tanzania: safari & chimpanzee trekking

June 27 - July 12, 2024

This is an expedition into some of the remote and rarely visited regions of Tanzania, including the vast northwest parks and reserves.

Even if you’ve seen Tanzania before, we bet you haven’t seen this Tanzania! Just a few hours from Arusha we explore the remote Mkomazi National Park, where black rhinos are the stars of the show. In the iconic Northern Serengeti the Mara River is famous for July’s great migration crossings. In far western Tanzania we will visit both Katavi National Park and Mahale National Park, where in addition to safari game drives our planned activities include chimpanzee trekking in the forests of Mahale, a boat safari, plus birding & forest walks. Katavi also gives us the option of a rare nighttime game drive.

As always, our days will be full, with early-morning and late-afternoon excursions to catch the peak animal activity as well as best lighting for photography. Our accommodations will be a mix of charming lodges and traditional deluxe tented safari camps.

Group size is capped at 8 participants so you may experience the wonders of these parks and preserves without the crowds. The photo opportunities will be unrivaled! 

TOUR LENGTH:
16 days in Tanzania, plus travel days.

GROUP SIZE:
Minimum group size is just 4 participants. Maximum group size is 8 participants. An expert Tanzanian Guide will be with us throughout our stay, plus specialty guides at individual locations.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW:
Day 1: International arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (Arusha)
Day 2: Mkomazi National Park
Day 3: Mkomazi National Park
Day 4: Mkomazi National Park
Day 5: Mkomazi / Katavi National Park
Day 6: Katavi National Park
Day 7: Katavi National Park
Day 8: Katavi / Mahale Mountains National Park
Day 9: Mahale Mountains National Park
Day 10: Mahale Mountains National Park
Day 11: Mahale Mountains National Park
Day 12: Mahale Mountains / Northern Serengeti
Day 13: Northern Serengeti National Park
Day 14: Northern Serengeti National Park
Day 15: Northern Serengeti National Park
Day 16: Northern Serengeti / Arusha/ International departure

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1 (June 27): International Arrival
International arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) Tanzania – most flights will arrive at night. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met outside the customs area by Deus (owner of Beyond Adventures – our local safari experts). Overnight nearby at the hilltop Kia Lodge outside Arusha.

Day 2 (June 28): Mkomazi National Park
After breakfast at our lodge, depart by 4wd safari vehicles heading southeast. Mkomazi National Park is located in northeastern Tanzania below the slopes of the Pare and the Usambara Mountains, roughly 3 hours from Arusha. Adjacent to the Tsavo National Park in Kenya, combined the two parks form the Greater Tsavo Ecosystem with an area of 43,000 square kilometers. Lunch at our camp on arrival in Mkomazi. Later this afternoon we’ll begin exploring this dynamic national park with our first game drive. Dinner and overnight at Babu’s Camp.

Day 3 (June 29): Mkomazi National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives. Mkomazi is a sanctuary for the black rhinoceros, and one of the best places to see them (often up close). The park also hosts a sanctuary for the rare African wild dog (African painted dog) as well. Other highlights include the largest populations of Eland and Gerenuk Antelopes. Dinner and overnight at Babu’s camp.

Day 4 (June 30): Mkomazi National Park
Another day of exploration in Mkomazi National Park. Dinner and overnight at Babu’s camp.

Day 5 (July 1): Mkomazi to Arusha and Katavi National Park
This morning we will enjoy a last game drive as we depart Mkomazi. Arriving back in Arusha we will catch a flight to Katavi National Park. After breakfast, you will catch a short flight to Katavi National Park. Home to some of Tanzania’s largest herds of buffalo, Katavi National Park boasts a wonderful array of habitats from reeded floodplains to open grasslands, dense forests, rivers and lakes. One can witness huge numbers of hippo and crocodiles in the famous Ikuu hippo pool, up to 600+ hippo have been counted. A major highlight of this park is it’s remoteness and very few tourists who visit, making it a spectacular place to go on safari to see wildlife; wildlife often curious and unfamiliar to human contact. Overnight Katavi: Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge.

Days 6 & 7 (July 2 & 3): Katavi National Park
2 full days of game drives in Katavi National Park, exploring the varied habitats. Optional, night game drive. Overnights: Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge

Day 8 (July 4): Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park. The Mahale Mountains National Park is situated on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in the remote part of western Tanzania. The main attraction at Mahale are the resident chimpanzees living the the surrounding mountains. This is the famous habituated M-Group chimps. A truly unique experience awaits the visitor, walking the forests to spend time observing the chimps (visitation time limits are carefully monitored so as to reduce human impact). More than just chimps, the forest is home to other primates, mammals and myriad birds. For birders this is a true paradise. Overnight at Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge.

Day 9 (July 5):  Mahale Mountains National Park
Start the day with a chimpanzee trek. This afternoon we plan for a boat safari on Lake Tanganyika to see the hippos, plus a short river cruise where you might try your hand at the local methods of freshwater fishing. Overnight at Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge.

Day 10 (July 6): Mahale Mountains National Park
Following a leisurely breakfast we will again head into the forests for a chimpanzee trek. This afternoon enjoy a forest walk to observe the wonderful birdlife. Overnight at Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge.

Day 11 (July 7): Mahale Mountains National Park
We return to the forests again this morning, again tracking the chimpanzees. An afternoon boat safari will take us to a neighboring fishing village, Katumbi, for a cultural tour. Overnight at Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge.

Day 12 (July 8): Mahale to Northern Serengeti
After breakfast we will fly to the Northern Serengeti. Our first game drive will be en route to the lodge after landing. Following lunch we will have a late afternoon game drive. This is the Kogatende area, near the River Mara, and we are in the heart of the migration (from June through November), surrounded by an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. We hope to witness at least one migration river crossing while here! Overnight: Mara Mara Tented Lodge.

Days 13, 14 & 15 (July 9, 10 & 11): Northern Serengeti
Continue your explorations of the iconic Northern Serengeti over three full days here - each day filled with unique experiences and discoveries. Lengthy twice-daily safari outings are bracketed early and late for the best lighting and peak wildlife activity. Besides the famous herds of grazers such as wildebeest and zebra, there’s a healthy population of predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards. The wildlife viewing here in this part of the Serengeti is exceptional!  Overnights: Mara Mara Tented Lodge.

Day 16 (July 12): Northern Serengeti / Arusha / international departure
Our last bush flight today will return us to Aursha, in time to connect to evening international flights home (JRO).

This itinerary represents our intended routing. The final routing might be modified based on recent wildlife activity, weather, and accommodation or transportation/flight logistics.

EXPEDITION DETAILS:

June 27-July 12, 2024

EXPEDITION COSTS:
$17,150 per person, double occupancy / $18,500 single occupancy.

For single travelers we are happy to try and schedule a roommate for you. If we fail to find a roommate you will be invoiced at the single rate.

INCLUDED IN EXPEDITION COST:
All lodging in Tanzania; All meals with group in Tanzania, from breakfast on Day 2 through lunch on Day 16; International Airport transfers to coordinate with the Delta/KLM flights from Amsterdam, including meet & greet services; Internal airfare from Arusha to Northern Serengeti, Northern Serengeti to Katavi, Katavi to Mahle, and Mahle to Arusha; National Park & Reserve entrance fees, including special game drive permits with exclusive access; Chimpanzee trekking; Boat safari in Mahale; One night game drive; Private use of specially outfitted 4WD stretched Land Rover or Land Cruisers for our group; Leadership by our expert Tanzanian Tour Leader, plus knowledgeable Tanzanian driver-guides; Unlimited bottled drinking water in your vehicle; Emergency Flying Doctor in-country insurance; All gratuities to safari driver/guides, porters, lodge/restaurant staff; Pre-departure materials & map.

NOT INCLUDED IN EXPEDITION COST:
International airfare to and from Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO); international arrival/departure transfers except as noted; passport or visa fees; mandatory travel insurance (evacuation insurance required); travel inoculations or medications; Items of a personal nature, such as laundry services, telephone or WiFi charges, or room service; Excess baggage charges; Alcoholic beverages or sodas.   

BOOKING TERMS:
A 25% deposit is required to confirm space on this expedition. A second 25% deposit will be due 6 months prior to departure. The remaining balance will be due 90 days before departure.  Due to the limited space at the lodges, pre-payments in Tanzania, and the general expense of operating in these remote destinations all deposits and payments are non-refundable.  For this reason we strongly recommend purchasing Trip Cancellation Insurance: a comprehensive International Travel Protection Insurance package is available through GALAPAGOS TRAVEL to all U.S. residents – you will receive a policy application along with your deposit receipt.

DOCUMENTATION:
You will need a current passport to travel to Tanzania, valid for at least 6 months after the trip. In addition Tanzania requires a tourist visa from most countries, including the U.S. (although the process is remarkably fast).  If arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country a vaccination certificate is required.

Covid test requirements are ever-changing, but travelers currently may enter Tanzania with either proof of full vaccination, or a recent PCR test result.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Accommodations have been selected to give the best access to the places we really want to be for the fullest wildlife experience. They are a mix of traditional hotels, permanent and mobile tented camps. Accommodations are in doubles, with a very limited number of singles available at a surcharge.

The Kia Lodge (1 night) is situated on a secluded hilltop just minutes from the Kilimanjaro International Airport, with views of Mt Kilimanjaro in the distance. Accommodations are in traditionally styled brick and thatch cottages. Rooms have private bathrooms, ceiling fans, air conditioning, safe, and mosquito nets. The landscaped grounds include a pool, and free WiFi. https://www.moivaro.com/?page_id=92

Babu’s Camp (3 nights) is a charming semi-permanent tent camp built in the foothills overlooking the expanse of Mkomazi National Park. The lovely tents are on elevated stone platforms with thatched roofs overhead, and each includes en suite facilities and a front veranda. Meals are served in a deluxe dining tent.

The Mara Mara Tented Lodge (4 nights) is located in Northern Serengeti, close to the river Mara. The lodge consists of 16 deluxe tents, on raised wood platforms, each with a private terrace overlooking the savannah. All have en suite facilities, fans & mosquito nets. A Main House includes lounges, restaurant, view deck and swimming pool (WiFi available). https://twctanzania.com/accommodation/mara-mara-tented-lodge/

Mbali Mbali Katavi Tented Lodge (3 nights) is located is in the center of the Katavi National Park. Here you may savor an exciting bush experience with deluxe accommodations (just 10 deluxe tents, all with private facilities) and breathtaking views over the vast Katisunga plains. Additional amenities include a pool and free WiFi. https://www.mbalimbali.com/#lodges

Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge (4 nights) is located along the beautiful shore of Lake Tanganyika, where the lush green forests meet the crystal clear waters. Accommodations are in 10 elevated beachside deluxe tents, each under thatch, with view decks. Accommodations have private facilities, including indoor rain showers, 24-hour electricity, and mosquito nets. The central lodge building is an easy stroll along the beach from cabins. Kayaks are available on the lake for those that are feeling adventuresome! https://www.mbalimbali.com/#lodges

Most accommodations offer same-day laundry service if clothes are dropped off in the morning.

Please note that all accommodations are subject to final confirmation based on availability – comparable hotels will be substituted as required. 

LEADERSHIP

This exclusive safari has been designed by, and will be led by, Tanzania native Deus Haraja. Now a resident of the U.S., Deus has been guiding in his homeland for more than 20 years. Today he returns just a few times each year, leading specialized groups with a focus on wildlife, photography and anthropology. Both individual travelers and groups who want the best experience possible seek Deus out. Recent clients have included PBS, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

In addition game drives will be led by expert local driver/guides with a passion for the wildlife and sharing it with us. 

AIR ARRANGEMENTS
No carriers fly directly between North America and Tanzania. The easiest connection is with KLM (a codeshare with Delta), via Amsterdam, to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO). Included airport transfers in Tanzania will coordinate with this flight (transfer connections with all other flights can be arranged at an extra cost).

The internal flights – Arusha/Northern Serengeti, Northern Serengeti/Mahle, Mahle/ Katavi, and Katavi/Dar es Salaam – are included in the tour cost.  On these internal flights the luggage allowance is one checked piece (33 pounds maximum) plus a small carry on, per person. 

WEATHER EXPECTATIONS
June/July is the dry season in Tanzania and temperatures can be warm. Water levels in the lakes should be high.

Neither Galapagos Travel nor Beyond Adventures LLC can be held responsible for any delays caused by international or domestic flights, lost or delayed baggage, strikes, government regulations, weather or volcanic activity, or other circumstances beyond our control.  In such an event if we are unable to operate the services according to the schedule described we will attempt to substitute services of equivalent value. If we are unable to do so, participants may be responsible for additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control. 

Photos by Deus Haraja, July 2022..