Sample Trip

Wild Western Tanzania Safari

“Remote National Parks, abundant Big Game and Chimpanzee’s”

Budget level: Top-End

Country

Tanzania

When to Go

Jul to Nov

Duration

7 Nights

Safari Type

Lodge and Canvas

Location

Western Tanzania

Kids Min Age

Safari Rating

adventure

wilderness

wildlife

comfort

photographic

guiding

This safari takes you far off the beaten track to some of Tanzania’s least visited National Parks. Experience the intense Big Game viewing in Katavi National Park followed by the Chimpanzee’s and lake views at Mahale National Park.

Itinerary in Brief

3 Nights Chada Katavi

4 Nights Greystoke Mahale

For the frequent safari travellers seeking something unique and different or even first timers looking for superb quality and a wilderness experience far from the crowds – this safari is set to be a real hit!

Starting off with a four-hour charter flight from Arusha to Katavi National Park, you will already grasp the remoteness of this safari as you fly across endless wilderness. Katavi during the dry season is fantastic for big game viewing as the wildlife is concentrated around the limited water sources available. Then another charter flight has you flying over the Mahale Mountains and landing on the banks of Lake Tanganyika, from which point you will be collected and transported to Greystoke Mahale by a traditional Dhow boat. You will then spend the next four-nights in one of the most incredible locations of any safari camp – exploring the forest in search of habituated chimpanzee’s and other creatures – or on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.

This 7-night Western Tanzania safari is well suited for couples, honeymooners or small groups looking to truly experience something special. This is far from a normal safari – this is real remote, raw African wilderness with exceptional accommodation standards and guiding. The accommodation is of high standard as is the safari experience.

Detailed Itinerary

1st, 2nd & 3rd Nights: Chada Katavi 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Nights: Greystoke Mahale

1st, 2nd & 3rd Nights: Chada Katavi

A four-hour flight from Arusha, with a refuel stop in Tabora before arriving in Katavi National Park.

Deep in Katavi National Parks remote landscape lies Chada Katavi camp, under the shade of acacia and tamarind trees overlooking the impressive Chada Plain. The area is a magnet during the dry season, particularly for elephants, which are frequently in camp and makes this a safari experience only for the matured – with a minimum age of 12 years and above.

The camps style is that of expedition and sports only six spacious tents with large sections of shade netting windows which have the effect of keeping you safe yet making it feel open and wild. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with the traditional bucket showers filled on demand and an eco-flush toilet.

The activities on offer are both day and night drives in open game viewing vehicles, incredible and immersive walking safaris with an armed guide and park ranger as well as the highly recommended option of fly camping for a night or two. Read more on fly camping here.

4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Nights: Greystoke Mahale

A short 25-minute flight over the Mahale mountains then has you landing on the banks of Lake Tanganyika. From here you will be collected by a traditional Dhow boat and transported to camp over the crystal-clear lake.

Greystoke has six open fronted double bandas which line the edge of the dense forest and all overlook the stunning beach and lake. Each has its own en-suite bathroom with flushing toilets, hot and cold water and a top floor which can accommodate a child over 8. But note that children under 12 cannot take part in Chimp tracking.

The main attraction and activity at Greystoke is tracking the habituated group of Chimpanzees with expert local guides who know all the group dynamics and individual characters in the community.

The forest is however, home to much more than the Chimpanzees – such as bushbuck, bush pigs, leopards, amazing birdlife and plenty of other primate species. Other activities on offer include starlit dinners on the beach, kayaking in the crystal-clear waters and sundowners in the traditional dhows.