About This Journey
The 8 Day Katavi and Mahale Explorer 2026-2027 combines remote wildlife viewing in Katavi National Park with chimpanzee trekking and Lake Tanganyika experiences in Mahale Mountains National Park.
Katavi is known for the Katuma River, Lake Chada Plains, Lake Katavi floodplains, large buffalo and elephant herds, hippo pools and predators. Mahale offers a contrasting landscape of montane forest, chimpanzee habitat, sandy beaches and clear Lake Tanganyika waters. Tanzania Parks
This eight day itinerary provides more time than a shorter combination safari, allowing several game drives in Katavi followed by two chimpanzee trekking days and time to enjoy Mahale's beaches and lake activities.
What Makes This Trip Special
Wildlife safari in Katavi National Park
Katuma River and Ikuu game drives
Lake Chada and Lake Katavi floodplains
Buffalo, elephants, hippos and crocodiles
Opportunities to see lions, leopards and hyenas
Scenic transfer from Katavi to Mahale
Two chimpanzee trekking experiences
Guided Mahale forest walks
Lake Tanganyika beaches
Boat trips, kayaking or snorkeling where arranged
Birdwatching and photography
Professional safari guides and park rangers
Meals and accommodation included
A Look at the Journey
Itinerary
Meet your safari guide in Mpanda and begin the journey toward Katavi National Park.
The distance from Mpanda to Sitalike Gate is approximately 38 km. Tanzania Parks
After park registration, begin your first wildlife drive through Katavi's woodland and open plains.
Look for elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and antelopes before continuing to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, spend a full day exploring the Katuma River and Ikuu area.
During the dry season, shrinking pools along the Katuma attract large concentrations of wildlife and can create excellent predator-prey viewing opportunities. Tanzania Parks
Possible sightings include hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, lions and spotted hyenas.
Enjoy lunch during the safari before continuing your afternoon game drive.
After breakfast, explore the Lake Chada Plains and Lake Katavi floodplains.
Lake Chada is known for wide open plains and large buffalo herds, while Lake Katavi's seasonal wetlands attract elephants, plains game and birdlife. Tanzania Parks
Your guide will adjust the route depending on wildlife movements and road conditions.
Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Enjoy another full day inside Katavi National Park.
This day gives you extra time to revisit productive wildlife areas and search for predators.
Katavi's floodplains support lions, while leopards use thicker riverine vegetation and spotted hyenas are also common. Tanzania Parks
You may also see buffalo, elephants, topi, hartebeest, zebra, impala and waterbuck.
Return to camp for your final night in Katavi.
After breakfast, transfer from Katavi toward the airstrip for your journey to Mahale Mountains National Park.
Because both parks are remote, scheduled or charter flights are normally the most practical way to combine them.
Mahale can be reached by air to Mahale Airstrip or via Kigoma, with many camps arranging onward boat transfers along Lake Tanganyika. Tanzania Parks
After arriving, transfer to your lakeside accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening beside Lake Tanganyika.
After breakfast, meet your ranger and begin your first chimpanzee trekking experience in Mahale.
The chimpanzees move naturally through the forest, so trekking time and distance vary.
Once located, visitors may observe the chimpanzees under controlled park regulations. Current TANAPA guidance limits Mahale tracking groups and sets a maximum chimpanzee viewing time of one hour.
After breakfast, return to the forest for another opportunity to track chimpanzees.
Mahale also supports red colobus, red-tailed and vervet monkeys, as well as bushbuck, bushpig and diverse forest birdlife. Tanzania Parks
After trekking, spend the afternoon enjoying Lake Tanganyika.
Depending on weather and your confirmed package, activities may include boat trips, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming in designated areas or beach relaxation. Tanzania Parks
Enjoy your final evening in Mahale.
After breakfast, enjoy your final morning overlooking Lake Tanganyika.
Depending on the departure schedule, you may have time for a short beach walk before transferring by boat to your departure point.
Continue to Mahale Airstrip or another confirmed connection for your onward journey.
Mahale is remote, so air and boat transfers should be confirmed in advance.
Included & Excluded
Included
- Katavi National Park entrance fees
- Mahale Mountains National Park entrance fees
- Professional safari guide
- Professional chimpanzee trekking ranger
- 4x4 game drives in Katavi
- Chimpanzee trekking arrangements
- Accommodation during the safari
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water during activities
- Local transfers as specified
- Mahale boat transfers as specified
- Lake Tanganyika activities included in the itinerary
- Government taxes and applicable service charges
Excluded
- International flights
- Domestic or charter flights unless specifically included
- Tanzania visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Tips for guides, rangers and camp staff
- Personal expenses
- Laundry
- Optional activities
- Additional accommodation
- Personal safari or trekking equipment
- Items not mentioned under inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. They can be combined in one western Tanzania safari, usually using air and boat transfers because both parks are remote.
Katavi is especially known for buffalo and elephant herds, hippos, crocodiles, predators and large open floodplains. Tanzania Parks
Mahale is famous for chimpanzee trekking, montane forest and Lake Tanganyika beaches.
No. Chimpanzees are wild animals and move naturally through the forest.
The difficulty varies depending on where the chimpanzees are located. Trails can be steep and humid, so reasonable fitness and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Transfer distances such as Mpanda to Sitalike at approximately 38 km are fixed estimates, while game-drive and chimpanzee trekking distances vary according to wildlife movements and route conditions.
Yes. Meals are provided according to the daily itinerary.
Yes. Seven safari nights are included according to the confirmed package. Day 8 is the departure day unless an additional night is requested.
