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FROM US$13,190-US$16,530

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, mid-way between Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha, Rivertrees is set in lush gardens of flame trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus and banana trees – a haven for birdlife. On a clear day from the lodge's vantage point, it is possible to see both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.

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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'.

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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.

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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.


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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.

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When you return

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