7-Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Safari Type: Primate Trekking + Remote Lodge Safari
Destination: Mahale Mountains National Park, Lake Tanganyika
Starting Point: Arusha or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Ending Point: Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar

Safari Highlights

Track habituated chimpanzees through dense rainforest with expert guides
Spend multiple days in Mahale Mountains National Park—accessible only by boat or bush plane
Cruise across Lake Tanganyika, Africa’s longest and deepest freshwater lake
Stay in a luxury lakeside lodge with barefoot-chic comfort and stunning views
Swim, kayak, or relax on the beach after trekking
One of Africa’s most unique and unforgettable safari experiences

🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Kigoma → Boat Transfer to Mahale Mountains

Take a scheduled bush flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Kigoma
Transfer to Mahale via boat (approx. 2 hours) across Lake Tanganyika
Arrive at the lodge and settle in for a sunset by the shore
Accommodation: Luxury lakeside lodge

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Forest

Morning chimpanzee trek with a tracker and armed park ranger
Observe chimps feeding, grooming, calling, and interacting in the wild
Return to the lodge for a swim or guided nature walk
Accommodation: Same lodge

Day 3: Leisure Day – Lake Activities

Enjoy kayaking, birdwatching, or snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika
Optional short hike to waterfalls or forest lookout points
Beachside lunch and campfire dinner under the stars
Accommodation: Same lodge

Day 4: Second Chimpanzee Trek

Another early trek into the forest to follow a different chimp group or deepen your understanding of their behavior
Trackers provide insights into conservation and chimp social structure
Accommodation: Same lodge

Day 5: Forest Walk & Cultural Visit

Guided forest walk focusing on flora, insects, and birds
Optional visit to nearby fishing village (subject to availability and permissions)
Relax at lodge or join a sunset cruise
Accommodation: Same lodge

Day 6: Free Day at the Lodge

A full day to relax, reflect, and enjoy the lake
Optional third chimp trek (additional permit required), photography, or wellness treatments if available
Accommodation: Same lodge

Day 7: Mahale → Kigoma → Arusha/Dar/Zanzibar

After breakfast, boat transfer to Kigoma
Scheduled flight back to Arusha, Dar, or optional Zanzibar connection
End of safari

Safari Booking

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number (WhatsApp preferred)

Number of Travelers

Start Date

End Date

Nationality (for park fees and visa advice)

Additional Information / Special Requests

✅ What’s Included

Return domestic bush flights (Arusha/Dar ↔ Kigoma)
Boat transfers to/from Mahale Mountains
6 nights full-board accommodation in a lakeside lodge
2 chimpanzee trekking permits (guided with trackers)
Guided forest walks, village visit, and lake activities
All meals, bottled water, and lodge transfers
Park entry and conservation fees

❌ What’s Not Included

International flights & visas
Additional chimp trekking permits beyond the two included
Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking)
Premium alcoholic beverages
Tips for guides, trackers, and lodge staff
Personal expenses and optional spa treatments