Tanzania Western Circuit Holiday
Experience the unique beauty of Western Tanzania on a 10-day holiday safari. Discover the untouched and crowd-less beauty of Mahale Mountains, the shores of Lake Tanganyika and Katavi National Park.
Katavi stands out for its remote and untouched wilderness, offer exceptional wide range of game viewing opportunities that are truly wild. These parks host an abundant variety of wildlife, from majestic lions and Cape buffalo to elusive leopards and endangered wild dogs, not to mention crocodiles, hippos, and over 400 bird species.This park offers an authentic safari experience due to its limited tourism, while, Mahale Mountains National Park presents an extraordinary encounter with chimpanzees in their natural habitat, enhanced by the captivating lakeside and mountain sceneries.
Overview
Itinerary
Commence your day with an early morning flight to Kigoma. Following a two-hour flight, our designated driver will be ready to welcome you at the airport. The drive to Mahale Mountains National Park ensues, where you will acquire your permits at the Headquarters and start on a boat journey to your ultimate destination, a lavish lodge nestled within the heart of the National Park, enveloped by the pristine beauty of the untouched mountain jungle. Bring the day to a close by witnessing a captivating sunset, relishing a delectable dinner, and indulging in an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 1: Dar es salaam to Kigoma
Experience 3 full days in the wild jungle at your back and the expanse of Lake Tanganyika stretching before you, this location holds a truly unique charm. Your mornings will begin with an excursion into Tanzania's Mahale Mountains, one of the few places where you may see, the Chimpanzees. You go on a chimp walk, led by an expert guide and rangers, and get the opportunity to spend up to an hour amidst these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. You return to the camp at the end of your walk. Enjoy a refreshing beverage while watching the sun set behind the mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, throwing a serene glow across Lake Tanganyika.
Day 2 - 4: Full days in Mahale
Day 5 - 7: Explore Shores of Lake Tanganyika, Kipili.
Following a satisfying breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to Mahale Mountains National Park. You'll board the lodge's boat, which will transport you back to the Mahale Airstrip. From there, your charter plane will take you to the Kipili Airstrip, nestled along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Lodge staff will warmly welcome you upon your arrival, and a short 10-minute drive will transport you to your next destination in western Tanzania.
This idyllic lodge rests by the tranquil waters of Lake Tanganyika, offering a plethora of activities for your enjoyment. Engage in activities like swimming, a snorkeling excursion to one of the islands – home to numerous endemic species of cichlids and captivating rock formations – and a hike up to the historic "Old Monastery," Tanzania's oldest inland church. Additionally, a sunset cruise on the world's longest lake awaits, complete with a sundowner drink, followed by a campfire experience on the lodge's private beach.
After a delicious breakfast, you will start the 4-hour journey to Katavi National Park. Wear sunscreen and insect repellent, and avoid wearing black or blue clothing (tsetse flies are attracted to these colors).
After the formalities to be carried out at the gate, you will start your driving crossing the Ruaha River to see its Hippos and Crocs and various water birds. You will reach your accommodation where you will have lunch before starting the afternoon safari. On your game drive you will continue to learn about the different environments in the park, the wildlife, birds and trees (including the impressive baobab trees that Ruaha is known for). Keep an eye out for 4 of the “Big 5” that reside in Ruaha – elephant, buffalo, lion, and (if you are lucky) the shy leopard. You will be back just before the sundown to have a shower and get ready for dinner and an overnight stay at lodge.
Day 7: Kipili to Katavi National Park
Day 8 to 9: Full day Safari in Katavi National Park
Experience 2 full days in Katavi National Park, where you have the flexibility to customize your itinerary based on your preferences. Choose from a variety of options, such as morning game drives, full-day game drives with picnic lunches, or a leisurely lunch at the camp followed by a later evening game drive where you will encounter a plethora of animals, birds, and breathtaking landscapes, including the magnificent Katuma River and the seasonal Lake Katavi and Lake Chada floodplains.
Bid farewell in Katavi National Park with breakfast, as we prepare to start on our journey towards the park gates and commence our back to Mpanda airport or Katavi airstripe as you make your way to Dar es Salaam to connect with your onward travel.