9 Days 8 Nights Mahale & Katavi Chimpanzee Trekking

Delight in the curious antics of chimpanzees at Mahale Mountains National Park.

The Essence of Chimpanzee trekking itinerary at a Glance

Tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat is a truly inspirational, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Stay at a beautiful secluded beach camp on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and venture up into the mountain forests of Mahale, home to one of Africa’s last remaining wild chimpanzee populations, for an unforgettable adventure. This is primate paradise.

Day 1: Arusha

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be received by a member of the Kenan Travel team, who will transfer you to the Arusha Coffee Lodge for the night, experiencing luxurious accommodation cradled in endless acres of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation.

Day 2 to 4: Mahale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Arusha airport for your morning five-hour flight to Mahale. Your adventure begins with a boat transfer to Greystoke Mahale – your base for the next three nights, situated on a white sandy beach at the foot of the Mahale Mountains overlooking glistening Lake Tanganyika. In the Mahale Mountains National Park, there are still no roads, so this camp is truly secluded.

Your accommodation here is in one of just six wood and thatch open-fronted ‘bandhas’, located at the edge of the forest with views toward the lake and mountains, each with its private bathroom with hot water, shower, and flush toilet, accessed by a short boardwalk. The bandas also have a dressing room and upstairs relaxation deck – and provide complete comfort while remaining in perfect harmony with the natural environment.

Chimpanzee trekking is generally conducted in the mornings, with resident guides and trackers leading small groups to seek out the various chimp families amongst the stunning forest scenery. Guides have tracked chimpanzees in this remarkable environment for over 20 years, getting to know their unique characters, family history, relationships, and friendships. The anticipation and the journey to find the chimpanzees are all part of the adventure – and though the primates traverse this terrain easily, you should prepare for potential rock scrambling and arduous walking! You may discover yourself silently tracking these remarkable primates in front of you, only to suddenly realize that they are all around you, going about their daily activities with an air of nonchalance.

If you’re fortunate, you may witness young chimps engaging in playful antics and grooming, while adult chimps feed and swing gracefully through the vines. Once you’ve located them, you’ll spend an hour in the company of these remarkable creatures before returning to camp, filled with a profound sense of awe and excitement. Besides chimpanzees, you might also have the opportunity to spot leopards, bush pigs, and bushbuck.

Following your return to the camp for lunch, your afternoons can be Occupied with additional chimpanzee tracking, as well as activities such as fishing, snorkeling, or swimming in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Hike forest paths in search of birds and butterflies, swim in mountain waterfalls, go kayaking on the lake – or relax on the beach. After inspiring and rewarding days, enjoy sundowners on the old wooden dhow or the rocks at the end of the beach and swap stories over dinner in the mess banda on the beach.

Day 5: Arusha

Morning boat transfer to Mahale airstrip for your five-hour flight back to Arusha. On arrival, return to the Arusha Coffee Lodge for a further night.

Day 6: Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your onward flight. You can extend this trip to Katavi as below.

Day 7: Katavi National Park

Take a morning boat transfer to the Mahale airstrip for your flight to Katavi National Park in western Tanzania. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive to Chada Camp, the back to your base for three nights. This camp offers six open-fronted tents with en-suite bathrooms. Spend your days bushwalking and observing buffalo, elephants, hippos, and more.