Tanzania · Primate Tours

5-Day Mahale Mountain Safari from Arusha with Chimpanzee Tracking

5 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

Chimpanzees at Mahale Mountains National Park

Chimpanzee at Mahale Mountains National Park

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Mahale and spot chimpanzees in their natural habitat
02 Enjoy one of the most magical chimpanzee treks on an offbeat holiday
03 Indulge in bird watching and game viewing in Mahale
04 Travel by speed boat to the Mahale Mountains area

Travel to Mahale Mountain National Park for an offbeat wildlife holiday filled with game viewing, bird watching, boating, and unforgettable chimpanzee tracking. This 5-day safari takes you from Arusha through Kahama and Kigoma to one of Tanzania's most remarkable primate destinations. Enjoy the chance to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat while also experiencing the park's forest and lakeside setting.

Enjoy the chance to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat while also experiencing the park's forest and lakeside setting.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Kigoma, Kahama, Mahale Mountains National Park

Languages English, French, German, Polish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Kahama by Public Bus

The tour starts at 06:00 am.
Board the shared public bus from Arusha to Kahama.
On arrival in Kahama, you will be picked up and transferred by cab to Patcom Lodge.

Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 02

Kahama to Kigoma

At 06:00 am, board a public bus from Kahama to Kigoma.
On arrival, you will be picked up and transferred by taxi to your hotel in Kigoma.
Enjoy a hot dinner at the lodge.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Kigoma.

Day 03

Journey to Mahale Mountain National Park

At 06:00 am, have breakfast at the lodge.
Transfer overland to Sigunga.
At 08:00 am, board a speed boat.
Transfer to Bilenge and finally to the Bandas.
Enjoy afternoon chimpanzee tracking in the forest.
After lunch at the lodge, enjoy bird watching and game viewing.
Dinner and bonfire at the lodge.

Overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 04

Chimpanzee Tracking and Lake Activities

At 07:00 am, have breakfast at the lodge.
At 08:00 am, enjoy chimpanzee tracking in the forest.
Have lunch at the lodge.
Go fishing on the lake.
Dinner and bonfire at the lodge.

Overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 05

Beach Relaxation and Return to Kigoma

At 07:00 am, have breakfast at the lodge.
At 08:00 am, relax at the beach.
At 2:00 pm, transfer to the lakeshore boat.
Transfer back to Kigoma.

Overnight stay at Kigoma hotel.

End of tour.

Where this trip takes you

Mahale Mountain National Park forest, Sigunga, lakeside Bandas

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Overland transfer from Kigoma to Sigunga and, on the last day, from Sigunga back to Kigoma
Speed boat from Sigunga to Mahale and, on the last day, from Mahale to Sigunga
English-speaking Mahale guide
All park fees
All guide fees
1 litre of drinking water every day
Accommodation in a rest house/Bandas in Mahale