Western Tanzania Safari & Chimp trekking

Depart from the UK on overnight flight to Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania via Nairobi.

On arrival mid morning, you will be met and transferred to Arusha Coffee Lodge which has lovely views of Mount Meru for a 1 night stay, with breakfast and dinner included.This is the perfect haven to relax after your travels and ready your self for the adventure ahead.

Set off after an early breakfast for the morning light aircraft flight to Tanzania's south-western Katavi National Park for a 4 night stay in one of only six classic safari tents at Chada Katavi Camp, perfectly positioned for panoramic views over the Chada plain.

Enjoy three full days on safari in the remote wilderness of Katavi National Park where hippos pack the rivers, huge herds of Cape buffalo and elephant graze the floodplains and predators - lion, leopard and hyena â stalk their prey. Guests have the option of an overnight fly-camping expedition deep into Katavi's untamed bush (small additional charge). Bedrolls under mosquito nets, piping hot water from bucket showers and fabulous bush tukka under the stars ensure you have the essential creature comforts!

A short morning flight takes you to Mahale, set on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. From here you continue your journey by dhow boat to Greystoke Mahale Lodge. As you sail along the calm clear waters of the lake the coastline and villages slip by, becoming increasingly remote until you see the verdant Mahale Mountains in the distance, towering above the lodge - a truly breathtaking sight!

Stay 3 nights at Greystoke Mahale in one of the beach bandas, set on a crescent beach at the foot of these spectacular, forested mountains

Mahale is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The montane rainforest contains one of Africa's last populations of wild chimpanzees, a variety of other primates and myriad forest birds. Seventy chimps live in the mountains close to camp, and have become habituated to human presence over two decades of contact. The guides have developed intimate knowledge of individual animals and their life stories. There may also be opportunities to observe leopard, bushbuck, bushpig, and a multitude of birds and butterflies. Days at Greystoke Mahale are spent tracking chimps in the forest, swimming and snorkelling in Lake Tanganyika - home to over 250 species of tropical fish - or sailing in the 40ft dhow.

Depart after breakfast on a boat transfer to the jetty at Mahale Airstrip where you board the scheduled light aircraft flight to Kilimanjaro. Check in for the late afternoon return overnight flight to the UK via Nairobi, arriving early morning.