Safari Overview

Journey deep into western Tanzania, where the safari trail turns wild and untamed. Begin in Katavi, where vast herds and dramatic predator action play out across remote floodplains far from the crowds. Fly on to the Mahale Mountains, a pristine rainforest tumbling down to the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Here, trek on foot through the forest to sit with wild chimpanzees, one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters. Expert guides, intimate camps, and true remoteness make this wilderness at its rawest and most rewarding.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Arusha

You'll fly into Kilimanjaro Airport, a small and friendly gateway to Tanzania, with the option to obtain your visa on arrival. A local representative will meet you in the international arrivals hall and transfer you by private vehicle to Arusha Coffee Lodge, your home for the night. The drive takes around 1.5 hours, leaving the rest of your day free to relax or explore at your leisure.

Tucked away on the outskirts of town, amid one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations, Arusha Coffee Lodge is a gorgeous retreat. Set on rolling foothills in the shadow of looming Mount Meru, the aroma of coffee drifts through the lodge, promising some of the freshest morning brews you'll ever taste.

The lodge itself is homely and comfortable, built around the original landowner's early-1900s home, with a swimming pool, garden terrace, and miles of lush plantation to wander.

Day 02 :

Fly to Katavi National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast before meeting your driver at the lodge, who will transfer you to Arusha City Airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight (just five minutes from Arusha Coffee Lodge).

Your flight touches down in Katavi at Ikuu Airstrip, where a local representative will meet you and drive you to Chada Katavi Camp, your base for the next four nights. Your stay is all-inclusive, covering shared safari activities (game drives and walking safaris), all national park and conservation fees, full board meals, all drinks (except champagne and fine wines), and laundry service.

Chada Katavi Camp is a high-specification seasonal tented camp in Katavi National Park, offering six luxury tented suites, elegant hosting, and expert guiding in one of Tanzania's most remote wildernesses.

Day 03-05 :

On safari in Katavi National Park

The wildlife is exceptional in Katavi National Park, but it's the remoteness and remarkably low visitor numbers that make Katavi one of the true holy grails for safari aficionados. At around 4,500 square kilometres, it's a large and significant park the third largest in the country after Ruaha and Serengeti and is said to hold the highest bio-density of any national park in Africa.

Largely covered by dense brachystegia woodland, the park's main areas of interest are its floodplains, which transform into sprawling wetlands during the green rainy season (December to May) and open into golden grasslands during the dry season (June to November).

Night game drives and fly camping are also available as optional extras, at additional cost. Do let us know if you'd like to pre-book either activity; please note that fly camping must be pre-booked in advance.

Day 06 :

Fly to Mahale Mountains National Park

Enjoy a final morning game drive or a leisurely breakfast before checking out of Chada Katavi Camp. You'll be driven to Ikuu Airstrip in time for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Mahale Mountains National Park, followed by a 1.5-hour boat trip (snacks provided) to Greystoke Mahale Camp, your home for the next three nights.

The sheer remoteness of this park heightens the sense of adventure at every turn; landing at a lakeside airstrip and then cruising for an hour and a half along this enchanted lake is an extraordinary way to arrive.

Your stay at Greystoke Mahale is all-inclusive, covering shared activities (chimp trekking, boat trips, deep water swims, forest walks, and village visits), all national park and conservation fees, full board meals, all drinks (except champagne and fine wines), and laundry service.

Day 07-08 :

On safari in Mahale Mountains National Park

You'll have two full days on safari in Mahale Mountains National Park with Greystoke Mahale Camp, a high-specification permanent lodge in a prime beachfront location. With its charming style, unbeatable setting, wonderful hosts, and expert guides, Greystoke Mahale is a much sought-after camp and must be booked well in advance to secure one of its six guest suites.

Tracking chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the most special experiences in Africa. Chimps are endlessly engaging to observe. As omnivores, they often move fast through the forest on hunts, convening at intervals to scream and shout with each other most extraordinarily. Turning a corner to find yourself in a small clearing, chimps sitting all around you, is a truly moving experience.

Guests need to be reasonably fit, and the minimum age for chimp trekking is 12.

Day 09 :

Transfer to Kilimanjaro & Departure from Tanzania

It's time to say farewell this morning. After checking out of Greystoke Mahale Camp (picnic lunch in tow), you'll take a boat transfer back to Mahale Airstrip in time for your light aircraft flight to Kilimanjaro Airport, connecting onward to your international flight home.

Although your incredible Western Tanzania safari has come to an end, you'll leave with a wealth of memories, and more than a handful of photos and stories to share.

After nine thrilling days of wildlife encounters and spectacular natural wonders, in some of the remotest corners on earth, we're sure you'll be hooked on Tanzania and the African continent. Where will you go next?