$7,271 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Dar es Salaam - Kigoma Town – Kigoma Ujiji City Tour - Afternoon
Dar es Salaam - Kigoma Town – Kigoma Ujiji City Tour - Afternoon
Fly from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, either in the morning or afternoon depending on flight availability. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, beautifully set on a secluded outcrop surrounded by lush gardens overlooking Lake Tanganyika. The hotel is conveniently located just 15 minutes from the airport and five minutes from historic Ujiji Town. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided Kigoma Historical City Tour, including the famous Ujiji and Dr. David Livingstone Museum and Memorial. Here, you will learn about Livingstone’s mission to spread Christianity, end slavery, and his remarkable journeys across Africa. Knowledgeable local guides bring his story and legacy to life. A short walk takes you to the shores of Lake Tanganyika to enjoy the cool breeze and scenic views. Later in the afternoon, return to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel for relaxation and overnight.
- Main Destination:
- Kigoma (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Kigoma Town – Gombe Stream National Park - Cultural Tour & Hike to Waterfalls
Kigoma Town – Gombe Stream National Park - Cultural Tour & Hike to Waterfalls
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic boat transfer from Kigoma Town to Gombe National Park, a narrow stretch of ancient forest set along the dramatic slopes above Lake Tanganyika. The park is renowned for its protected chimpanzee population, made famous by Jane Goodall’s pioneering research that began here in 1960. Visitors can embark on guided chimpanzee trekking through steep ridges and lush valleys, each carved by clear streams flowing year-round. The experience also includes a cultural tour to the nearby fishing village of Mwamgongo or Kazinga, as well as a refreshing hike to the park’s waterfall. With its breathtaking terrain and close encounters with one of the world’s most studied chimp communities, Gombe offers a deeply immersive and unforgettable wilderness experience.
- Main Destination:
- Gombe National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
Wildlife in Gombe NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Gombe Stream National Park- Chimpanzee Trekking
Gombe Stream National Park- Chimpanzee Trekking
After breakfast, proceed into the lush Gombe forest for your Chimpanzee Trekking experience. Guided by expert trackers, you'll follow forest trails alive with birdsong and rustling leaves as you search for the famous Gombe chimpanzees—one of the most closely observed primate populations on Earth. Their expressive behavior and striking similarities to humans, sharing over 98% of our DNA, create a powerful and memorable wildlife encounter. Along the way, the park reveals a rich array of forest species, including the vibrant red-tailed and playful blue monkeys, bushbucks, and a variety of tropical birds and butterflies. The dramatic terrain of steep valleys, tall canopies, and the shores of Lake Tanganyika adds to the magic of the trek. After the adventure, return to your lodge for a relaxing afternoon and evening, unwinding by the lake and enjoying the serene natural setting.
- Main Destination:
- Gombe National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Gombe Stream National Park- Chimpanzee Trekking
Gombe Stream National Park- Chimpanzee Trekking
Morning Chimpanzee Tracking: Begin your day venturing deep into Gombe’s ancient forest in search of its famous chimpanzees. Walking through steep valleys and sun-dappled woodland, you’ll encounter rich birdlife, playful red-tailed and blue monkeys, and hear the forest come alive with calls echoing across the canopy. Your guide will share insights into the behavior of these remarkable primates and the unique ecosystem that supports them. Nature & Wildlife: Along the trails, look out for bushbucks, baboons, tropical butterflies, and vibrant forest flora. The combination of mountains, streams, and Lake Tanganyika’s shoreline creates breathtaking scenery. Optional Afternoon Activities: After lunch, unwind by the lake with activities such as gentle swimming, kayaking, or a peaceful shoreline walk. You may also visit nearby fishing villages for a cultural insight or simply relax at your lodge as the sun sets over the sparkling waters of Lake Tanganyika.
- Main Destination:
- Gombe National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Gombe Stream National Park – Kigoma – Mahale National Park (Boat and Road)
Gombe Stream National Park – Kigoma – Mahale National Park (Boat and Road)
After breakfast, enjoy a boat transfer from Gombe National Park back to Kigoma, followed by a scenic road journey to Lagossa/Mgambo Village for a second boat transfer into Mahale National Park. Set along the remote eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale is named after the Mahale Mountains and is known for its unique features. It is one of only two protected areas for chimpanzees in Tanzania and hosts the largest population of eastern chimpanzees, thriving due to its vast size and isolation. Mahale is also one of the rare places where chimpanzees and lions coexist. The park can only be explored on foot, adding to its sense of wilderness, and access is exclusively by boat across the lake. Arrive at your lodge for relaxation. Optional: A shared charter flight from Kigoma Airport to Mahale Airstrip is available on select days, followed by a short boat ride to the park.
- Main Destination:
- Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge
Wildlife in Mahale Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Explore Mahale Mountains National Park
Explore Mahale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, enjoy trekking in Mahale National Park, home to the largest known population of chimpanzees, set amidst lush jungle and striking mountains. The park offers a unique blend of wildlife and nature experiences, including chimpanzee trekking, hiking, birdwatching, and snorkeling. Its establishment reflects Tanzania’s dedication to chimpanzee conservation, inspired by pioneering Japanese primate research. Excursions include daily chimpanzee trekking, kayaking, and one included two-hour boat safari. On the boat safari, choose to spot hippos, cruise the river, and try traditional freshwater fishing, or visit the nearby fishing village of Katumbi for a cultural tour. Additional boat safaris can be arranged to experience both options.
- Main Destination:
- Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Explore Mahale Mountains National Park
Explore Mahale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable trekking experience in Mahale National Park, home to the largest population of wild eastern chimpanzees. Trek through pristine forests, lush valleys, and along the scenic slopes of the Mahale Mountains, where the dense greenery shelters a rich diversity of wildlife. Spot chimpanzees in their natural habitat, often accompanied by playful red-tailed monkeys, vervets, and blue monkeys. Bird enthusiasts can delight in the vibrant species, including hornbills, turacos, and kingfishers. The park’s unique shoreline along Lake Tanganyika offers stunning vistas, perfect for photography. In the afternoon, you may choose optional activities such as guided nature walks, snorkeling in the crystal-clear lake waters, or relaxing at a scenic spot while enjoying the sounds of the jungle. Every step in Mahale immerses you in Tanzania’s untouched wilderness.
- Main Destination:
- Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Mahale Mountains National Park - Kigoma Town (Boat & Road
Mahale Mountains National Park - Kigoma Town (Boat & Road
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic boat transfer from Mbali Mabli Mahale Lodge to Lagossa/Mgambo Village, gliding across the sparkling waters of Lake Tanganyika while taking in the lush shoreline fringed with verdant forests and dramatic Mahale Mountain views. Along the way, spot local birdlife skimming the water, occasional monkeys leaping through riverside trees, and fishermen casting nets in traditional dugout canoes. Upon arrival at the village, experience a glimpse of authentic rural Tanzanian life—children playing along the shore, women carrying water, and villagers tending small farms or fishing. Continue with a road transfer to Kigoma Town, passing rolling hills, patchwork farmland, and scattered forested areas, offering fleeting sightings of wildlife like baboons or antelope. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, perfect for relaxation after a day immersed in nature, culture, and the serene landscapes of western Tanzania.
- Main Destination:
- Kigoma (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Kigoma Town - Kigoma Airport - Dar es Salaam Airport
Kigoma Town - Kigoma Airport - Dar es Salaam Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred from Kigoma Hilltop Hotel to catch your morning flight to Dar es Salaam, arriving at noon to conclude your unforgettable safari adventure. We hope the memories of chimpanzee trekking, pristine landscapes, and the vibrant wildlife of Gombe and Mahale National Parks will stay with you forever. For those wishing to continue the journey, we can arrange extensions to the idyllic islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia, or Fanjove for a relaxing beach holiday, or further safaris to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater for even more wildlife encounters. Thank you for choosing Go Extra Mile Safaris—we wish you safe travels and hope to welcome you back for more extraordinary adventures in Tanzania.
- Main Destination:
- Dar Es Salaam Airport (Dar es Salaam)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
