This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
FROM US$10,130-US$14,810

Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari

Combining two of the remotest parks in Tanzania, this safari can deliver extraordinary wildlife viewing in Katavi, and East Africa's best chimp treks, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari: Summary

Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari in a nutshell

Tanzania’s little visited western parks are a truly wild escape. This itinerary combines Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park, and offers superb, contrasting wildlife experiences in a league of their own.

After a night in Arusha, this sample itinerary has you spending three nights at the traditional tented Chada Camp located in the heart of Katavi. Explore the miombo woodlands and savannah plains, where you will usually observe more lions than other visitors. Marvel at some of the densest populations of hippos found on the continent and spy crocodiles aestivating through the dry season in riverbank caves. You can arrange a night drive or a walking safari, and if you're feeling adventurous, a night out fly-camping will add a whole new dimension to your safari.

After Katavi, fly to the Mahale Mountains and stay four nights at the unique Greystoke Mahale, overlooking Lake Tanganyika’s turquoise waters. The adventure starts as soon as you land: with no road access to reach Greystoke, you’ll travel a further hour by traditional dhow.

The main draw of Mahale is trekking to see the chimps. You’ll head out each day with an exceptional primatology guide, and with a nearby community of 60 habituated chimpanzees, this is one of the best ways to see chimps in Africa – a truly remarkable and unforgettable wildlife experience. Between treks, you can relax back at the lodge and swim or kayak on Lake Tanganyika, the longest lake in the world.

At a glance

Starts: Kilimanjaro International Airport
1 night Rivertrees Country Inn - Arusha, Tanzania Half Board
3 nights Chada Camp - Katavi National Park, Tanzania Full Board & Activities
4 nights Greystoke Mahale - Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania Full Board & Activities
Ends: Kilimanjaro International Airport

Rivertrees Country Inn

Day 1

On the banks of the Usa River, Rivertrees Country Inn is set in ten hectares of lush tropical gardens. Filled with flame trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus and banana trees, these are a haven for birdlife. On a clear day, from the lodge’s vantage point at the end of a long tree-lined driveway, halfway between the town of Arusha and Kilimanjaro International, it is possible to see both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.

View full itinerary

Chada Camp

Days 2-5

Chada Camp is a bush camp occupying a woodland spot on the edge of Chada Plain in the heart of Tanzania's Katavi National Park. It aims to offer guests an authentic safari experience in this remote park 50km east of Lake Tanganyika – and is sometimes known as 'Chada Katavi Camp'.

View full itinerary

Greystoke Mahale

Days 5-9

Greystoke Mahale is a unique, high-end camp that sits on a white-sand beach overlooking Lake Tanganyika's clear waters inside the remote Mahale Mountains National Park. The lodge is named after the legend of Tarzan and much of the experience here revolves around life in the forest, particularly chimpanzee-tracking.

View full itinerary
Rivertrees Country Inn

Rivertrees Country Inn

Arusha, Tanzania

Chada Camp

Chada Camp

Katavi National Park, Tanzania

Greystoke Mahale

Greystoke Mahale

Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari.

  • Superb wildlife within two wildly remote regions
  • Chimp-trekking in the forests of the Mahale Mountains
  • Finding huge herds of buffalo upon Katavi's plains
  • Swimming in crystal-clear Lake Tanganyika
  • Walking and fly-camping in Katavi's true wilderness

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Fishing

  • Fly-camping

  • Guided walking safari

  • Kayaking

  • Primate trekking

About image

Key species to see on the Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Lion

100% chance

Chimpanzee

100% chance

Buffalo

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Giraffe

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Leopard

82% chance

Roan antelope

52% chance

Spotted Hyena

39% chance

Wildebeest

29% chance

Eland

13% chance

Cheetah

0% chance

Wild dog

0% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Sable antelope

0% chance

Striped Hyena

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this safari

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


Safari in Arusha National Park

Safari in Arusha National Park

Half day or full day

Arusha National Park offers some lovely walking in the foothills of Mount Meru and canoeing on the Momela Lakes, plus gentle game drives.

More about Safari in Arusha NP
77% (7 reviews)
Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro

Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro

Full day

Experience Africa’s highest mountain – in just a day. In the company of a private guide, hike through the forests of Mount Kilimanjaro’s western side to an altitude of 3,400m. From here, explore the Shira Plateau and its surroundings, perhaps spotting wildlife along the way.

More about Kilimanjaro Day Hike

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


Talk to an Expert

Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.

Set up your itinerary

Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.

Prepare for your trip

The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.

Travel with peace of mind

After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.

When you return

We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other ideas for Tanzania safaris

Look at these ideas in Tanzania: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.


Map

Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Explore Tanzania’s famous northern circuit in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. Four smart sister camps offer a high level of care, first-class guiding and a wide range of activities.

Visiting Tarangire, Serengeti and 1 other area

US$10,340 - US$15,100 per person

Read more about the Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari

Map

Avocet Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This luxurious safari explores three iconic African reserves from exclusive lodges in unbeatable locations. A very high standard of food, care and guiding ensure that you can focus on this amazing experience.

Visiting Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and 1 other area

US$9,280 - US$14,680 per person

Read more about the Avocet Fly-in Safari

Map

Flufftail Guided Safari

10 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three unique camps as you safari across the Ngorongoro Crater and the iconic Serengeti Plains with your private guide and 4WD vehicle: a trip of comfort and autonomy, with excellent wildlife.

Visiting Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater

US$11,410 - US$16,860 per person

Read more about the Flufftail Guided Safari

Map

Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three superbly positioned camps during this exploration of Tanzania’s famous northern circuit. Excellent views over the surrounding areas, relatively remote locations and game-rich habitat make for an exciting and varied safari experience.

Visiting Serengeti, Tarangire and 1 other area

US$8,400 - US$12,520 per person

Read more about the Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari

Map

Superb Starling Fly-In Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Explore Nyerere and Ruaha national parks from two luxurious sister camps within wildlife-rich locations. Both offer a range of land- and water-based activities, a superb standard of guiding and access to beautifully contrasting landscapes.

Visiting Ruaha, Nyerere

US$8,300 - US$11,720 per person

Read more about the Superb Starling Fly-In Safari

Map

Secretary Bird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Chosen for comfort and relaxation as much as for its range of activities, this safari makes for a leisurely trip featuring stunning accommodation and swift access to many of northern Tanzania’s best wildlife regions.

Visiting Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and 2 other areas

US$12,110 - US$16,740 per person

Read more about the Secretary Bird Fly-in Safari

Map

Yellow Baboon Fly-In Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Two authentic bushcamps offer access to Ruaha’s remote wildernesses through walking safaris, day and night 4WD drives and fly-camping. Explore in almost utter isolation, with superb guiding to heighten your immersion in nature.

Visiting Ruaha

US$7,950 - US$9,220 per person

Read more about the Yellow Baboon Fly-In Safari

Map

Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Enjoy a range of activities on this luxury fly-in safari. Explore the remoter regions of Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park with phenomenal guides during stays at two impressively comfortable camps that remain perfectly in keeping with their surroundings.

Visiting Nyerere, Ruaha

US$7,740 - US$9,960 per person

Read more about the Jackal Fly-in Safari

Map

Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 2 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

Visiting Serengeti, Maasai Mara

US$12,590 - US$18,010 per person

Read more about the Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari

Map

Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases which offer a variety of activities.

Visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and 1 other area

US$7,440 - US$10,740 per person

Read more about the Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari

Other safari ideas across Africa

Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a safari that will really suit you.


Itinerary image

Black Kite Fly-in Safari

10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.

US$10,140 - US$12,240 per person

Itinerary image

Nyala Safari

10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls

US$10,150 - US$15,050 per person

Itinerary image

Silverback Gorilla Safari

4 days • 1 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

US$10,170 - US$13,040 per person

Itinerary image

African Finfoot Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

After a unique start in Nairobi National Park, classic, luxurious camps combine for a high-end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.

US$9,900 - US$16,050 per person

Itinerary image

Crawshay's Zebra Safari

10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

This superb safari combines two of Zambia’s best national parks, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The camps are small and high quality with excellent safari guides.

US$9,760 - US$13,820 per person

Itinerary image

Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, with action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, offers a consistently high-quality experience.

US$9,730 - US$13,080 per person

Itinerary image

Golden Monkey Safari

12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.

US$9,710 - US$11,270 per person

Itinerary image

Porcupine Safari

11 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.

US$10,710 - US$16,860 per person

Itinerary image

Red Lechwe Safari

9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Superb guiding from three fabulous camps full of character in three contrasting areas for a fabulous safari to the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.

US$10,800 - US$25,210 per person

Itinerary image

Greater Bushbaby Safari

8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

The perfect safari for a family or group of friends during which to create everlasting memories. Visit Zambia’s two most productive wildlife parks staying in four-bedroom houses, designed in a unique and fun way.

US$9,400 - US$12,260 per person

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa