Chimpanzee Wilderness Safari Experience
A 7 night / 8 day safari taking in 2 dramatic parks that rise up from the shores of Lake Tanganyika and home to Chimpanzees –  Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Streams National Park.Â
This is an excellent safari to experience and learn about these amazing primates as it includes Chimpanzee trekking through the forest. The safari also includes a visit to the oldest town in Western Tanzania, once home to Dr David Livingstone.
Accommodation is at Mbali Mbali Mahale, Kigoma Hilltop Hotel and Mbali Mbali Gombe.
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- Mahale Arrival: Begin with a thrilling shared charter flight from Arusha Airport to Mahale Airstrip. Afterward, embark on an enchanting dhow boat transfer to your lodge. Enjoy a warm welcome, lunch, and explore with afternoon chimpanzee trekking or forest walks.
- Chimpanzee Encounters: Delight in multiple chimpanzee trekking adventures, observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for scrumptious hot lunches and leisurely afternoons, perfect for kayaking.
- Transition to Gombe: Travel by boat to Mahale Airstrip, then embark on a shared charter flight to Kigoma Airport. After a brief airport transfer, another dhow boat journey takes you to Mbali Mbali Gombe. Enjoy more chimpanzee trekking and forest walks.
- Gombe Explorations: Dive into the world of Gombe Streams National Park. Each day begins with exciting chimpanzee trekking followed by optional activities like boat safaris and kayaking. Immerse yourself in this pristine environment.
- Kigoma Farewell: Bid adieu to Gombe Streams with a scenic dhow boat transfer to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel. Enjoy leisure time, perhaps by the pool, and savor a delightful dinner. The next day, depart from Kigoma Airport with cherished memories.
- Shared air charter Arusha / Mahale / Kigoma / Arusha (Min 4 seats for flight to operate, supplement to apply if less than 04 passengers).
- Full Board accommodation and meals, selection of house beverages, soft drinks and water, packed lunch on departure day, all park fees and government taxes, laundry, vehicle and boat airstrip transfers, internal flights with total luggage allowance of 15kgs per person.
- Guided chimpanzee trek once per day (Mbali Mbali Mahale and Mbali Mbali Gombe), guided forest walks (Mbali Mbali Mahale and Mbali Mbali Gombe), and one boat safari per stay (Mbali Mbali Mahale).
- Kigoma Hilltop Hotel stay includes accommodation and breakfast only. Please note Kigoma Hilltop Hotel is a dry property. No alcoholic beverages are served; guests are free to purchase and consume their drinks in the privacy of their own rooms.
LENGTH
7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
ALL YEAR
FROM
US$ 6,919
Chimpanzee Wilderness Safari Experience
A 7 night / 8 day safari taking in 2 dramatic parks that rise up from the shores of Lake Tanganyika and home to Chimpanzees –  Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Streams National Park.
This is an excellent safari to experience and learn about these amazing primates as it includes Chimpanzee trekking through the forest. The safari also includes a visit to the oldest town in Western Tanzania, once home to Dr David Livingstone. Accommodation is at Mbali Mbali Mahale, Kigoma Hilltop Hotel and Mbali Mbali Gombe.
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- Mahale Arrival: Begin with a thrilling shared charter flight from Arusha Airport to Mahale Airstrip. Afterward, embark on an enchanting dhow boat transfer to your lodge. Enjoy a warm welcome, lunch, and explore with afternoon chimpanzee trekking or forest walks.
- Chimpanzee Encounters: Delight in multiple chimpanzee trekking adventures, observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for scrumptious hot lunches and leisurely afternoons, perfect for kayaking.
- Transition to Gombe: Travel by boat to Mahale Airstrip, then embark on a shared charter flight to Kigoma Airport. After a brief airport transfer, another dhow boat journey takes you to Mbali Mbali Gombe. Enjoy more chimpanzee trekking and forest walks.
- Gombe Explorations: Dive into the world of Gombe Streams National Park. Each day begins with exciting chimpanzee trekking followed by optional activities like boat safaris and kayaking. Immerse yourself in this pristine environment.
- Kigoma Farewell: Bid adieu to Gombe Streams with a scenic dhow boat transfer to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel. Enjoy leisure time, perhaps by the pool, and savor a delightful dinner. The next day, depart from Kigoma Airport with cherished memories.
- Shared air charter Arusha / Mahale / Kigoma / Arusha (Min 4 seats for flight to operate, supplement to apply if less than 04 passengers).
- Full Board accommodation and meals, selection of house beverages, soft drinks and water, packed lunch on departure day, all park fees and government taxes, laundry, vehicle and boat airstrip transfers, internal flights with total luggage allowance of 15kgs per person.
- Guided chimpanzee trek once per day (Mbali Mbali Mahale and Mbali Mbali Gombe), guided forest walks (Mbali Mbali Mahale and Mbali Mbali Gombe), and one boat safari per stay (Mbali Mbali Mahale).
- Kigoma Hilltop Hotel stay includes accommodation and breakfast only. Please note Kigoma Hilltop Hotel is a dry property. No alcoholic beverages are served; guests are free to purchase and consume their drinks in the privacy of their own rooms.
LENGTH
7 nights / 8 days
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
ALL YEAR
FROM
US$5,098
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
Tour Experiences
Day 1: Arusha / Mahale Mountains National Park
Morning Shared Charter Flight from Arusha Airport to Mahale Airstrip. Dhow boat transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to the lodge. Staff welcome and introductions followed by lunch. Afternoon/early evening chimpanzee trekking or forest walks (if time allows). Evening sundowners, dinner, and overnight at Mbali Mbali Mahale.
Day 2: Mahale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 3: Mahale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure perhaps to kayak. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Mahale Mountains National Park / Gombe Streams National Park
After breakfast, morning boat transfer to Mahale Airstrip. Shared Charter Flight from Mahale Airstrip to Kigoma Airport. Airport transfer from Kigoma Airport to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel. Dhow boat transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to the lodge. Staff welcome and introductions followed by lunch. Afternoon/early evening chimpanzee trekking or forest walks (if time allows). Evening sundowners, dinner, and overnight at Mbali Mbali Gombe.
Day 5: Gombe Streams National Park
After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure perhaps to kayak. Book an optional Boat Safari. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 6: Gombe Streams National Park
After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure perhaps to kayak. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 7: Gombe Streams National Park / Kigoma
After breakfast, morning dhow boat transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel. Spend your afternoon at leisure perhaps by the swimming pool and then have dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overnight at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel.
Day 8: Kigoma / Depart
After breakfast, proceed on an airport transfer to Kigoma Airport. Depart with Shared Charter Flight to Arusha Airport with packed lunch.
Tour Experiences
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Day 1: Arusha / Mahale Mountains National Park
Morning Shared Charter Flight from Arusha Airport to Mahale Airstrip. Dhow boat transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to the lodge. Staff welcome and introductions followed by lunch. Afternoon/early evening chimpanzee trekking or forest walks (if time allows). Evening sundowners, dinner, and overnight at Mbali Mbali Mahale.
Day 2: Mahale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 3: Mahale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure perhaps to kayak. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Mahale Mountains National Park / Gombe Streams National Park
After breakfast, morning boat transfer to Mahale Airstrip. Shared Charter Flight from Mahale Airstrip to Kigoma Airport. Airport transfer from Kigoma Airport to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel. Dhow boat transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to the lodge. Staff welcome and introductions followed by lunch. Afternoon/early evening chimpanzee trekking or forest walks (if time allows). Evening sundowners, dinner, and overnight at Mbali Mbali Gombe.
Day 5: Gombe Streams National Park
After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure perhaps to kayak. Book an optional Boat Safari. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 6: Gombe Streams National Park
After breakfast, depart for morning chimpanzee trekking. Return to the lodge for hot lunch. Afternoon at leisure perhaps to kayak. Evening sundowners, dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 7: Gombe Streams National Park / Kigoma
After breakfast, morning dhow boat transfer (approx. 1.5 hours) to Kigoma Hilltop Hotel. Spend your afternoon at leisure perhaps by the swimming pool and then have dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overnight at Kigoma Hilltop Hotel.
Day 8: Kigoma / Depart
After breakfast, proceed on an airport transfer to Kigoma Airport. Depart with Shared Charter Flight to Arusha Airport with packed lunch.
What Our Clients Say About Us
In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our clients’ feedback.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Tanzania.
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.
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Rachel Chambers
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.comÂ
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Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.Â
Sally Wanjau
Hello, I am Sally Wanjau, and I have been travelling to Kenya on safari since the 1980’s which led to me living and working there for several years. Married to a Kenyan, it is a place that I now call home. I currently live in the UK with my husband. For a number of years, I ran my own safari business as an agent working closely with Gamewatchers Safaris creating unique and tailor-made holidays for my clients, and in 2017 I joined Gamewatchers Safaris full-time as one of their dedicated team of Safari Advisers.
Having travelled extensively throughout East, South and Southern Africa, I remain passionate about Kenya, my love of which is fed by my many fantastic wildlife experiences at the Porini Camps.
You can contact me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250

Wayne Hammond
Wayne Hammond
Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer. Â
If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985.Â
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.comÂ
Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or by phone at +91 801 788 5256
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Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Tanzania.
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



Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.com
Let’s connect and embark on a journey through Africa’s wild wonders together.
Andrea Landaeta
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendors of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges. I’m based in Bangalore, India, and you can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or reach me by phone at +91 801 788 5256, including WhatsApp. Let’s embark on a journey to celebrate the beauty and conservation of our natural world together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call +61 419 175 672
Kristy Thomson