Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains – Arrival and Afternoon Trek
Arrive at Mahale Airstrip, where you’ll be greeted by lodge representatives and transferred by boat across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika to Kungwe Beach Lodge. Nestled on a pristine, secluded shoreline at the foot of the Mahale Mountains National Park, this intimate lodge serves as the perfect base for one of Tanzania’s most exclusive and awe-inspiring wildlife experiences.
After a freshly prepared late lunch, embark on your first chimpanzee trekking adventure. The Mahale Mountains are world-renowned as the best destination for chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania, home to one of the largest protected populations of these fascinating primates in Africa. Guided by expert trackers, venture deep into the lush rainforest to locate and observe the chimpanzees as they interact, play, and forage — an intimate and humbling encounter that few travelers ever experience.
Return to Kungwe Beach Lodge in the evening to unwind, enjoy a lakeside dinner, and reflect on the day’s extraordinary encounters as the sun sets over Lake Tanganyika.
Accommodation: Kungwe Beach Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Travel Details: Arrival at Mahale Airstrip with boat transfer (approximately 1.5 hours across Lake Tanganyika)
All meals
Alcoholic beverages
1 x Chimpanzee trek daily
1 x Boat Safari for stay
Boat transfer from Airstrip to Kungwe Beach Lodge
Flight to Mahale.
Choice of flying from Arusha with a chartered flight or Dar to Kigoma and then transfer by speedboat from Lagossa to Mahale ($350USD per transfer) - each way)
Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Tanganyika Activities – Mahale Mountains
Begin your day with an early breakfast before setting out on another exhilarating chimpanzee trekking adventure in the pristine Mahale Mountains National Park. Accompanied by expert trackers, venture deep into the rainforest as you follow the echoes of chimpanzee calls through the dense canopy. Spend time observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat — watching them play, groom, and communicate within their close-knit families is a truly humbling and unforgettable wildlife experience found in only a few places on Earth.
Return to Kungwe Beach Lodge for a well-earned lunch before enjoying a relaxed afternoon on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in the world. Choose to kayak across the calm, crystal-clear waters or embark on a boat safari along the forested shoreline, where you may encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife, all set against the majestic backdrop of the Mahale Mountains.
As the day winds down, unwind on the beach with a drink in hand and take in the stunning sunset over the lake — the perfect end to a day of adventure and tranquility.
Accommodation: Kungwe Beach Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wrap up your day with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge, listening to the sounds of the forest and lake as night falls.
All meals
Alcoholic beverages
1 x Chimpanzee trek daily
1 x Boat Safari for stay
Additional boat safaris or fishing
Mahale Mountains National Park – Flexible Chimpanzee Trekking & Lodge Activities
Spend another unforgettable day in Mahale Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and enchanting wilderness areas. Depending on your preference — and the location of the chimpanzee families — enjoy either a morning or afternoon chimpanzee trek. Each trek offers a new and intimate glimpse into the daily lives of these intelligent primates as they play, forage, and interact in their lush forest home.
Between treks, relax at Kungwe Beach Lodge, perfectly positioned on the golden shores of Lake Tanganyika. Take advantage of the lodge’s peaceful setting or choose from a variety of optional activities. Glide across the lake by kayak, join a scenic boat safari along the forested shoreline, enjoy a guided forest walk, or spend time birdwatching, discovering the park’s rich array of avian species.
Whether trekking through emerald forests or unwinding beside the lake, every moment in Mahale offers a deep connection to nature and a true sense of tranquility.
Accommodation: Kungwe Beach Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner and your final overnight stay at the lodge, soaking in the serene beauty of the lake and surrounding forest.
All meals
Alcoholic beverages
1 x Chimpanzee trek daily
1 x Boat Safari for stay
Boat transfer from Airstrip to Kungwe Beach Lodge
Additional activities
Departure from Mahale Mountains – Transfer to Airstrip or Kigoma
After breakfast, bid farewell to the pristine shores of Lake Tanganyika and the peaceful surroundings of Mahale Mountains National Park. Depending on your travel plans, you will be transferred by boat either to Mahale Airstrip for your scheduled flight or onward to Kigoma for your continued journey.
As you cruise across the crystal-clear waters, take in the final panoramic views of the Mahale Mountains, their forested peaks rising dramatically from the lake’s edge. Reflect on the unforgettable days spent trekking through the rainforest and encountering chimpanzees in their natural habitat — a rare and life-enriching experience found only in a handful of places on Earth.
Your time in Mahale comes to a close, but the memories of this remote paradise — its wildlife, serenity, and untouched beauty — will stay with you forever.
Accommodation: End of Tour (No accommodation included)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Transfer Details: Boat transfer to Mahale Airstrip (approx. 1.5 hours) or boat transfer to Kigoma (approx. 4 hours), depending on onward travel
Transfer to Airstrip
Flight from Kigoma or Mahale
Boat transfer to Kigoma
Guide tips