- Days 1–2Arusha
- Days 2–5Katavi National Park
- Days 5–9Mahale Mountains
- Days 1–2Arusha
- Days 2–5Katavi National Park
- Days 5–9Mahale Mountains
Wild Katavi and Mahale Chimp Safari
As much an adventure as a luxury safari, this nine-day expedition will take you to the ‘wild west’ of Tanzania, to two stunning but rarely visited national parks. This is a great trip for second time visitors or those looking to extend the usual safari circuit into something even more extraordinary. Begin with a relaxing night in Arusha, before taking a light aircraft to the plains, rivers, hills, lakes and woodland of remote Katavi National Park. Your final stop is the shores of Lake Tanganyika and the forest slopes of Mahale Mountains National Park
Trip highlights
- Stay in an exclusive tented camp with views across Chada Plain
- Enjoy a unique and rare opportunity for chimpanzee trekking
- Go off the beaten track at the vast Katavi National Park
- Sleep beneath thatch between the Mahale Mountains and Lake Tanganyika
Bespoke safaris with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke safaris include:
- Exclusive luxury camps, lodges and hotels
- Curated and private experiences
- Skilled guides and local wildlife experts
- Decades of experience from our team of experts
- Full support from your concierge based in Africa
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–2
Overnight in multicultural Arusha
Arguably the safari capital of East Africa, Arusha is a bustling city in northern Tanzania and the main hub for those who are going to be embarking on a safari in this extensively game rich country.
Enjoy a restful overnight stay in your chosen accommodation in or just outside the city.
-2400x1400-f50_50.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Where you could stay
Days 2–5
Untamed wilderness in Katavi National Park
Completely off the beaten track, Katavi National Park is isolated and undiscovered by all but the most ardent safari goers. The national park encompasses huge grassland plains, marshland, rugged hills, woodland, lakes and rivers which, when combined with the surrounding game reserves of Rukwa, Lukwati and Luafi, form a great ecosystem of some 25,000 square kilometres. What’s even more appealing is that there’s only a couple of permanent camps and just a few hundred visitors a year, so you’ll get it virtually to yourself.
Countless zebra, impala and topi which fill the plains, while there are also strong populations of giraffe, buffalo, elephant, hartebeest and waterbuck. Predators such as lion prides and hyena are easily found while cheetah, wild dog and leopard can also be spotted. During the dry season, hundreds of hippo crowd into the remaining waterholes and rivers, while crocodiles sun themselves on the banks.
Make it mine
On foot
River life
Walking safaris and hiking
The vast, open Chada floodplains offer a truly unique walking experience, with seemingly endless visibility. Experience the golden grasslands, distant buffalo herds and brilliant blue skies at a slower pace, on foot with experienced guides.
Explore the rivers
As you explore Katavi National Park you’ll see plenty of crocodiles and hippopotami. As the seasons change and rivers dry up, you’ll also spot crocodiles in muddy caves and huge groups of hippos sharing small wallows.
Days 5–9
Search for Chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains
Mahale National Park in the far west of Tanzania is home to one of the longest fresh water lakes in the world, Lake Tanganyika. What makes this location extra special is the presence of chimpanzees in the thick forests that cover the mountains. Jane Goodall made the area famous and has done much to highlight awareness of the chimpanzees and promote their conservation. There will be plenty of time to relax, kayak on the lake, fish from traditional dhows, swim under waterfalls and enjoy incredible sunsets.
Make it mine
Chimp tracking
Under the trees
Search for chimpanzees on foot
You’ll spend your days here venturing into the forests on foot in search of habituated chimpanzee troops – the park’s most famous inhabitants – for an unforgettable and humbling encounter with one of our closest ape relatives.
Forest exploration
Beyond the chimpanzees, there is plenty more to discover here. Join a guide and head out into the forest to learn about the other primates who call this area home, the insects and medicinal plants.
We booked our travel to Tanzania and Kenya for our 25th wedding anniversary. Jacada travels This one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken. They were always with us throughout the trip without being overbearing and constantly in communication as we were traveling with younger kids. The places that jacads suggested Were top-notch and we felt like we were…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
