Tanzania Chimps & Wild Places

15 days

This Safari showcases some of the hidden gems of Tanzania. Begin at Legendary Lodge, an idyllic retreat in the foothills of Mt. Meru. From there a quick flight to Tarangire National Park and Little Chem Chem will deliver you for your first game drive and cultural immersion into the world of the Maasai. Fly on to Chada Katavi, in Katavi National Park where you will walk in one of the most remote areas of East Africa and enjoy game drives around the flood plains. A fly-camping experience allows you to absorb the sights and sounds of Africa. A rare wildlife experience is chimpanzee tracking in the forests along Lake Tanganyika from Greystoke Mahale. The dazzling Jabali Ridge in the vast and seldom visited Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania is your final stop in East Africa before your flight home.

Safiri Salama (travel safely in Swahili)

Highlights

  • Baobabs and sundowners at Lake Burunge
  • Maasai village interaction
  • Bush walking
  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Lake Tanganyika activities
  • Kayaking Lake Tanganyika
  • Remote game viewing and walking in Ruaha
  • Katavi fly-camping experience
Tanzania Safari Chimps Wild Places04

Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Arusha, Tanzania

Welcome to Tanzania! Your journey begins with a scenic drive to the outskirts of the lively town of Arusha. Set on a working coffee estate, Legendary Lodge is an ideal place to begin your Safari. Bask in the warm hospitality of this charming property or perhaps stroll around the beautiful gardens.

DAY 2

Fly to Tarangire National Park – Game drive and Lake Burunge Sundowners

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your shared charter to Tarangire. Game drive to Little Chem Chem , located between Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks in a flourishing wildlife corridor. Arrive in time for a sumptuous lunch. Settle in and investigate the camp’s quiet spaces before you head out with your guide on an open 4×4 vehicle for an afternoon game drive. Be on the lookout for elephant, leopard, lion, and cheetah. Toast your first day on your Tanzanian Safari with sundowner cocktails and traditional canapes as the sun sets over Lake Burunge.

DAY 3

Chem Chem – Private Conservancy Game Drive, Lake Manyara Bush Lunch, and Flamingos

This morning set out for a game drive right on the Chem Chem’s private conservancy, where you can experience prolific elephant numbers along with plenty of other wildlife. Then, head towards Lake Manyara for a delicious bush lunch alongside thousands of rose-colored flamingos. Wade slowly towards them in rubber boots or happily watch from the shore. You will arrive back at camp where a delicious evening meal will be prepared for you.

DAY 4

Tarangire National Park – Walking Safari and Cultural Tour

Spend your last morning at Little Chem Chem tracking wildlife on foot with an armed guide. There is no better way to take in the little things than on foot, which you miss out on from the back of a safari vehicle. This afternoon after lunch and high tea, expand your cultural horizons and meet some of the local Maasai and discover the similarities and differences between you. Delight in sundowners and dinner back at the camp.

DAY 5

Flight to Katavi National Park – Walking Safari

This morning you board your bush flight to Katavi National Park, one of the most remote and wild safari destinations in East Africa. After lunch, head out with your guide and an armed scout for a thrilling walking safari. Watch elephants from up close marveling at how, despite their size, they can move so quietly. Animals who would often take flight at the sound of a vehicle, won’t even know you’re there and that’s what makes walking in Katavi such an incredible experience. Return to the camp in time to freshen up for dinner. Your stay is at Chada Katavi, one of the premier camps in the park.

DAY 6

Katavi National Park – Full Day Game Drive

Today, enjoy the opportunity to experience all that Katavi has to offer on a full day game drive. Explore the park’s series of wide flood plains, blond with waist high grass in the early dry season, green and flooded like a miniature delta after the rains. Seasonal rivers connect the flood plains, and this is the focus of the game viewing for which Katavi is renowned during the dry season. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch and return to camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7

Katavi National Park – Fly-camping Experience

Today, walk to a nearby private fly-camp where you will spend a night out under the stars. Slumber in a mosquito netted tent, small but with enough room for a comfortable bedroll, kitted out with soft mattress, sheets and a feather pillow. This evening, sit down to a three-course candlelit meal and a glass of chilled wine. Retire to your tent and gaze up at the night sky through the roof of your netted tent; listening to the night sounds of Africa all around.

DAY 8

Fly to Mahale Mountains National Park – Beach time on Lake Tanganyika

This morning, fly to the far Western edge of Tanzania, landing on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Zip down the lake by boat to the wonderful accommodations at Greystoke Mahale. After lunch, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride as you watch the sun set before dinner.

DAY 9

Mahale Mountains National Park – Chimpanzee Trekking

After an early breakfast, begin trekking with a team of guides to find the chimpanzees, reaching them as they wake from their sleep and begin moving about their day. This is a truly unforgettable point along your Safari. Sit quietly on the forest floor and become aware of the subtleties of different relationships between the chimpanzees, through gesture, sound and expression. Return to camp for a refreshing swim in the lake and overnight.

DAY 10

Mahale Mountains National Park – Chimpanzee Trekking, Fishing

Once again, set out on foot, tracking the chimpanzees to spend a thrilling hour with them in their natural habitat. This afternoon try your hand at fishing on Lake Tanganyika from a traditional wooden dhow. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Greystoke Mahale.

DAY 11

Mahale Mountains National Park – Kayaking, Village excursion

This morning, take a kayak out for a dawn paddle towards the middle of the lake; drink your morning coffee there and enjoy the sunrise coming up over the mountains. Later in the day, board the boat and motor to the nearest village, Katumbi, and mingle with the children at the school supported by Greystoke Mahale. See your tourist dollars working hard to improve the health and well-being of this community. This evening, savor the serenity of the lake environment during a lovely dinner and restful sleep.

DAY 12

Flight to Ruaha National Park – Game drive and Sundowners

Begin your day onboard a shared charter to the remarkably beautiful Ruaha National Park and your base at Jabali Ridge. Get situated at the lodge and partake in a delicious lunch before some siesta time. In the late afternoon, depart on a game drive along the Mwagusi River in search of lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah, kudu, and more! As the sun languidly makes its way below the horizon, sip your favorite beverage and marvel at the wilderness before you. Return to the lodge for cocktails, a decadent meal and a warm fire beneath the star-studded sky.

DAY 13

Ruaha National Park – Walking Safari, Birdwatching, and Night Drive

The true wonder of Ruaha is why more visitors don’t visit this incredible area. You are one of the lucky few who get to experience this raw untouched wilderness from Jabali Ridge. Depart this morning on foot with your expert guide and an armed ranger to capture the small details that are just not visible from a vehicle. Return to the lodge for lunch and quiet time, possibly observing the vibrant and abundant bird species from your suite. Late afternoon will find you back in the open-sided vehicle to delve into the environment once again. This time, linger after sundown and seek out the nocturnal wildlife on a night drive. Share your stories of the day over delicious meal with fellow guests before retiring for the evening.

DAY 14

Ruaha National Park – Full Day Game Drive and Sundowners

Depart this morning with a packed breakfast and lunch, kept cool in your vehicle by a mini fridge. This allows you and your expert guide to go further afield to search for some of the rare species found in Ruaha like the sable or roan antelope. Regardless of those specific sightings, you will appreciate the expanse of this park and the wildlife which inhabit it. Return to the lodge and celebrate your final night in Tanzania. The Jabali Ridge staff will amaze you with culinary delights and an evening of warm camaraderie around the campfire with other travelers.

DAY 15

Flight to Arusha – Travel Home

Savor the final early morning moments of your Safari before flying back to Arusha where you will connect with your onward flight home.