Katavi → Mahale
7-Day Katavi & Mahale Chimpanzee Safari
Africa's most remote safari: Katavi's great herds and chimpanzees on Lake Tanganyika.
7 days 6 nights
From $12,500 pp
National Park · Western Circuit
Mahale Mountains
Wild chimpanzees on the forested shores of Lake Tanganyika.
About Mahale
Mahale is one of the most beautiful and remote places in Africa: forested mountains rising straight out of Lake Tanganyika, the world's longest freshwater lake. There are no roads; you arrive by light aircraft and boat.
A habituated community of around 60 chimpanzees lives in the forest here. Trekking to find them, then spending an hour in their company, is an extraordinary experience.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Beaches and dhows on Lake Tanganyika
- Swimming in crystal-clear lake water
- Combine with Katavi by air
What you might see
- Chimpanzee
- Red colobus
- Red-tailed monkey
- Forest birds
When to go
Best Good Quieter / wet
July to October, when chimps are often lower down the slopes. Most camps close from March to May.
Getting there
Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Arusha (via Katavi), then a boat to camp.
How long
3–4 nights
Where to stay
- BudgetPark bandas
- Mid-rangeGreystoke Mahale
- LuxuryGreystoke Mahale
Examples of properties we use. We choose the right camp for your month and budget.
1 trip visit Mahale
Mahale safaris & tours
Good to know
Mahale: questions travellers ask
Is chimpanzee trekking guaranteed?
Sightings are very likely but never guaranteed. Spending three nights gives you several chances.
Plan your Mahale trip
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and a rough budget. A real person in Arusha will reply within 24 hours with a route and an honest price — no obligation.