6-Day Mahale Mountains and Lake Tanganyika Safari

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Travel from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma

Early in the morning, you will travel from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma. Upon arrival, your safari guide will welcome you and accompany you to Lake Tanganyika Hotel for check-in and some time to relax.

You will have the opportunity to explore the historical and cultural highlights of Kigoma, including sites such as the old German railway station and the Ujiji Livingstone Memorial, depending on your interests and schedule.
Dinner and overnight will be at Sunset Vista Hotel, Kigoma, followed by an evening storytelling session with your guide to introduce the exciting journey ahead.

Main Destination:

Kigoma (Town)

Accommodation:

Kigoma Hilltop Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Kigoma (Town)

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+8 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Overland journey from Kigoma to Mahale Mountains National Park

In the morning (around 7:30–8:00 am), you will depart Kigoma for Mahale Mountains National Park on a scenic 7–8 hour road journey. The route includes a ferry crossing from Ilagala to Kajeje, offering stunning views of Lake Tanganyika and the surrounding lakeside villages.

Upon arrival at Bilenge Headquarters, you will complete park registration before taking a 30-minute boat ride across the clear waters of the lake. As you approach Kasiha, the forest-covered mountains rise dramatically from the lake, providing your first breathtaking glimpse of the Mahale wilderness.

Dinner and overnight will be at Mahale Mango Tree Bandas. In the evening, your guide will lead a session introducing Mahale’s history, local culture, and conservation efforts.

Main Destination:

Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimps)

Best Time To Visit August to October (Chimp trekking is easiest)

High Season August to October (Mahale is never crowded)

Best Weather June to October (Almost no rainfall)

Wildlife in Mahale Mountains NP

ChimpanzeeCommon

HippoOccasional

ElephantRare

GiraffeRare

LeopardRare

ZebraRare

Show more

LionVery Rare

BuffaloRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

WildebeestNone

Accommodation:

Mahale Mango Tree Bandas

• Budget banda located inside Mahale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mahale Mountains National Park Chimpanzee Trekking

After breakfast, you will embark on your first guided chimpanzee trek with a professional park guide. You will track the Mimikire group, one of Africa’s most well-habituated chimpanzee communities, deep in the lush Mahale forest. Treks typically last 2–4 hours depending on the chimpanzees’ movements, but the experience is unforgettable as you watch them play, feed, and groom in their natural rainforest habitat.

In the afternoon, enjoy a hot lunch and some relaxation at the bandas, or take the opportunity to go kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika. Later, take a short walk to Kasiha Water Pool for a refreshing swim in a natural spring.

Dinner and overnight will be at Mahale Mango Tree Bandas, followed by an evening storytelling session with your guide to share insights about Mahale’s wildlife, culture, and conservation.

Main Destination:

Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Mahale Mango Tree Bandas

• Budget banda located inside Mahale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Forest Trek with Chimpanzees and Evening Boat Safari

After breakfast, you will venture into the forest for chimpanzee tracking with your professional guide, assisted by experienced trackers who follow the movements of the chimps. Spend time observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, learning about their behavior, social structures, and daily routines.

Return to the bandas for lunch and some rest before setting out in the late afternoon for a sunset boat cruise on Lake Tanganyika, offering stunning views of the forested Mahale Mountains and the sparkling lake waters. Dinner and overnight will be at Mahale Mango Tree Bandas, followed by an evening storytelling session under the stars to share insights about Mahale’s wildlife and conservation.

Main Destination:

Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Mahale Mango Tree Bandas

• Budget banda located inside Mahale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Travel from Mahale Mountains to Kigoma

After breakfast, you will bid farewell to the Mahale staff and depart at 8:30 am for the boat ride back to Bilenge. From Bilenge, continue by road to Kigoma, traveling through picturesque villages, farmland, and palm plantations.

Along the way, you will cross Lake Tanganyika via the local ferry from Kajeje to Ilagala before resuming your drive to Kigoma.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Lake Tanganyika Hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Main Destination:

Kigoma (Town)

Accommodation:

Kigoma Hilltop Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Kigoma (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Return to Dar es Salaam from Kigoma by flight

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and be transferred to Kigoma Airport for your return flight to Dar es Salaam, departing at 8:30 am. During the transfer, you can enjoy your final views of Kigoma town and the surrounding landscapes along the lakeshore.
Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you will be welcomed and assisted with onward connections or hotel transfer, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable western Tanzania safari.

Main Destination:

Dar Es Salaam (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.