Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari: Summary
Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari in a nutshell
Tanzania’s little visited western parks are a truly wild escape. This itinerary combines Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park, and offers superb, contrasting wildlife experiences in a league of their own.
After a night in Arusha, this sample itinerary has you spending three nights at the traditional tented Chada Camp located in the heart of Katavi. Explore the miombo woodlands and savannah plains, where you will usually observe more lions than other visitors. Marvel at some of the densest populations of hippos found on the continent and spy crocodiles aestivating through the dry season in riverbank caves. You can arrange a night drive or a walking safari, and if you're feeling adventurous, a night out fly-camping will add a whole new dimension to your safari.
After Katavi, fly to the Mahale Mountains and stay four nights at the unique Greystoke Mahale, overlooking Lake Tanganyika’s turquoise waters. The adventure starts as soon as you land: with no road access to reach Greystoke, you’ll travel a further hour by traditional dhow.
The main draw of Mahale is trekking to see the chimps. You’ll head out each day with an exceptional primatology guide, and with a nearby community of 60 habituated chimpanzees, this is one of the best ways to see chimps in Africa – a truly remarkable and unforgettable wildlife experience. Between treks, you can relax back at the lodge and swim or kayak on Lake Tanganyika, the longest lake in the world.
At a glance
| Starts: | Kilimanjaro International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night | Rivertrees Country Inn - Arusha, Tanzania | Half Board |
| 3 nights | Chada Camp - Katavi National Park, Tanzania | Full Board & Activities |
| 4 nights | Greystoke Mahale - Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania | Full Board & Activities |
| Ends: | Kilimanjaro International Airport |
Rivertrees Country Inn
Arusha, Tanzania
Chada Camp
Katavi National Park, Tanzania
Greystoke Mahale
Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari.
- Superb wildlife within two wildly remote regions
- Chimp-trekking in the forests of the Mahale Mountains
- Finding huge herds of buffalo upon Katavi's plains
- Swimming in crystal-clear Lake Tanganyika
- Walking and fly-camping in Katavi's true wilderness
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Kayaking
Primate trekking
Key species to see on the Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
82% chance
52% chance
39% chance
29% chance
13% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
Safari in Arusha National Park
Half day or full day
Arusha National Park offers some lovely walking in the foothills of Mount Meru and canoeing on the Momela Lakes, plus gentle game drives.
More about Safari in Arusha NP
Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro
Full day
Experience Africa’s highest mountain – in just a day. In the company of a private guide, hike through the forests of Mount Kilimanjaro’s western side to an altitude of 3,400m. From here, explore the Shira Plateau and its surroundings, perhaps spotting wildlife along the way.
More about Kilimanjaro Day HikePlan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
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Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
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