Take on this chimpanzee tracking in Tanzania in the Mahale Mountains National Park to view chimpanzees, have an in-depth exploration of their daily behaviours, feeding habits, and mating, with a great opportunity to take as many photos as possible. If you are an enthusiastic primate lover, a visit to Mahale Mountains National Park is worth your time, as you get a chance to enjoy an incredible time with these unique apes away from overcrowded places. Your tour will begin and end in Dar-es-salaam.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kigoma
Day 2: Transfer from Kigoma to Mahale Mountains National Park
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park
Day 4: Transfer from Mahale National Park to Kigali
Day 5: Drive and fly from Kigoma to Dar-es-salaam
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Dar-es-salaam & Transfer To Kigoma
Day 1 of your 5-day Mahale chimpanzee trekking safari starts with an early morning tea or coffee at your hotel in Dar es Salaam. After checking out, you’ll be transferred to Julius Nyerere Airport for your flight to Kigoma. Upon arrival in Kigoma, you’ll check into your accommodation for a meal. The afternoon will be dedicated to a visit to a local village, offering an authentic glimpse into life in Zanzibar.
For your overnight stay, you have several accommodation options in Kigoma, catering to different budgets:
Luxury: Kigoma Hill Top Hotel offers a top-tier experience with stunning views.
Mid-range: Imperial Hotel provides a comfortable and convenient stay.
Budget: Jakobsen Beach and Guesthouse is a great choice for those seeking a more affordable option.
Day 2: Transfer to the Mahale Mountains from Kigoma
After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, you’ll board a boat for a scenic trip to Mahale Mountains National Park. This park is a prime destination for chimpanzee trekking, home to an estimated 1,000 of these incredible primates.
During your journey and the subsequent activities, you might also spot a variety of other wildlife. The park is home to several monkey species, including red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and yellow baboons. It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with around 350 bird species in the area.
Upon arrival, you’ll have lunch and some time to relax. The afternoon offers a choice of activities: you can take a guided nature walk to explore the surroundings or simply unwind by the pool.
Accommodation options
Mbali Mbali mahale lodge(luxury), Mahale mango bandas( budget)
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park
Begin your day with an early cup of tea or coffee, followed by a briefing at Mahale Mountains National Park. This session will cover important safety measures to ensure a smooth and secure chimpanzee trekking experience.
After the briefing, an expert park ranger will lead you on a trek to find these rare primates in their natural habitat. You’ll spend up to three hours exploring the forest, observing their fascinating behaviors. This includes one unforgettable hour of close-up interaction with the chimpanzees.
Once the trek is complete, you’ll return to your lodge to relax, share stories of your adventure, and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 4: Transfer From Mahale National Park To Kigali
Day 4 begins with an early breakfast before you head back to the briefing point for your second chimpanzee trekking adventure. A park official will provide a refresher on the safety protocols. This second trek will be a bit shorter than the previous days.
After the experience, you’ll return to your lodge to check out and then embark on a boat ride back to Kigoma. Arrive in the afternoon. you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. Enjoy the scenic shores of Lake Tanganyika. For dinner and your overnight stay, you’ll be accommodated at your choice of either Kigoma Hill Top Hotel, Imperial Hotel, or Jakobsen Beach and Guesthouse.
Day 5: Fly From Kigoma to Dar-es-salaam
After breakfast, check out of your Kigoma hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Dar es Salaam. This concludes your memorable 5-day Mahale chimpanzee trekking safari.