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!

Reach out

Phone/Whats App +255 788 391 600

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!

Reach out
 
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.

 

Overnight Options:
Arusha

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.

 

View Park:
Katavi NP
Optional Activity:
Overnight Options:
Katavi National Park

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.

 

View Park:
Katavi NP
Optional Activity:
Overnight Options:
Katavi National Park

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.

 

View Park:
Mahale Mountains NP
Optional Activity:
Overnight Options:
Malahe Mountains National Park

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.

 

View Park:
Mahale Mountains NP
Optional Activity:
Overnight Options:
Malahe Mountains National Park

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.

 

Overnight Options:
Arusha

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!