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Tanzania · Safari
The journey
Experience a remote safari through Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park in southwestern Tanzania, a combination that consistently ranks among Africa's top 10 safari experiences. Look out for buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, elephants, and other wildlife in Katavi, then continue to the edge of Lake Tanganyika for rare chimpanzee encounters in Mahale. With game drives, walking safaris, boat transfers, and forest trekking, this journey combines dramatic wilderness with exceptional wildlife viewing in some of Tanzania's most remote areas.
Experience a remote safari through Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park in southwestern Tanzania, a combination that consistently ranks among Africa's top 10 safari experiences.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Meet on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for a road transfer to the Rivertrees Country Inn in Arusha. This will be your base for one night on a half-board basis.
Main Destination: Arusha
Accommodation: Chada Katavi, a luxury tented bush camp (with rustic facilities) located inside Katavi NP
Meals & Drinks: All meals included and all drinks (except spirits/liquor)
Meet your Tanzanian driver/guide at Arusha Airport in time for a scheduled flight to Katavi Airstrip. This flight operates only on Mondays and Thursdays. On arrival at the airstrip, you will be met and enjoy a game drive transfer to Chada Katavi Camp. This is one of Africa's top wildlife destinations, dramatic and adventurous.
Look out for hippos and crocodiles in the rivers, along with more mammals than in any other reserve in Tanzania. Chada Katavi is a stylish, simple bush camp, small and intimate, with just six African safari tents. It is spacious and comfortable, with wide-open fronts for panoramic views of the plain and animal life. You will see game of all kinds from your verandah. Elephants are frequent visitors, attracted by the shady fruit trees around camp. Katavi is known for its unbelievable game, with vast herds of buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards, crocodiles, and hippos.
Enjoy game drives in open 4WD vehicles, fly camping under the stars, and outstanding birding and walking safaris.
Main Destination: Katavi National Park
Accommodation: Chada Katavi
Enjoy a full-day game drive in Katavi National Park.
Enjoy another full-day game drive in Katavi National Park.
Spend the day on game drives and walks with your professional guide, with time to reflect on your explorations in this remote and uninhabited area of Africa.
Bid farewell to Katavi as you take a game drive transfer to Katavi Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Mahale. This flight operates only on Mondays and Thursdays.
Meet on arrival at Mahale Airstrip and transfer to a large motorised dhow boat for an incredible 45-minute boat ride on the gin-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika to Greystoke Mahale Camp. Accommodation is in one of the stylish, rustic bandas, with views across the sandy beach and out to Lake Tanganyika - a natural barefoot paradise.
It is time to kick off your shoes and enjoy the activities at Greystoke: chimp trekking, forest walks, village visits, boat trips, and deep-water swimming in some of the cleanest waters in the world.
Leading Destination: Mahale Mountains National Park
Accommodation: Greystoke Mahale
Enjoy trekking and an overnight stay as on the previous day.
Transfer by dhow boat to the airstrip in time to connect to your scheduled flight to Arusha. This flight only operates on a Monday or Thursday.
On arrival in Arusha, you will be dropped off at the airport to connect to your next destination.
Leading Destination: Arusha Airport
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (lunch and dinner not included) and drinks not included
Where this trip takes you
Katavi National Park, Chada Katavi Camp, Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountains National Park
The route
The fine print
Park fees (for non-residents)
Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
All activities (unless labelled as optional)
All accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)
A professional Tanzanian driver/guide
All transportation (unless labelled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
An increase in government-imposed taxes and/or park fees
Travel documents: This includes your passport, visa (if necessary), ID, travel insurance, and any other necessary documents.
Money and banking essentials: cash, credit/debit cards, and a travel-friendly wallet.
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Arusha.
This operator can help select your international flights, but you must book them yourself.
Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO - Check price) near Arusha. Or fly to/from Arusha Airport (ARK - Check price) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya).
A transfer from and back to the airport is included.
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost.
Please note:
Flights between Northern Tanzania and Western Tanzania are on Mondays and Thursdays only, with a departure from Arusha around 0800, routing via Serengeti to Katavi, then Mahale, and returning to Arusha around 1800. There is usually a stop en route at Tabora in central Tanzania to refuel and stretch your legs.
Pick-ups and/or drop-offs in the Serengeti can easily be organized before or after a safari in the West. Alternatively, onward flights to Ruaha, Selous, Zanzibar, and other islands can be arranged.
Children must be 8+ at Greystoke Mahale and 12+ at Chada Katavi. Chimp trekking at Greystoke Mahale is limited to children aged 12+ purely for sensible safety reasons.
The combination of Katavi and Mahale in southwestern Tanzania rates consistently as one of Africa's top 10 safaris. You will find extreme wilderness and wildlife in Katavi and rare forest encounters on the edge of Lake Tanganyika. It is very remote and available in the dry season only (June to November). Access is restricted to Monday and Thursday departures from Arusha only. It is not suitable for budget travellers. Ideal for seasoned safari-goers and wildlife enthusiasts. Booking is essential. $$$.
Once an old coffee estate, Rivertrees is now a charming country inn nestled in abundant foliage with the Usa River flowing by. Set in the foothills of Mt Meru, conveniently close to Kilimanjaro International Airport and a short drive to Arusha, its location offers a wealth of natural wonders to explore. Comprising the original Farm House, an elegant River House, luxurious River Cottages, and several beautifully appointed Garden Rooms, it also serves delicious garden-fresh cuisine in its stunningly set restaurant. The swimming pool and spa are tailored for relaxation, and friendly, personalised service ensures a memorable stay, whether for a one-night stopover or much longer.
Katavi National Park
Time to Visit: August to October
High Season: July to October (Katavi is rarely crowded)
Best Weather: June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Wildlife in Katavi:
Elephant
Giraffe
Lion
Buffalo
Abundant Zebra
Common Hippo
Abundant Leopard
Occasional Hyena
Occasional Wildebeest
Very Rare Wild Dog
Rare White Rhino
None Black Rhino
None Cheetah
Mahale Mountain National Park
Best Time to Visit: July to October (Chimp trekking is easy)
High Season: July to October (Mahale is never crowded)
Best Weather: June to October (Almost no rainfall)
Wildlife in Mahale Mountains NP
Chimpanzee Common
Hippo Occasional
Elephant Rare
Giraffe Rare
Leopard Rare
Zebra Rare
Lion Very Rare
Buffalo Rare
White Rhino None
Black Rhino None
Cheetah None
Wildebeest None
Logistics
Your 7 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.
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