Western Tanzania Safari – 8‑Day Adventure & Lake Trek

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a domestic flight from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, a journey of approximately 1,200 km, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours by air. Upon arrival at Kigoma Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver guide. From the airport, you will be transferred by road to Kibirizi Port, located about 10 km away, a short 20 minute drive. At the port, you will board a boat for a scenic ride across the waters of Lake Tanganyika to reach Gombe National Park, a journey that takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by motorized boat, depending on the lake conditions. Upon arrival in Gombe, you will check in at your lodge, where you’ll enjoy a warm dinner and have the evening at leisure to relax and rejuvenate for the exciting adventure that awaits you the next day.

Après le petit-déjeuner, partez pour une journée complète d'exploration dans le parc national de Gombe Stream. Ce parc est le plus célèbre pour sa population de chimpanzés et a été le site de la recherche pionnière sur les primates par le Dr Jane Goodall. Avec la direction d'un ranger professionnel du parc, vous marcherez dans la forêt à la recherche de chimpanzés sauvages. La randonnée peut prendre 2 à 5 heures, en fonction de l'emplacement des familles de chimpanzés, et le terrain varie de plat à modérément montagneux.
En marchant dans le parc, vous rencontrerez également d'autres espèces sauvages, telles que les babouins d'olive, les singes de colobus rouge et une variété d'oiseaux et de papillons forestiers.La flore est tout aussi riche, avec des forêts denses, des cascades et des figues hautes créant un environnement tropical unique.
Profitez d'un déjeuner pique-nique emballé ou revenez au lodge en fonction de l'heure de votre promenade. Passez l'après-midi à vous détendre près du lac ou à profiter d'activités optionnelles comme la natation ou une promenade dans la nature légère. Retour à votre lodge pour le dîner et une nuit au parc.

Aujourd’hui, c’est une autre occasion de vous plonger dans les merveilles de Gombe. Après le petit déjeuner, vous partez sur une deuxième promenade guidée de chimpanzés, explorant différentes parties de la forêt. Cela vous donne une plus grande chance d’observer ces créatures fascinantes dans leur environnement naturel, éventuellement en voyant différentes familles ou comportements.
Après votre promenade, vous pouvez choisir de visiter le Centre de recherche Jane Goodall (le cas échéant), où vous pouvez en apprendre davantage sur l'histoire de l'étude des chimpanzés et les efforts de conservation dans la région.L'après-midi, promenade à la cascade de Kakombe ou à la cascade de Mkenke, deux beaux endroits au sein du parc où vous pourrez apprécier la beauté naturelle intacte.
Alternatively, enjoy some downtime along the lakeshore swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika or watch local fishermen as they go about their daily routines. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Gombe.

After breakfast, take a 1.5 to 2 hour boat ride from Gombe to Kibirizi Port in Kigoma. Continue by road toward the Mahale area, followed by a scenic boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika to your lodge. Enjoy spectacular views of the Mahale Mountains before checking in for dinner and an overnight stay.

Today is a full day to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Mahale National Park. Begin your day with an early breakfast followed by a guided chimpanzee tracking experience Mahale is one of the best places in the world to observe wild chimpanzees. Trekking can be physically demanding, involving hikes through hilly, forested terrain, but the reward is witnessing these incredible primates in their natural habitat. You may also explore waterfalls, swim in the crystal clear lake, or take a kayak ride along the shoreline. A picnic or hot lunch will be provided, followed by more opportunities for relaxation or guided nature walks. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and another peaceful night in the park.

After an early breakfast, you will begin a guided trek into the lush forests of Mahale National Park, renowned for its wild chimpanzee population. The trek typically covers a distance of 5 to 10 kilometers and can take approximately 2 to 4 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzees. As you ascend gentle forested slopes, your guide will interpret the rich biodiversity of the region, including various birds, primates, and unique flora. Upon locating a chimpanzee troop, you will spend up to one hour observing their social behavior at close range, a truly unforgettable experience. After returning to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest, the afternoon offers the chance to enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Tanganyika or swim in its crystal clear waters. Optionally, you may take a short cultural walk to a nearby fishing village (approx. 2 km, 1 hour round trip). The day ends with dinner and overnight at your lakeside lodge, surrounded by the serene beauty of Mahale’s remote wilderness.

After breakfast, enjoy a half day of exploration in Mahale, allowing for one last chance to connect with nature whether it’s a short chimpanzee walk, bird watching, or a refreshing swim in the lake. Around midday, begin your return journey to Kigoma Town Upon arrival in Kigoma, transfer to your lodge or hotel in the town for dinner and an overnight stay. Rest well before your departure the next day.

After an early breakfast at your lodge, you will be transferred to Kigoma Airport (about 15 to 20 minutes drive) for your scheduled flight back to Dar es Salaam. The flight duration is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through the remote and wildlife rich parks of western Tanzania.