7 Days Katavi & Mahale Safari

This 7-day safari is designed to immerse you in two of Tanzania’s most secluded and exceptional wilderness destinations: Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park. Your journey begins in Katavi, a rarely visited park renowned for its expansive savannahs, impressive herds of buffalo, and dense populations of hippos and crocodiles along the Katuma River. Afterwards, you continue to Mahale a pristine rainforest bordering Lake Tanganyika and home to one of Africa’s largest wild chimpanzee communities. The itinerary includes scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Katavi and Mahale, boat transfers across the lake, and a blend of game drives, chimpanzee trekking, and lake-based activities. Accommodation is provided in select lodges or tented camps, offering an ideal combination of comfort and authentic wilderness experience.

 

  • Day 1: Arrival in Katavi

    Arrive via scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Katavi National Park. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your camp or lodge. Settle in, enjoy lunch, and embark on an introductory afternoon game drive through Katavi’s vast plains. Return to your accommodations for dinner and overnight stay.

     

  • Day 2: Game Drives in Katavi

    Dedicate your day to game drives within Katavi, exploring the Katuma River and seasonal floodplains. The area is known for elephants, giraffes, zebras, and notably large buffalo herds, with lions and hyenas often in pursuit. Lunch and relaxation at camp will be followed by another evening drive. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

     

  • Day 3: More Wildlife Encounters in Katavi

    Begin your day with breakfast, followed by a game drive focusing on Katavi’s renowned hippo pools and crocodile habitat. A picnic lunch will be served in the park, allowing for extended exploration into the afternoon. Return to camp in the evening for dinner and overnight.

     

  • Day 4: Transfer to Mahale Mountains

    After breakfast, take a scheduled flight from Katavi to Mahale airstrip. On arrival, board a boat for a scenic transfer along Lake Tanganyika to your lodge or camp. Following check-in, enjoy lunch and a leisurely afternoon by the lake swimming or simply enjoying the surroundings. Dinner and overnight in Mahale.

     

  • Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale

    Start your morning with a guided chimpanzee trek on Mahale’s forested slopes. Observe wild chimpanzees in their natural environment before returning for lunch. The afternoon is at your leisure: swim, kayak, or relax on the beach. Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.

     

  • Day 6: Additional Chimpanzee Tracking & Lake Activities

    After breakfast, participate in another chimpanzee trek to observe social interactions within the troop. Later, take a boat excursion on Lake Tanganyika or visit a local fishing village for cultural insights. Dinner and overnight at camp.

     

  • Day 7: Departure – Return to Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar

    Following breakfast, transfer by boat to the airstrip for your return flight to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, concluding your Katavi & Mahale safari experience.

     

STARTING FROM:
$ pp (USD)*

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

INCLUSIONS:
Park Fees
All Activities (Unless labelled as optional)
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day program)
Drinking Water (On all days)
All Accommodation (during the safari)
One-way Airport Transfer
Professional Driver/Guide
All Transportation (Unless labelled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT

EXCLUSIONS:
International Flights (From/to home)
Additional Accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping Guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.)
Government Imposed Increase of Taxes and/or Park Fees

* Indicative costs per person

START PLANNING YOUR 2025 SAFARI NOW!

Daigle Tours is a locally owned and operated safari company, built on a love for Tanzania and years of experience exploring its national parks, coastlines and hidden corners. We focus on personalised service, reliable logistics, and meaningful connections — with the land, wildlife, and people.

Local guides who really know the country
Flexible itineraries tailored to your interests
Honest advice and responsive support
A thoughtful approach to responsible travel
Let us show you the real Tanzania — wild, welcoming, and unforgettable.

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