Into Tanzania’s Last Great Wilderness
Your adventure begins with a scenic charter flight from Arusha into the heart of Western Tanzania, leaving the well-traveled safari circuit behind for one of Africa’s last truly untamed wildernesses. As your aircraft descends over endless floodplains, winding rivers, and ancient woodlands, the remoteness of Katavi National Park becomes immediately apparent. Home to extraordinary wildlife and remarkably few visitors, Katavi offers an authentic safari experience where nature unfolds on its own terms.
Over the next several days, discover one of Tanzania’s most rewarding safari destinations on expertly guided game drives through landscapes that remain largely unchanged by time. Vast herds of buffalo gather across the floodplains alongside elephants, giraffes, zebras, and a remarkable diversity of antelope. Along the Katuma River and seasonal waterholes, enormous pods of hippos and crocodiles thrive, while lions, leopards, and African wild dogs patrol this predator-rich ecosystem. Every drive brings new encounters, offering an intimate glimpse into one of Africa’s most dynamic and untouched wildlife havens.
Between adventures, return to the comfort of Mbali Mbali Katavi Camp, where elegant tented accommodations blend seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness. Evenings are spent enjoying exceptional cuisine, sharing stories beneath star-filled skies, and listening to the sounds of the African bush from the comfort of camp. As your time in Katavi draws to a close, you’ll board another scenic charter flight bound for the crystal-clear shores of Lake Tanganyika and the lush forests of the Mahale Mountains, where an entirely different wildlife experience awaits.
Overnight: Mbali Mbali Katavi Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
In the Footsteps of Chimpanzees
From the sweeping plains of Katavi, a scenic charter flight carries you west to the breathtaking shores of Lake Tanganyika, one of the world’s oldest and deepest freshwater lakes. Framed by the lush Mahale Mountains, this extraordinary corner of Tanzania feels worlds away from the traditional safari circuit. Arriving by boat at your secluded lakeside camp, you’ll discover a place where rainforest-covered peaks meet pristine white-sand beaches, creating one of Africa’s most spectacular and unexpected wilderness settings.
Over the next three days, venture into the ancient forests of Mahale Mountains National Park alongside experienced trackers in search of the park’s famous wild chimpanzees. Following winding forest trails, you’ll listen for distant calls and watch for subtle signs before coming face-to-face with our closest living relatives in their natural habitat. Observing these remarkable primates as they forage, communicate, and interact within their family groups is a profoundly moving experience that few wildlife encounters can rival. Beyond chimpanzee trekking, enjoy the serenity of Lake Tanganyika with opportunities to kayak along its crystal-clear shoreline, explore by boat, swim in its remarkably clear waters, or simply relax on the beach surrounded by one of Africa’s most pristine landscapes.
Back at Mbali Mbali Mahale Camp, the pace slows as each evening unfolds beside the lake. Savor freshly prepared cuisine, watch the sun sink behind distant mountains, and gather beneath a canopy of stars as the gentle sounds of the forest and shoreline create an unforgettable sense of peace. It is the perfect conclusion to a journey that has revealed two of Tanzania’s most remote and extraordinary wildernesses, each offering its own unforgettable perspective on Africa’s natural beauty.
Overnight: Mbali Mbali Mahale Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Until We Meet Again
Wake to the gentle sounds of Lake Tanganyika as the morning light reflects across one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. Whether enjoying a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lake or taking one final stroll along the shoreline, this peaceful setting offers a fitting conclusion to your journey through Western Tanzania’s remarkable wilderness.
A scenic charter flight returns you to Arusha, providing one last opportunity to appreciate the extraordinary diversity of the country from above—from the forested Mahale Mountains and shimmering waters of Lake Tanganyika to the vast, untamed landscapes that have defined your adventure. Along the way, you’ll reflect on unforgettable moments spent tracking wild chimpanzees, witnessing exceptional wildlife in Katavi, and experiencing two of Africa’s most secluded natural treasures.
Though your safari comes to an end, the memories of Western Tanzania’s untouched wilderness, extraordinary wildlife, and genuine hospitality will remain with you long after your journey home begins. We look forward to welcoming you back to Africa for your next CURAH adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
