7 Day Western Tanzania Safari at Katavi and Mahale Mountains National Parks

Daily itinerary

Day 1: Into the wild - Fly Dar to Mpanda, transfer to Katavi

Your adventure begins with a scenic flight from Dar es Salaam to Mpanda, the gateway to Tanzania’s western wilderness. Upon arrival, a short drive leads you into the heart of Katavi National Park, where you will settle into a luxurious safari lodge tucked away in nature. After lunch and a rest, head out for an afternoon game drive across the vast, wildlife-rich floodplains. As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy a classic safari sundowner with drinks and snacks at a scenic lookout - a perfect introduction to the raw beauty of Katavi.

• Activities: Game drive, sundowners
• Hotel: Ihama Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast

Day 2: Remote safari paradise - Full-day game drives in Katavi

Today is dedicated to exploring Katavi’s pristine and untouched wilderness. Begin early with a morning game drive, tracking massive herds of buffalo, elephant, and zebra. You will traverse miombo woodlands, marshy plains, and riverbeds where crocodiles and hippos gather in large numbers. After a leisurely lunch and siesta at camp, head back out for an afternoon game drive. For the adventurous, a guided walking safari can be arranged to encounter the bush on foot. Your expert guide will interpret tracks, birdcalls, and hidden animal behavior.

• Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives, optional walking safari
• Hotel: Ihama Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3: Lake of Legends - Fly to Mahale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, board a light aircraft and enjoy spectacular aerial views as you fly to Mahale Mountains National Park, a jewel set on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. On arrival, a boat transfer across the sparkling waters brings you to your lodge nestled by the beach. Take the afternoon to unwind—perhaps a dip in the lake or reading on a hammock with panoramic views. Later, enjoy a traditional dhow cruise at sunset, floating peacefully across the lake while sipping a drink and absorbing the tranquility.

• Activities: Lake shore Village Tour, sunset dhow cruise
• Hotel: Sokwe Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4: Face to face with chimpanzees - Primate trekking and forest walks

Start the day with an early morning chimpanzee trek into the lush Mahale Mountains. Accompanied by expert guides, you will track and observe a habituated troop of wild chimps—an intimate and moving wildlife experience. The trek can range from a short walk to a few hours, depending on their location. After lunch at the lodge, head back into the forest on foot to discover hidden waterfalls and spot rare monkeys, colorful birds, and vibrant butterflies. Return for a lakeside dinner and storytelling around the fire.

• Activities: Chimpanzee trek, forest and waterfall hike
• Hotel: Sokwe Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 5: Waters of the wild - Kayaking and cultural encounters

Today offers a mix of water and cultural adventures. Begin with another opportunity to track chimpanzees or take a guided lakeshore walk to observe birds and wildlife near the beach. After lunch, enjoy kayaking or snorkeling in the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, home to unique cichlid fish. As the day winds down, visit a nearby Tongwe community (where available), learning about traditional customs, beliefs, and their deep connection with the Mahale forest. Finish with a starlit dinner on the beach.

• Activities: Chimp trek or birding walk, kayaking or snorkeling, cultural visit
• Hotel: Sokwe Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 6: Back to big game - Fly to Katavi and game drive

After a final breakfast by the lake, transfer by boat and flight back to Katavi National Park. Once again immersed in the wild savannah, you will check into your camp and set out for one more thrilling afternoon game drive. Track lions on the prowl, elephants on the move, or witness a hippo showdown at a shrinking waterhole. Toast your final night in Tanzania’s wilderness with sundowners and a delicious campfire dinner under the stars—sharing stories with fellow travelers and guides.

• Activities: Flight to Katavi, afternoon game drive
• Hotel: Ihama Lodge
• Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 7: Farewell to the wild - Fly to Dar es Salaam

Enjoy a relaxed morning and a final breakfast in the bush. Take in the sounds of the wild one last time before flying from Katavi (Mpanda) back to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, you can connect to your onward flight or choose to stay overnight in the city. If time permits, browse local crafts or souvenirs at the lodge gift shop before departure—a perfect memento of your journey into Tanzania’s remote and majestic western circuit.

• Activities: Scenic flight, optional souvenir shopping

About the safari

Begin your journey in Katavi National Park, one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets. Teeming with wildlife and blissfully crowd-free, Katavi delivers thrilling game drives across floodplains brimming with buffalo, elephants, hippos, and elusive predators like lions and leopards. Luxurious safari lodges ensure comfort and exclusivity in this remote paradise. Next, soar over untouched terrain to reach the shores of Lake Tanganyika and the breathtaking Mahale Mountains National Park. Nestled between forested peaks and the crystal-clear lake, Mahale offers the rare and intimate opportunity to track wild chimpanzees on foot through lush montane forests.

Observe these incredible primates up close, then relax with lakeside kayaking, snorkeling, dhow cruises, and sunset views. With smooth charter flights, handpicked eco-luxury lodges, and expert-guided experiences, this Katavi Mahale luxury safari itinerary is designed for those who seek both wild encounters and first-class comfort. Whether you are photographing lions in the open plains or sitting quietly among chimpanzees in Mahale, this journey will move your soul and leave you forever changed.