another exciting chimpanzee trek in Mahale’s dense forests. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll hike through the forest trails to reach areas where the chimpanzees are most likely to be found. The terrain is generally manageable, but a good level of fitness will make the journey more comfortable as you navigate the dense jungle.
After this unforgettable encounter, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some relaxation time, enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Lake Tanganyika. In the late afternoon, you’ll head out on a boat safari along the lake, where you’ll have a chance to spot hippos and try your hand at local freshwater fishing a perfect way to end your day immersed in the beauty and wildlife of Mahale.
On your final morning in Mahale, rise early and enjoy breakfast surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the forest. You will then set off on your last chimpanzee trekking experience, giving you one more opportunity to witness these incredible primates in their natural environment. Each trek offers a new encounter, as the chimps move through different parts of the forest daily, and no two experiences are ever the same.
After spending time with the chimps and soaking in the beauty of Mahale’s lush wilderness, you’ll return to the lodge for a brief rest and to gather your belongings.
Later, you will board the boat for the scenic ride back across Lake Tanganyika, followed by the 5-hour drive through the rustic landscapes and vibrant local villages, retracing your route back to Kigoma.
After enjoying your final breakfast at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, you will be transferred to Kigoma Airport in time for your scheduled flight back to Dar es Salaam.
As your journey comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of Mahale Mountains National Park, the close encounters with chimpanzees, the scenic boat rides on Lake Tanganyika, and the peaceful moments spent in Tanzania’s remote wilderness.
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you can connect with your onward travel arrangements, carrying with you lasting memories of this unique and enriching adventure.
