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Experience the Mahale Mountains National Park
8 Nights / 9 Days
Set among the spectacular, forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains, the Mahale Mountains National Park was originally created to protect the thousands of chimpanzees that inhabit the region. It is renowned for its fantastic sunsets over Lake Tanganyika, which makes it an essential stop for keen photographers and safari enthusiasts.
Trip Highlights:
- Home to one of the largest herds of buffalos
- Discover chimps in their natural habitat
- A true taste of wild Africa
Day 1: Upon your arrival at Arusha Airport, you will be welcomed by a member of the team who will transfer you by car to Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge. Nestled between the lofty peaks of Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro, this charming town is known as the safari capital of Tanzania. If you love coffee, or simply beautiful open spaces, go on an informative Coffee Tour exploring the history of the bean and the process of nurturing, harvesting, drying and roasting a variety of different blends. For coffee connoisseurs, this is a wonderful experience.
Day 2-4: You will be transferred by car to Arusha Airport where you will board your scheduled light aircraft flight to Ikuu airstrip in the Katavi National Park. This remote park, isolated in the far west of Tanzania is a destination few people have been lucky enough to visit. Due to this, it feels magically untouched and Chada Katavi sits in the midst of this exceptionally raw, wild terrain. Strap on your walking boots for a fascinating short guided nature walks with your knowledgeable guide. Revel in an early morning game drives through this remote park with a scrumptious picnic lunch. The park is an abundance of wildlife, and massive herds of elephant and buffalo congregate on the floodplains. In the dry season, massive hippo populations abound here and reveal a spectacular sight as over 200 large grey bodies flop together in liquid pools, and baby hippos thoroughly enjoy bobbing on their mom’s back, and playing hide and seek under the water. Choose to stay in a fly camp for a night out in the wilderness, under the stars. During the wet season take a drive along the river and seasonal lakes which provide plenty of sustenance for the many animals in the park. The lakes Chada and Katavi are particularly popular with crocodile and hippo, with the area supporting the densest concentrations of these animals in all of Tanzania.
Day 5-8: Take a scheduled light aircraft flight to Mahale National Park. Created to protect dense populations of chimpanzees the lush forests of the Mahale Mountains National Park are home to these beautiful creatures. You will be welcomed by a representative and your guide from Greystoke Mahale. After a delicious lunch on your boat, start your 90-minute longboat transfer along the shores of Lake Tanganyika to the lodge. Greystoke Mahale is located in the chimp-inhabited forests of the Mahale Mountains in West Tanzania. Head off on daily treks to discover incredible primates. Guided by trackers and scouts you will be divided into groups of six and hike the narrow mountain trails to find them. Once they have been located cherish your hour with them as they play together, irritate each other, frolic, eat, and engage with each other. Housing Tanzania’s densest population of primates, including yellow baboon, red colobus, red-tailed, vervet monkeys and playful chimpanzees in leafy trees make sure to look out for the different colors and markings as you hike through tangled foliage. Splash in the water and enjoy numerous activities including snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking. Peer into the clear depths as over 250 species of colorful cichlids glide by. Head out on the dhow for an evening fishing cruise and sundowners on the lake.
Day 9: Have an early morning paddle or a cup of coffee watching the peaceful lake before breakfast. After breakfast, you will be transferred by car back to Ikuu airstrip for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Arusha Airport.
All of our featured itineraries can be customised bespoke to your preferences. Contact us to find out more, or explore our fantastic array of other Safari itineraries here.