Western Tanzania Chimpanzee 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. Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge

After breakfast, embark on a full day of exploration in Gombe Stream National Park. This park is most famous for its chimpanzee population and was the site of Dr. Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking primate research. With the guidance of a professional park ranger, you will hike through the forest in search of wild chimpanzees. Trekking can take 2 to 5 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee families, and the terrain ranges from flat to moderately hilly. As you walk through the park, you’ll also encounter other wildlife, such as olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, and a variety of forest birds and butterflies. The flora is equally rich, with dense forests, waterfalls, and tall fig trees creating a unique tropical environment. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch or return to the lodge depending on the time of your trek. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake or enjoying optional activities like swimming or a light nature walk. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay within the park. Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge

Today is another opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of Gombe. After breakfast, you’ll go on a second guided chimpanzee trek, exploring different parts of the forest. This gives you a greater chance to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment, possibly seeing different families or behaviors. After your trek, you may choose to visit the Jane Goodall Research Center (if available), where you can learn more about the history of the chimpanzee study and conservation efforts in the area. In the afternoon, hike to Kakombe Waterfall or Mkenke Waterfall, both beautiful spots within the park where you can appreciate the untouched natural beauty. 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. Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge

After breakfast, begin your journey from Gombe to the remote and equally enchanting Mahale Mountains National Park. The transit involves returning by boat to Kibirizi Port (1.5–2 hours), followed by a short road transfer back to Kigoma town. From there, you'll board a scheduled or chartered boat ride depending on the arrangement. If by boat, the journey from Kigoma to Mahale takes about 6 to 7 hours covering approximately 150 km along the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. The boat ride offers breathtaking views of the Mahale Mountains rising steeply from the lakeshore. Upon arrival in Mahale, check in at your lodge nestled within the park. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by lush forest and the sounds of the wild. Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge

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. Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge

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. Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge

After breakfast, you will set out for another day of adventure in Mahale National Park, with a focus on deeper exploration of the forest and lakeside ecosystem. Today’s activities include further chimpanzee tracking, offering another opportunity to observe different individuals and group behaviors. Depending on the troop's movements, the trek may range from 4 to 8 kilometers round trip and can take between 2 to 4 hours. The forested trails wind through thick canopies and open ridges, offering scenic views of Lake Tanganyika and the surrounding Mahale Mountains. In the late morning or early afternoon, you will return to the lodge for a hot lunch, followed by time to relax or enjoy optional activities. These may include short forest walks to waterfalls (approx. 1.5 km, 1 hour round trip), birdwatching along the shoreline, or a peaceful kayak or boat excursion to explore the pristine lake environment. Fishing experiences with local guides can also be arranged upon request. The day ends with a lakeside sundowner and a delicious dinner back at the lodge, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest. Overnight at your Mahale lodge. Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge

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. The boat ride back from Mahale to Kigoma will take 6 to 7 hours depending on lake conditions. 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. Accommodation: Kigoma Hilltop Hotel

After an early breakfast at your lodge, you will be transferred to Kigoma Airport (about 15–20 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.