10 Days 9 Nights Mahale & Katavi Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

A Journey Into Africa’s Most Untouched Wilderness

Experience one of Africa’s most exclusive adventures—tracking wild chimpanzees in the remote Mahale Mountains and exploring the raw, untouched wilderness of Katavi. This itinerary blends pristine lakes, ancient forests, dramatic wildlife encounters, and unmatched luxury in some of Tanzania’s most hidden gems.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Your Adventure

Your journey begins the moment you step off your flight at Kilimanjaro International Airport. A warm welcome awaits from a Kenan Travel representative who will escort you through the serene landscapes of Arusha to the elegant Arusha Coffee Lodge. Nestled in a lush coffee plantation, this tranquil retreat offers spacious rooms, aromatic air, and an ideal setting to unwind after your travels. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Day 2–4: Fly to Mahale Mountains – Home of Wild Chimpanzees

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha Airport for your scenic cross-country flight to the remote Mahale airstrip. Upon landing, a short but picturesque boat journey across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika brings you to your secluded paradise—Greystoke Mahale. Set at the forest’s edge with a backdrop of emerald mountains, this iconic lodge offers six beautifully crafted open-front bandas, each blending luxury with nature.
For the next three days, immerse yourself in the heart of Mahale. Mornings begin with guided chimpanzee trekking, led by expert trackers who have followed these families for decades. Trek through ancient forests draped in vines as you search for the troop. The moment you meet the chimpanzees is unforgettable—watch them groom, play, call to each other, and leap through branches with effortless grace.
Afternoons are your time to relax or continue exploring: kayak along the glassy lake, snorkel in its clear waters, hike jungle trails in search of butterflies and rare birds, or simply unwind on the beach with panoramic views. Evenings feature sundowners on the dhow followed by candlelit dinners in the sand.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Greystoke Mahale Lodge

Day 5: Return to Arusha – Rest and Reset

Enjoy a final sunrise in Mahale before boarding your boat back to the airstrip for your flight to Arusha. Upon returning, settle once more into the Arusha Coffee Lodge, where the warmth of hospitality and lush gardens offer a welcome break before the next chapter of your adventure.

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Day 6: Fly to Katavi – Tanzania’s Untamed Wilderness

This morning, take a flight into the heart of Katavi National Park, one of Africa’s last remaining untouched frontiers. On arrival, a thrilling game drive brings you to Chada Katavi Camp—your home for the next three nights. This authentic safari camp offers spacious, open-fronted tents with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and breathtaking views of Katavi’s vast plains.
With almost no crowds and enormous wildlife densities, Katavi delivers an old-world safari experience where nature remains wild and uninterrupted.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Chada Katavi Camp

Day 7–8: Explore Katavi – Pure, Raw, Untamed Africa

Spend the next two days discovering the incredible ecosystems that make Katavi famous. Game drives take you to massive herds of buffalo—sometimes thousands strong—along with elephants, hippos crowding the rivers, crocodiles, lions, hyenas, and abundant birdlife.
Guided bushwalks offer the chance to experience Africa up close, learning about tracks, animal behaviors, plant life, and the delicate balance of the wilderness. Katavi’s untouched landscapes create a deep sense of being in a time long before modern development.
Evenings at camp are peaceful, with lantern-lit paths, crackling campfires, and the sounds of the wild surrounding you.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Chada Katavi Camp

Day 9: Return to Arusha – Final Night of Comfort

Fly from Katavi back to Arusha, where you’ll spend your final night at the Arusha Coffee Lodge. Relax, refresh, and enjoy a farewell dinner or take a walk through the peaceful coffee estate as you reflect on your remarkable safari memories.

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Day 10: Departure – Until We Meet Again

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. Carry with you the stories, encounters, and unforgettable moments from two of Africa’s most extraordinary wilderness destinations.

Meal Plan: Breakfast