Tanzania Western Circuit Holiday

Arrive in Dar es Salaam (DAR) and transfer to your accommodation for check-in and rest.

On arrival you will be transferd to your aaccommodation for luggae drop off before exploring the historic town of Kigoma. You will visit historical and cultural sites, including Ujiji, one of the oldest towns on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and famously associated with the meeting of David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley. Relax by the lakeshore for an afternoon soaking up the local atmosphere before returning to your accommodation.

Early morning transfer by boat along Lake Tanganyika to Gombe National Park, one of the smallest and most famous national parks of Tanzania. Gombe is renowned for its wild chimpanzees and the long history of chimpanzee research. Take a guided forest walk looking for chimpanzees and other forest wildlife and bird species. Later, boat back to Kigoma.

After breakfast, we will depart Kigoma for the full day journey to Mahale Mountains National Park, on the remote eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika.

The trip takes us through the remote landscapes of western Tanzania and offers you a glimpse of the region's rural communities and beautiful scenery. The final section involves a boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika to reach your TANAPA accommodation. Guests looking for a more luxurious experience can also opt for upgraded accommodation and arrangements as part of a custom itinerary.

On arrival in Mahale, check into your accommodation and spend some time relaxing by the lake, soaking in the peaceful surroundings and spectacular orange hues of the sunset over Lake Tanganyika.

Two full days to explore the stunning Mahale Mountains National Park, one of the most remote and rewarding wilderness destinations in Tanzania.

The main theme will be trekking in search of wild chimpanzees, venturing into the forest with expert guides/rangers. Watch for other primates, forest mammals and the Mahale Mountains’ diverse birdlife as you go.

There will be time to take in the natural beauty of Lake Tanganyika, with the opportunity to relax on the lakeshore and, depending on conditions and arrangements, to explore the lake by boat or participate in other water-based activities.

Each evening, return to the lakeside setting to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, spectacular sunsets, and untouched wilderness of Mahale.

After breakfast we will leave Mahale and begin the full day journey toward Katavi National Park. We’ll pass through the remote landscapes of western Tanzania and the journey will take most of the day.

The journey is part of the experience, with time to enjoy the remote scenery, rural communities, and landscapes of western Tanzania.

We would expect to arrive in the Katavi area in the evening, check into our accommodation, have dinner and rest up for the following days of exploring the park.

We will spend two full days exploring the wilderness of Katavi National Park, one of Tanzania’s most remote and least-visited national parks.

Katavi is a true wilderness experience far from the crowds with its vast open plains, the magnificent Katuma River, and the seasonal Lake Katavi and Lake Chada floodplains. Game drives will take us through these varied habitats in search of the park’s abundant wildlife. We will see large herds of buffalo, elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelope, as well as predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and other carnivores.

We will have two full days in the park to explore different areas, follow wildlife activity, and take advantage of the best opportunities for memorable wildlife encounters as they arise.

Morning game drive, followed by a late breakfast before departing the park and continuing toward Kipili, a peaceful lakeside destination.

Upon arrival in Kipili, we will check in to your accommodation and spend the remainder of the day relaxing by the tranquil waters of Lake Tanganyika, right in front of your cabin.

Optional activities such as swimming, snorkeling, an island excursion to see endemic cichlids and unique rock formations, or a hike to the historic Old Monastery, home to Tanzania’s oldest inland church.

In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise with a sundowner drink, followed by a campfire on the lodge’s private beach.

You can also visit and learn about the local conservation project called Sustain Lake Tanganyika, which works to protect the lake's unique ecosystem.

Bid farewell in Kipili with breakfast as we prepare to start our journey to either Mpanda or Shinyanga airport, where you will connect with your onward travel to Dar es Salaam.