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SAFARI ADVENTURES

8 Days Chimpanzee Gombe Trekking and Mahale National Park Safari

This 8-day safari combines chimpanzee trekking in Gombe Stream National Park and the remote wilderness of Mahale Mountains National Park, offering one of the most exclusive primate experiences in Tanzania.

DURATION

8 days

NUMBER OF PEOPLE

PRICE

Trip Overview

This 8-day chimpanzee trekking safari combines two of Tanzania’s most spectacular primate destinations: Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park. It is a rare and exclusive journey designed for travelers who want a deep, immersive experience with wild chimpanzees in untouched rainforest environments along Lake Tanganyika. Your adventure begins in Gombe Stream National Park, a world-famous chimpanzee research site made iconic by Jane Goodall. Here, you explore dense forest trails and enjoy guided chimpanzee trekking experiences, observing their natural behaviors such as feeding, grooming, playing, and social interaction. The park also offers beautiful scenery, birdlife, and peaceful lakeside views. The journey then continues to Mahale Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and pristine wilderness areas. Mahale is home to one of the largest protected chimpanzee populations in the world, offering exceptional trekking opportunities in a dramatic setting where forested mountains meet the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika. This safari provides a perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation. It is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers who want a longer, more exclusive chimpanzee trekking experience in two of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Hotel in Dar es Salaam

Upon arrival at Dar es Salaam, you will be met by your safari representative and transferred to your hotel. You will receive a full briefing about your 8-day chimpanzee trekking safari, including flight schedules, park details, and trekking guidelines. The rest of the day is free for relaxation and preparation.

Day 2: Fly to Gombe Stream National Park – Arrival & Introductory Walk

After breakfast, you take a flight to western Tanzania, followed by a scenic boat ride across Lake Tanganyika to reach Gombe Stream National Park. Upon arrival, you check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, you enjoy a light forest walk introducing you to chimpanzee trekking trails. You may spot chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, baboons, and various bird species. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Full-Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe

After an early breakfast, you enter the rainforest for a full-day chimpanzee trekking experience. Guided by expert rangers, you track chimpanzee families through the forest until you find them.

Once located, you spend extended time observing their behavior such as grooming, feeding, playing, and social interactions. Picnic lunch is enjoyed in the forest or at the lodge depending on trekking distance. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: Final Gombe Trek – Transfer Toward Mahale Region

You begin your day with a final short chimpanzee trek or forest walk in Gombe. After lunch, you transfer by boat and regional connection toward Mahale Mountains National Park, enjoying the scenic beauty of Lake Tanganyika along the way.

Upon arrival, you check in at your lodge or tented camp. Dinner and overnight at Mahale.

Day 5: First Chimpanzee Trek in Mahale Mountains

After breakfast, you begin your first chimpanzee trekking experience in Mahale. This park is famous for its large chimpanzee population and pristine rainforest setting.

You trek through dense forest guided by expert trackers until you locate chimpanzee groups. You observe them feeding, playing, and interacting socially in a breathtaking natural environment. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 6: Full-Day Mahale Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Today is dedicated to a full-day chimpanzee trekking adventure in Mahale. You explore deeper forest areas, increasing your chances of finding different chimpanzee groups.

You enjoy extended observation time, photography, and forest exploration. Optional relaxation at Lake Tanganyika in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 7: Second Trek & Lakeside Relaxation

After breakfast, you enjoy another chimpanzee trekking session in Mahale Mountains. This gives you additional opportunities to observe different behaviors and chimpanzee families.

In the afternoon, you relax by Lake Tanganyika, swim, or take a nature walk along the beach. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 8: Final Morning Trek – Return to Dar es Salaam

After breakfast, you enjoy a final optional chimpanzee trek or short forest walk. Later, you transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam.

Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel or airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 8-day chimpanzee trekking safari in Gombe and Mahale.

Book this 8 Days Chimpanzee Gombe Trekking and Mahale National Park Safari trip

INCLUDED

  • Return domestic flights (Dar es Salaam – western Tanzania – Dar es Salaam)
  • Airport and airstrip transfers in all destinations
  • Boat transfers across Lake Tanganyika (Gombe – Mahale – airstrips)
  • Park entry fees for Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park
  • Accommodation (7 nights in lodge or tented camp)
  • All meals during safari (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Chimpanzee trekking permits for both Gombe and Mahale
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide and park rangers
  • Bottled drinking water during activities
  • Government taxes and conservation fees

NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights to and from Tanzania
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers, boat crew, and lodge staff
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Accommodation before and after the safari in Dar es Salaam unless requested

Why Choose This 8-Day Gombe & Mahale Chimpanzee Safari

This 8-day chimpanzee trekking safari covering Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in Africa, offering a rare combination of two world-class chimpanzee destinations in one journey.

One of the main reasons to choose this safari is the opportunity to visit two different chimpanzee populations in completely unique environments. Gombe offers a famous, research-rich rainforest experience, while Mahale provides a vast, untouched wilderness with one of the largest chimpanzee populations in Africa.

Another key advantage is the extended time for chimpanzee trekking, giving you multiple chances to track, observe, and photograph chimpanzees in both parks. This increases your chances of close and meaningful encounters in their natural habitats.

The safari also stands out for its remote and uncrowded nature, especially in Mahale Mountains National Park. This creates a truly exclusive and peaceful safari experience far away from mass tourism.

It is ideal for serious wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, researchers, honeymooners, and adventure travelers who want a deeper, more rewarding, and unforgettable chimpanzee trekking journey in Tanzania’s most pristine national parks.

Best Time to Visit 8 Days Chimpanzee Gombe Trekking and Mahale National Park Safari

The best time to enjoy this 8-day chimpanzee trekking safari covering Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park is during the dry season from June to October.

During these months, chimpanzee trekking conditions in both parks are at their best. The forest trails are dry and easier to walk on, making trekking more comfortable and increasing your chances of successfully locating chimpanzee families in both Gombe and Mahale.

Wildlife viewing is also excellent because chimpanzees tend to move in more predictable patterns during the dry season, allowing longer and closer observation times. Mahale, in particular, offers outstanding chimpanzee encounters during this period.

Lake Tanganyika is calm and clear, ensuring smooth boat transfers between park areas and offering stunning scenery for photography and relaxation.

The green season from November to May brings lush rainforest scenery and fewer visitors, offering a more private experience. However, heavy rains between March and May can make trekking trails slippery and more challenging.

Overall, June to October is the best time for an 8-day Gombe and Mahale chimpanzee trekking safari, offering the perfect balance of comfort, accessibility, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Contact Us Below

  • info@josmactoursarts.com
  • +255 684 772 756
  • Moshi
  • Arusha
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