Safari

Mahale Chimpanzee Safari — 5 Days

Wild chimpanzees on the shore of Lake Tanganyika.

Mahale is as far from a road as Tanzania gets: forested mountains falling into Lake Tanganyika, reached by charter flight and then by boat. You track a chimpanzee community habituated since the 1960s, and spend the afternoons on the clearest water in Africa.

Highlights

  • Tracking wild chimpanzees on foot
  • Lake Tanganyika — swimming, snorkelling and dhow trips
  • Forested mountains with no roads
  • One of the most remote camps in Africa

The itinerary, day by day

  1. 01

    Arusha to Mahale

    Mahale Mountains

    A charter flight west across the country, then a boat along the shore to camp.

  2. 02

    Chimpanzee tracking

    Mahale Mountains

    Out after breakfast with the trackers. When the group is found you have an hour with them.

  3. 03

    Chimpanzee tracking and the lake

    Mahale Mountains

    A second attempt in the morning, then the afternoon on the water.

  4. 04

    Forest walk and dhow

    Mahale Mountains

    A gentler forest walk for the birds and the smaller primates, and a dhow at sunset.

  5. 05

    Fly back to Arusha

    Mahale Mountains

    Boat to the airstrip and the flight east.

What is included

  • Park fees and chimpanzee permits
  • Return charter flights and boat transfers
  • Full board accommodation
  • Guided tracking and forest walks

Not included

  • International flights and visa
  • Drinks and personal items
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance

Questions about this trip

Am I guaranteed to see chimpanzees?

No. The community is wild and some days they are high on the mountain. Over three attempts most guests see them, usually more than once.

Plan this journey

Tell us your dates and we will build it around you.

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