8-day Flying Safari in Western Tanzania
Katavi & Mahale Mountains
Katavi and Mahale Mountains perfectly combine a bush-and-beach experience far off the crowds! Travel to Tanzania’s most remote and exclusive safari destinations! Explore the vast Katavi plains filled with wildlife and encounter free-living chimpanzees in Mahale. All combined with an incredible beach stay at Lake Tanganyika with sundowners and barbeques around an open campfire!
Tour Style
flying safari with activities via the lodges
Tour Duration
8 days, 7 nights (departures: Mondays or Thursdays)
Expectations
large variety of wildlife in Katavi incl. crocodiles, hippos and savannah game
chimpanzees trekking in the lush tropical forest of Mahale Mountains
activities: boat & walking safaris, game drives, fishing, kayaking & swimming
perfect combination of adventure & relaxation off the major touristic routes
National Parks
Katavi National Park
Lake Tanganyika
Mahale Mountains National Park
Activities
Game Drives
Chimpanzee Trekking
Physical Rating
Moderate to Strenuous – chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains
Interested? Talk to an expert!
Sandra
As an adventurous European travel is in my blood! Tanzania is a fascinating country with so much to explore! It’s a pleasure to share my insider knowledge and offer first-hand advise. I take the time to listen to your ideas and create a unique safari adventure out of these – tailored to your indivudal requirements and designed just for you!
Not sure if this itinerary is suitable for you? You have questions or missing a particular activity? Don’t worry we are here to assist!
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Not sure – Talk to an expert
Michael
Let me show you my stunning home country and discover the true Tanzania – authentic and first-hand with a native at your side! As a Tanzanian myself, I am intimately familiar with the local conditions. With my experience in the bush and my passioan for wildlife, I will happily design an itinerary based on your travel interests.
You have any questions or are unsure if Tanzania is the right travel destination for you? Get in touch for a first chat to discuss your requirements!
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Phone/Whats App +255 787 298 159
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). After you have passed the passport control, you will be met by your professional safari guide outside the terminal and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha (driving distance depending on your overnight choice between 45 minutes to 1 hour). Enjoy a welcome dinner and a relaxing evening before starting your Tanzania adventure on the next morning.
Day 1 – Monday: Flight to Katavi National Park
Shared flight from Arusha to Katavi National Park. Enjoy the incredible views out of the window and get a first feeling for this remote and untouched part of Tanzania! A warm welcome in Katavi and transfer to your camp for the safari briefing, followed by a hot lunch and short siesta. Enjoy a first game drive in Katavi National Park. Includes meals: lunch and dinner.
Day 2 and 3: Katavi National Park
Explore Katavi during the next two days on game drives! Especially during the dry season, the remaining waterholes are filled with crocodiles and hippos. Encounter huge herds of buffaloes and elephants and try to spot giraffes, impalas, waterbuck and zebras. Lions are a common sight as well as cheetah, hyena and leopards. Great wildlife encounters – what a fantastic safari experience! Includes meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4 – Thursday: Flight to Mahale Mountains National Park
Shared flight from Katavi to Mahale Mountains. Arrival at the airstrip and traditional 1,5-hour dhow boat transfer to the lodge. A warm welcome in Mahale, safari briefing, followed by a hot lunch. Take a first stroll through the lush forest in the afternoon and your local guide will explain more about the flora and fauna that crosses your trail. Included meals: breakfast, picnic-lunch and dinner.
Day 5 to 7: Mahale Mountains National Park
Spend the next three days in Mahale and enjoy one chimpanzee trek per day (usually during the morning hours). The rest of the day is at leisure. Kayaks are available to explore the lake shore. Your stay also includes one boat safari – option to take a short river cruise and try your luck at fishing; or visit the nearby fishing village Katumbi for a cultural tour. Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8 – Monday: Return flight to Arusha
After breakfast dhow boat transfer back to Mahale Airstrip for the shared flight via Katavi and Tabora back to Arusha Airport (ARK) with picnic-lunch with arrival in the late afternoon. Included meals: breakfast and picnic-lunch.
Beach Extensions
Would you like to extend your safari on the mainland of Tanzania with a beach holiday? Tanzania offers some fantastic beach stays directly on the Indian Ocean.
Mafia Island
Mafia Island is a sleepy island located just south of Zanzibar – an exclusive hideaway if you wish to escape the crowds. It is a diver’s paradise, and the marine park offers a large variety of dive options. From September the March is whale shark season – a great adventure to be experienced by snorkeling or scuba diving. Accommodations are limited but provide you with everything you need – excellent quality and service!
Pemba Island
Pemba Island is located just north of Zanzibar. A completely off-the-beaten-track getaway awaits you – quiet and easy-going. It is well known for its diving – incredible dive walls, drop-offs and rich coral gardens. If beach-lounging was what you had in mind, take note that the beaches are not as perfect as in Zanzibar, but there are sandbanks nearby. Only a few scattered properties are found here – simple and rustic, but with a fantastic service!
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is everything you imagine of an Indian Ocean Island – beautiful white beaches lined with palm trees and azure-blue waters. It is the most easily accessible island with a short flight from the main land. Various activities apart from sunbathing are available including the historic Stone Town and Spice Tour, Kitesurfing or Dhow Cruises. A large variety of accommodation options that suit every style, budget and desire!