8 Day Chimpanzee Safari in Tanzania

8 Day Chimpanzee Safari in Tanzania: Explore Gombe & Mahale Mountains

Embark on a unique 8 day chimpanzee safari in Tanzania, where you’ll journey into the remote forests of Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks. Follow in the footsteps of legendary primatologist Jane Goodall and come face-to-face with wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This private safari blends adventure and wildlife with the serenity of Lake Tanganyika’s shores, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience deep in western Tanzania.

Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania is possible year-round, but the dry season from May to October offers the best conditions for hiking, with more accessible trails and shorter vegetation.

Safari Highlights:

• Track wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream & Mahale Mountains

• Walk in the footsteps of Jane Goodall

• Explore remote Lake Tanganyika by boat

• Enjoy personalized guidance on a private safari

• Spot a variety of primates, birds, and even lions

Detailed 8-Day Tanzania Chimpanzee Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam – Welcome to Tanzania

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, your personal guide from Trek Africa Expeditions will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Dar es Salaam. The rest of the day is yours to relax, recover from your flight, and soak in the atmosphere of East Africa’s bustling port city.

Overnight: Serena Hotel, Dar es Salaam
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Fly to Kigoma – Optional Lake or Cultural Activities

After breakfast, catch a domestic flight to Kigoma, located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika. A driver will be waiting to transfer you to your lakeside hotel.

Depending on your interests and arrival time, enjoy optional activities such as:

• A guided Kigoma city tour

• A visit to Ujiji – the historic site where Stanley met Dr. Livingstone

• Cultural interaction at Mwamgongo Village

• Kayaking or a scenic motorboat ride on Lake Tanganyika

Overnight: Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3–4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe Stream National Park

Set off for Gombe Stream National Park, just a 30-minute drive and 90-minute boat ride from Kigoma. This remote forested park is where Jane Goodall began her famous chimpanzee research in the 1960s.

Spend two days trekking through lush hills and forested valleys in search of habituated chimpanzees. With the guidance of experienced trackers, you’ll observe these fascinating primates up close—watching them forage, play, groom, and interact.

Beyond chimpanzees, Gombe is home to other primates such as red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons. Birders will delight in over 200 recorded species, and lucky visitors might spot bush pigs or even leopards.

Overnight: Mbali Mbali Gombe Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5–6: Explore Mahale Mountains National Park

Travel by boat southward to Mahale Mountains National Park, a secluded paradise accessible only by water. This park is home to one of Africa’s largest and most untouched chimpanzee populations, with over 900 individuals roaming its forested slopes.

Enjoy guided treks through the Mahale Mountains to locate and observe the chimpanzees in their natural environment. The chimps here are well habituated to human presence, allowing for intimate, unobtrusive wildlife encounters.

Other optional activities include:

• Kayaking on Lake Tanganyika

• Sunset boat cruises

• Climbing Kungwe Peak (requires additional day)

Overnight: Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Return to Kigoma

After a morning hike or relaxing by the lake, return by boat and vehicle to Kigoma. Spend your final night in this tranquil lakeside town before your departure.

Overnight: Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Flight to Dar es Salaam – International Departure

Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight back to Dar es Salaam, where you’ll connect to your international flight home. If you’d like to extend your adventure, consider adding a beach holiday to Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included:

• Airport pickup and transfers

• Domestic flights (Dar es Salaam – Kigoma – Dar es Salaam)

• Private safari vehicle and expert English-speaking guide

• Full-board accommodation throughout the tour

• Guided chimpanzee treks in Gombe and Mahale

• Park entry and trekking permits

• Drinking water during safari

• 24/7 local support from Trek Africa Expeditions

What’s Not Included:

• International flights and Tanzania visa

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses (tips, souvenirs, etc.)

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Chimpanzee Safari in Tanzania?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted tour operator with deep knowledge of Tanzania’s wild frontiers. Our team specializes in crafting personalized primate experiences, from chimpanzee trekking in remote forests to tailor-made wildlife and cultural safaris. With expert guides, reliable logistics, and attention to detail, we ensure your trip is seamless and unforgettable.

Let us help you plan your dream chimpanzee safari—get in touch today to start your adventure in Tanzania.