Sample Itinerary - Western Tanzania and Chimps

Our Western Tanzania & Chimps journey is a safari for true explorers, linking Ruaha, Katavi and the Mahale Mountains—three extraordinary parks far removed from the well-trodden northern circuit. This is Tanzania at its wildest: vast, untamed landscapes, remarkably few visitors, and wildlife encounters that feel raw, intimate and profoundly rewarding.

Ruaha National Park, one of the largest protected areas in the country, sets the tone with its dramatic scenery of rolling savannahs, rocky hills and ancient baobabs. It supports around a tenth of the world’s lion population, alongside elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and more than 450 bird species. Days here are spent exploring by classic game drive, on foot with expert guides, or even from the air on a hot-air balloon, revealing the sheer scale and beauty of this iconic wilderness.

From here, the adventure deepens in Katavi National Park, one of Africa’s last great untamed ecosystems and arguably its most thrilling dry-season safari destination. Vast floodplains draw immense herds of buffalo and elephant, shadowed by powerful lion prides, leopard and hyena, while hippo and crocodile crowd the shrinking rivers. The park’s extreme remoteness ensures a safari experience that is rare, intense and wonderfully uncrowded, enjoyed from a small, intimate camp set deep within the wilderness.

The journey concludes in the breathtaking Mahale Mountains National Park, an adventurer’s paradise accessible only by boat. Steep, forested mountains tumble down to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, fringed by sandy beaches. Guided forest walks lead you in search of wild chimpanzees, offering some of the most moving wildlife encounters in Africa. Between treks, swim, kayak or simply relax by the lake, soaking up the serenity and spectacular scenery.

This is a safari that blends big game, primates and landscapes of extraordinary beauty—remote, immersive and unforgettable.

Best time 👉 July to October
This period offers the sweet spot: outstanding big-game safaris in Ruaha and Katavi, combined with the best chimp trekking and lake conditions in Mahale.