• mahale-safaris-trekking
  • ugalla-river-national-park-camping
  • hippo-katavi

Chimpanzee Safari


10 Days from $2,800

All about the Chimpanzee Safari.

Chimpanzee Safari In Tanzania: Western Tanzania is the only place where, chimpanzees coexist with elephants, lions, and leopards.  Nevertheless, they take virtually no notice of visitors this is perfect because you never feel like you are intruding. The chimpanzees go on with their lives- walking, sleeping, fighting, politics, eating, etc. as if you are not there.

Western Tanzania is the only place where chimpanzees coexist with elephants, lions, and leopards. In the Mahale Mountains National Park, the chimpanzees go on with their lives - walking, sleeping, fighting, eating, etc. In the same way, as if the other animals are not there.  A wildlife Safari in Western Tanzania is endless from The Ugala River National Park. Similarly, you will have experiences that are not possible in northern Tanzania: spectacular animal action in Katavi National Parks, the home of thousands of hippo and pools of crocodiles.

Chimpanzee Safari In Tanzania is a safari of its own nature. Visiting this land will not be complete without Lake Tanganyika, the longest lake in The world and the deepest lake in Africa. Crystal clear waters where you can see fish up to 4 Meters deep in the water; the lakeshore is blessed with white sand beaches where you will be welcomed by local people. Furthermore, activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, fishing, walking safari, biking, and cultural tours are available.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 -3
Tabora drive to The Ugala River National Park
Day 4
Drive from Ugala to Mpanda Town.
Day 5 - 7
Drive to Mahale Mountains National Park
Day 8
Drive to Katavi National Park
Day 9 -10
Full Days in Katavi National Park
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 -3
Tabora drive to The Ugala River National Park

Once you land in the Land of Unyenyembe - Tabora Aiport, Our guide will meet you and drive to the park, Luch will be served on your way to Ugalla national park, it is centrally located between the national park Kigosi, Mahale, Katavi, and few Kilometers to Lake Tanganyika. it is wild and remote and makes a great complement to itineraries that feature national parks within the western circuit. Game viewing will focus mostly on the river itself following its endless twist and loops and beautiful overlooks. Groves of huge trees and scattered along the banks offering wonderful places to camp or perhaps just relax for a mid-day picnic or a coffee break as you watch wildlife all around you. We will spend two nights inside the Park and one more night can be done in Issa Valles where the Chimpanzee research is undergoing.

Special Campsite
Meals: Breakfast Only
Day 4
Drive from Ugala to Mpanda Town.

After breakfast transfer to Mpanda, is a small town lies between the Malagaraisi Valley, it is the new Safari circuit that connects Katavi National Park which is 30km from Town, The Ugala River National Park, a newly established park together with Kigosi National Park. Mahale Mountain National Park which lies on the western part of the Town right on the Lake Tanganyika, Mpanda is home to many tribes and full of culture, Since is new to tourists you will be able to experience the authentic life of people. People are friendly and welcome to tourists. Mpanda is a town in the Katavi region and the starting point to many Safari to see Chimpanzees.

Special Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 - 7
Drive to Mahale Mountains National Park

The chimpanzees may be the main draw, but they are by no means the whole picture. Pristine forested mountains tower up behind intimate sandy beaches and bays and rocky promontories of the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika. Since we understand this we decide to take you on this Journey by Jeep across many villages. This is the true Africa Adventures, where you will not experience anywhere in Tanzania.

Chimp watching. To get to the only habituated group of chimps, the M group, one climbs up through the mountain forest on a network of simply cleared paths to get into touch with the chimps and when one does the experience is extraordinary to the point of being bizarre.

The chimpanzees go on with their lives- walking, sleeping, fighting politicking eating, etc as if they are not there. They take virtually no notice of visitors this is perfect because you never feel like you are intruding.

After spending the strictly controlled 1 hour with chimps you will return to your accommodation facility to wash off the sweat, have delicious lunch, and spend the rest of the leisure; or perhaps one of the numbers of other activities, like Canoeing, sunset cruise, scuba diving or fishing. Some days will be spent at the beach before, The Lakeshore offers white sand beaches, you will also meet local people and eat fish from this great lake in the world.

Special Campsite
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
Day 8
Drive to Katavi National Park

Preparation to move from Beach to the wildlife Zone just after breakfast, 180km awaiting you, with your Parked lunch we will drive to Katavi National Park, Katavi is 4471 sq km large and protects only part of an even large ecosystem. Extensive open plains alternate with board-leafed woodlands, flat-topped acacia bush country, and wide swamps and lakes.

Special Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 -10
Full Days in Katavi National Park

Game driving by vehicle is the main activities are guided walking safaris with an overnight in our lightweight fly camp. Near Lake Katavi, visit the tamarind tree inhabited by the spirit of the legendary hunter Katabi (for whom the park is named- offerings are still left here by locals seeking the spirit’s blessings.

Special Campsite
People     Green Season (1st April To 31st May) Should Season (1st Nov – 14th Dec & March) Peak Season (1st June – 30 Oct & 15th Dec-28th Feb)
2 Pax
Per Person
US$3836
US$3836
US$3836
4 Pax
Per Person
US$2713
US$2713
US$2713
6 Pax
Per Person
US$2430
US$2430
US$2430

The Calabash team would be delighted to work with you to help you and your family, friends or organization build the best possible safari to match your interests and budget. We can organize custom safaris for professional photographers, honeymoon couples and families. Simply ask us! need help? click here

YES! Calabash Adventures has a personal understanding and deep commitment to meeting the special needs of families. Our trips are well suited for children. We have designed our unique family safari programs to allow you and your children to experience the wonders of Africa together. Please outline your particular family’s interests, so that we can incorporate them. You and your family will have a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of cultural diversity, discover the many miracles of nature, and at the same time play, laugh, and enjoy the pleasure of one another.

Our safaris offer a wide array of safari styles to suit your interests and budget. Please scroll the website for a description of the different types of accommodation available or click here.

Small. Our scheduled safaris vary in size depending on the nature of the safari. In general, we keep our groups small (minimum 1 to 7 people, and occasionally up to an absolute maximum of 25). We feel strongly that the small size allows a more intimate connection with the African wilderness.

Pack lightweight, washable clothes, plus a sweater for early morning game drives; a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are strongly advised as well. Long sleeves and trousers in light-colored fabrics help discourage insect bites. Modest length shorts for women are perfectly acceptable, but women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in rural villages and towns since clothes that are too revealing can cause offense especially in Zanzibar and in Muslim dominated areas. On the beach and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear (but not nudity) is acceptable.

Safari dress is basically comfortable and casual - layers are recommended. Keep it simple and bring things you don`t mind getting dusty. We have included several web links to guide you in your preparation.

You will be pleasantly surprised by both the quality and the variety of the food available on safari. In melodies, meals are served buffet-style, so you can choose what you like. The food is generally prepared according to western tastes, with some curries and local cuisine included. If you choose a camping safari, fresh meat and produce is prepared to the highest sanitary standards by our team’s expert chefs. Indeed, most returning guests rave about our camp food! Request for local food is certainly welcome. Your guide and chef will generally purchase all the food before the safari starts, so get your orders in on time!

Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic meals can easily be arranged with advance notice. If you are vegetarian or vegan you may wish to bring along some alternative protein sources. If you have multiple food allergies, you will definitely want to bring along supplemental snacks. It is important we know of any possible dietary restrictions as soon as possible.

We provide two liters of bottled water per day for each client, and you can purchase more bottled water at all the lodges and camps or before the Safari. Overall, we recommend you consume only bottled water.

For medical Travel tip it is always best to consult your, doctor or travel clinic well in advance of your departure. The minimum requirements for entry into Tanzania are proof of a yellow fever vaccination and an anti-malarial medication. Bear in mind that you will be staying in camps and lodges oriented to meet the needs of North American and European guests.

Calabash Adventures is responsible for sending a rescue vehicle(s) within 4 to 5 hours (depending on your location) upon receiving notification of a vehicle breakdown. The vehicle shall be replaced and compensation awarded by way of additional time allotment (extra half day or full day), or a refund of up to 30% of a full day tour deducted from the total daily tour cost.

If necessary, an emergency evacuation can be arranged by “flying doctors” (included in the trip package, on your request), or a simple transfer to nearby Hotel or lodge for accommodation and catering services.

Overall Rating
0/5

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

Destination InformationDownload all the information you need to prepare for your journey, from visa requirements to packing recommendations.

Download PDF

Visas & PassportsVisit our partner Visa Central for convenient, one-stop visa and passport processing.

Visit Visa Central

climates the average temperature and rainfall for your destination.

View Charts

CDC Information Familiarize yourself with health and immunization requirements for your destination at the Center for Disease Control’s website.Tasnanajaiapoa[[

Visit CDC