8-Day Gombe & Mahale Safari | Tanzania Chimpanzee Trekking Tour

Welcome to Tanzania!

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Dar es Salaam.

After your journey, this first day is designed for rest and relaxation, allowing you to settle in comfortably before your adventure to western Tanzania begins. Dar es Salaam, located along the Indian Ocean coast, offers a relaxed atmosphere and serves as the main gateway to Tanzania’s remote destinations.

You will stay at Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam (or similar), a comfortable hotel offering a peaceful environment, ocean views, and modern amenities. Spend the rest of the day at leisure — relax by the pool, enjoy the coastal surroundings, or simply unwind after your international flight.

This overnight stay ensures a smooth connection for your domestic flight to Kigoma the following day.

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam (or similar)

After breakfast at your hotel in Dar es Salaam, you will be transferred to the airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Kigoma, a remote lakeside town on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

The flight offers a unique aerial perspective of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, from coastal plains to vast inland regions, highlighting the scale and beauty of the country. Upon arrival in Kigoma, you will immediately feel the difference — a quieter, less-traveled destination far from the usual safari routes.

You will be transferred to your hotel, located near the shores of Lake Tanganyika, one of the longest and deepest freshwater lakes in the world.

You will stay at Lake Tanganyika Hotel (or similar), a comfortable and well-located hotel offering views of the lake and a relaxed atmosphere.

The rest of the day is at leisure — you may relax at the hotel, take a walk along the lakeshore, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you prepare for your chimpanzee trekking experience in Gombe the following day.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will transfer to the shores of Lake Tanganyika for a scenic boat journey to Gombe Stream National Park.

The boat ride itself is a memorable experience, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains as you approach this small but world-famous park. Gombe is best known for the pioneering chimpanzee research conducted by Jane Goodall, and remains one of the best places in Africa to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Upon arrival, you will begin your guided chimpanzee trekking experience through the forest. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, you will hike along forest trails in search of habituated chimpanzee families. The trek can vary in length depending on the location of the chimps, but the experience is always rewarding.

Once you find them, you will have the opportunity to observe the chimpanzees up close — watching them feed, groom, play, and interact within their social groups. This intimate wildlife encounter is one of the most unique and memorable experiences in Africa.

After your trek, return to camp or lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may enjoy time by the lake, short nature walks, or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings.

Wake up to the sounds of the forest in Gombe Stream National Park and enjoy breakfast at your lodge before setting out for another day of chimpanzee trekking.

Today offers a second opportunity to explore different parts of the forest and follow the movements of the chimpanzee groups. Each trek is unique, as the chimps roam freely through the hills and valleys of Gombe, making every encounter a new and exciting experience.

Guided by experienced rangers, you will hike through the forest trails, learning more about chimpanzee behavior, their social structures, and the delicate ecosystem they inhabit. You may also encounter other wildlife, including various monkey species and a rich diversity of birdlife.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy a slower pace — relax along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, take in the peaceful surroundings, or explore short nature trails around the area. The combination of forest and lake makes Gombe a truly unique destination.

As the day comes to an end, enjoy dinner and your final night in this remarkable natural setting.

Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast at your lodge in Gombe Stream National Park, you will begin your journey toward Mahale Mountains National Park.

You will first transfer back to Kigoma by boat along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, followed by a longer scenic boat transfer south along the lake to Mahale. This journey is one of the most unique travel experiences in Tanzania, offering stunning views of the mountains, remote beaches, and the vast, crystal-clear waters of the lake.

As you approach Mahale, you will see the dramatic forested mountains rising directly from the shoreline — a truly breathtaking sight that marks your arrival in one of Africa’s most remote and pristine national parks.

Upon arrival, you will check in at Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, a comfortable lodge set along a secluded beach with beautiful views of Lake Tanganyika.

After lunch, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings — swim in the clear waters of the lake, unwind on the beach, or simply take in the incredible scenery.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge and prepare for your chimpanzee trekking experience in Mahale the following day.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge (Mid-range / Best Available Lodge)

Wake up to the sounds of nature in Mahale Mountains National Park and enjoy breakfast at Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge before setting out for your chimpanzee trekking experience.

Mahale is considered one of the best places in Africa to observe chimpanzees in the wild, offering a more remote and less crowded experience compared to other locations. The forest here is dense and pristine, creating an authentic and immersive trekking environment.

Accompanied by experienced guides and park rangers, you will hike through the forest in search of habituated chimpanzee groups. The trek can vary in duration depending on the movement of the chimps, but the reward is unforgettable.

Once located, you will spend time observing the chimpanzees up close — watching their interactions, grooming behavior, feeding habits, and playful movements. The experience is both intimate and fascinating, offering a rare connection with one of our closest relatives in the wild.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, enjoy the tranquil setting of Mahale — you may relax on the beach, swim in the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, or simply take in the peaceful surroundings of this remote paradise.

As the sun sets over the lake and mountains, enjoy dinner at the lodge and reflect on one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Africa.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge 

After breakfast at Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, you will begin your journey back to Kigoma by boat along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

This scenic transfer offers another opportunity to take in the beauty of the lake, with its clear waters, remote beaches, and forested mountains creating a peaceful and memorable setting.

Upon arrival in Kigoma, you will be transferred to your hotel.

You will stay at Lake Tanganyika Hotel (or similar), offering a comfortable lakeside setting and a relaxed atmosphere.

The rest of the day is at leisure — you may unwind at the hotel, enjoy views of the lake, or take a quiet walk along the shoreline as you reflect on your journey through western Tanzania.

This evening provides a calm and comfortable end to your safari experience before your return to Dar es Salaam.

Meal Plan: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lake Tanganyika Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast at your hotel in Kigoma, you will be transferred to the airport for your scheduled domestic flight back to Dar es Salaam.

Upon arrival, connect with your international flight for departure, marking the end of your journey through western Tanzania.

As your safari concludes, you leave with unforgettable memories of chimpanzee trekking in Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park, along with the stunning landscapes of Lake Tanganyika.

If you are planning another adventure, explore our Tanzania safari options for more tailor-made experiences across the country.

We thank you for choosing Oreteti Safari and look forward to welcoming you again for another African experience.