6 Days Unparalleled Safari: Chimp Trekking to Mahale & Gombe National Parks

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha City

Your journey begins as you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our friendly guide will welcome you to Tanzania and transfer you to the luxurious Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha. Take this time to relax and prepare for the chimpanzee safari adventure ahead, resting overnight in Arusha before heading into the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness.

Day 2: Arusha to Kigoma and Gombe National Park

After an early breakfast, your adventure officially begins with a flight from Arusha to Kigoma. Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, as you make your way to Gombe National Park. Famous for Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee research, Gombe is home to wild chimpanzees and offers an intimate safari experience. Settle in for your overnight stay at Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge, where you can unwind and prepare for your first encounters with the chimpanzees the next day.

Day 3: Exploring Gombe National Park

Today is all about chimpanzee tracking! After breakfast, head out with your expert guide to begin tracking chimpanzees in the lush forests of Gombe National Park. Listen to their calls and watch as they swing through the trees in their natural habitat. You’ll also have the chance to hike to James Peak, where panoramic views await, and take in the vast beauty of Lake Tanganyika from above. After a morning of exploration, return to the lodge for lunch. The afternoon offers free time to relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery, or further explore the area. You’ll spend another night at Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge.

Day 4: Gombe to Mahale National Park

After breakfast, continue your journey as you travel from Gombe to Mahale National Park. This park is known for its remote beauty and unique wildlife, hosting around 900 wild chimpanzees as well as other forest creatures, including lions and leopards. A scenic 2.5-hour drive and boat ride will bring you to the Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, nestled in the pristine forests. Here, you’ll head out with a guide for your first chimpanzee tracking experience in Mahale, which offers diverse landscapes and rich wildlife encounters. Enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 5: Full Day of Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale

Today, immerse yourself in a full day of chimpanzee trekking in Mahale. Guided hikes will take you through the lush mountains and valleys of Mahale, where you’ll have an up-close view of the chimpanzee groups. This remarkable experience allows for rare, intimate moments as you observe the behavior and social interactions of these incredible primates. Enjoy meals back at the lodge and relax, soaking in the memories of the day’s encounters before your final overnight stay in the heart of Mahale.

Day 6: Mahale to Kigoma to Arusha

After breakfast, bid farewell to Mahale as you begin the return journey. Travel by boat and car back to Kigoma, where you’ll then catch a flight back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. As you depart, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s chimpanzee trekking adventure and the stunning landscapes of Mahale and Gombe National Parks.

This 6-day chimpanzee safari in Mahale and Gombe National Parks is the perfect experience for primate enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness wild chimpanzees up close, guided by experienced trackers in some of Tanzania’s most breathtaking landscapes.