Trekking Tours

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS – MAHALE NATIONAL PARK

Safari in national park: Katavi National Park

Travel by traditional dhow across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest lake, to reach one of Tanzania’s most pristine and remote wilderness areas. Mahale Mountains National Park offers a rare opportunity to explore untouched landscapes where forested mountains meet the shoreline.

The park is renowned for its long-running research program, with Japanese scientists studying an estimated population of around 1,000 chimpanzees since the 1960s. Safari highlights include guided chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, fishing excursions, kayaking, and relaxed barbeques, ending with unforgettable beach sundowners around a campfire.

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Arrival | Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha

    Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a Tanzania Offroad Trips representative and transferred to Arusha for your overnight stay. This allows time to relax and prepare for your journey into Tanzania’s remote western wilderness. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, enjoying the comfort of your lodge or hotel in Arusha. Dinner and an overnight stay complete the day.

  • Day 2 – Arusha – Mahale Mountains National Park (Monday)

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your shared charter flight from Arusha Airport to Mahale Airstrip. Shared charter flights operate on Mondays and Thursdays only. On arrival, continue by dhow boat across Lake Tanganyika on a scenic transfer of approximately two hours to the lodge. You will be welcomed by the lodge staff, followed by lunch. In the afternoon or early evening, enjoy chimpanzee trekking or guided forest walks if time allows, before returning for sundowners, dinner, and overnight at the lodge.

  • Day 3 – Mahale Mountains National Park

    After breakfast, depart for a morning chimpanzee trekking experience in Mahale’s forested mountains, guided by expert trackers. Return to the lodge for a hot lunch and time to relax. The afternoon is spent at leisure, with opportunities to enjoy the lakeshore or relax at the lodge. As the sun sets, enjoy sundowners, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Day 4 – Mahale Mountains National Park

    Following breakfast, set out once again for morning chimpanzee trekking, offering another chance to observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for a hot lunch. In the late afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat safari along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, taking in the dramatic scenery and birdlife. Conclude the day with evening sundowners, dinner, and overnight at the lodge.

  • Day 5 – Mahale – Arusha (Thursday)

    After breakfast, depart on a morning dhow boat transfer of approximately two hours back to Mahale Airstrip. Shared charter flights operate on Mondays and Thursdays only. Board your shared charter flight back to Arusha Airport, with a packed lunch provided. On arrival in Arusha, your safari with Tanzania Offroad Trips comes to an end.

Suggested Lodges & Camps

Safari Cost Include

  • Full Board Accommodation and Meals as specified in the itinerary. Packed lunch on day of departure
  • Shared Charter Flights (Arusha – Mahale – Arusha). Luggage allowance of 15kgs per person. Minimum 4 seats all year round.
  •  Selection of house beverages, soft drinks and water
  • Daily TANAPA Conservation, Concession and Guide fees for park entrance
  • Guiding with English Speaking Driver/Guide.
  •  Birding and forest walks in Mahale
  •  1 x Chimpanzee Trek per
  •  1 x Boat Safari in Mahale
    o Option 1: See the hippos, take a short river cruise, and try your hand at local methods of freshwater fishing
    o Option 2: Visit a neighboring fishing village, Katumbi, for a cultural tour
    o Pay for an additional boat safari and do both
  • All Government taxes and levies; VAT and TDL
  •  All transfers as indicated
  • All laundry services

Safari Cost Excludes

  • Air tickets;
  • Visa fee;
  • Travel insurance;
  • Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
  • Medical Insurance and Evacuation
  • Additional Boat Safari / Fishing Excursion in Mahale – USD 85 per person

Please Note

  • By default, our tours include shared accommodation in twin/double rooms unless requested and agreed otherwise. Single supplements are available upon request. Please refer to the program for specific accommodation arrangements.
  • Accommodations in Moshi and Arusha typically include breakfast only, unless otherwise requested and agreed upon. Refer to the program for detailed meal plans for each night.
  • Most safari lodges do not include tea, coffee, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages in their standard packages, allowing you to order and pay for only what you need directly at the hotel restaurants.
  • Tented lodges, the most common type of accommodation in the savannah, often operate on solar energy. This may result in features such as bucket showers, limited Wi-Fi, and the absence of hair dryers, as part of their efforts to minimize environmental impact. We encourage you to research the accommodations in your program to ensure the safari aligns with your travel preferences.

Tour Price

Budget Class
Pax
2 Pax
4 Pax
6 Pax
Tour Price
Price N/A
$ 2,150
$ 2,100
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets.
Mid-range Class
Pax
2 Pax
4 Pax
6 Pax
Tour Price
Price N/A
Price N/A
Price N/A
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets.
Luxury Class
Pax
2 Pax
4 Pax
6 Pax
Tour Price
Price N/A
Price N/A
Price N/A
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets.
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