8 Days Gombe, Katavi & Mahale Safari

This exclusive 8-day Western Circuit safari delivers a comprehensive experience of Tanzania’s remote highlights: Gombe Stream, Katavi, and Mahale Mountains National Parks. Begin your journey in Gombe, following in the footsteps of Jane Goodall to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural forest habitat. Continue to Katavi National Park, renowned for its vast wilderness and remarkable concentrations of buffalo, elephants, hippos, and predators along the Katuma River. Conclude your adventure in Mahale, a pristine rainforest reserve on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, supporting one of Africa’s largest chimpanzee populations. The itinerary combines guided chimpanzee trekking, classic game drives, and lake activities, with seamless connections via flights and boat transfers. Enjoy intimate accommodation in select camps and lodges designed to balance comfort with authentic wilderness immersion.

 

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigoma – Transfer to Gombe

    Arrive in Kigoma via scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer by boat along Lake Tanganyika to Gombe Stream National Park. After lunch, participate in your first guided chimpanzee trek. Dinner and overnight at camp in Gombe.

     

  • Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Activities in Gombe

    Spend the morning trekking to observe chimpanzees. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to swim or kayak on Lake Tanganyika, or visit a local fishing village for a cultural encounter. Dinner and overnight at camp.

     

  • Day 3: Final Morning in Gombe – Return to Kigoma

    After breakfast, enjoy a brief trek or relax by the lake. Later, transfer by boat back to Kigoma for overnight accommodation.

     

  • Day 4: Transfer to Katavi

    After breakfast, fly from Kigoma to Katavi National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive across the park’s expansive plains. Dinner and overnight at Katavi.

     

  • Day 5: Game Drives in Katavi

    Explore Katavi’s savannahs and floodplains throughout the day. Observe elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, and predators such as lions and hyenas. Lunch and rest at camp before a late afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at camp.

     

  • Day 6: More Wildlife Encounters in Katavi

    Following breakfast, embark on a full day of game viewing, focusing on the park’s hippo pools and crocodile-populated rivers. Enjoy a picnic lunch within the park before returning to camp. Dinner and overnight stay.

     

  • Day 7: Transfer to Mahale Mountains

    After breakfast, fly from Katavi to the Mahale airstrip. Continue by boat along Lake Tanganyika to your lodge. After lunch, relax by the lake or enjoy a swim. Dinner and overnight at Mahale.

     

  • Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale & Departure

    Begin with a guided chimpanzee trek in Mahale’s rainforest. Afterwards, transfer by boat to the airstrip for your outbound flight to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, concluding your Western Circuit safari

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.

CONTACT THE EXPERTS

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