Day 1: Fly from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Mahale

Depart on a bush flight from the airport to the Mahale National Park Airstrip. Staff from Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, your home for the next 3 nights, will be waiting to greet you. From there you will board a traditional dhow boat which will take you along the coastline of Lake Tanganyika and deep into the wilderness to your camp on the edge of the Mahale Forest. The lodge is sat on a secluded beach on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. With the green forest behind and the blue lake ahead, guests will feel completely surrounded by the beautiful wilderness.

Mbali Mbali Mahale is comprised of 9 beach tents which are sat on a small wooden veranda. They have canvassed sides to the tents but everything else is more structured, such as the roof and the ensuite bathrooms. The tents are spread out along the beach, all looking out to the stunning lake.

There are 9 beach tents at Mbali Mbali Mahale, each sat on small wooden groundings. The tents are spacious and can be either double or twin bed setups

There are no roads in this park. Humans enter only on foot or travel along the coastline by boat. Enjoy the tranquility of an environment where you will trade the busy roar of traffic for the songs of the forest birds and the sound of the breeze blowing across the water.

After you arrive, check in to your cottage, and enjoy lunch. You’ll have the afternoon to enjoy one of the many activities available to you here,  including Hippo viewing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, boating, traditional fishing, hiking etc.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Safari Activities in Mahale

Rise early for breakfast at camp while you wait for word from the park rangers. The rangers communicate daily with the forest trackers who let them know when they have spotted the chimps. Once their location is know, you will begin your trek alongside your guide  into the forests of Mahale. Expect to walk between 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your destination.

First, you’ll hear the rustle of leaves and breaking of branches. You may even hear loud hooting cries bouncing through the trees as the chimps call out to family members. Then suddenly, you are among them. Take a seat on the forest floor. You’ll likely get the best view of their unique behavior from this vantage point.

The chimps of Mahale have been observed by researchers from Kyoto University since 1960. They are among the most habituated chimps in the world, meaning they do not fear humans and are comfortable getting close to you.  The rangers will let you stay with the chimps for 1 to 2 hours at a time depending on the number of visitors in the park that day. Be prepared to follow the chimps if they decide to move on.

Day 3: Chimp Safaris in Mahale Park

Spend another day amongst the mischievous primates in Mahale National Park. If the chimps are not enough, this park is also home to other tree-dwelling wildlife including the Angola colobus, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and blue monkeys.

Hike through the trees to get a view of the robust bird life and look for butterflies fluttering by.

Lake Tanganyika offers some of the best fresh water fishing in Tanzania. Here you can catch Sangara (Nile Perch), as well as Kuhe (Yellow Belly), to name just a few.

Day 4: Flight to Arusha or Dar es Salaam

Enjoy one last beautiful morning on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Savor the feel of sand beneath your toes before departing as you arrived, via dhow. You’ll then board a bush flight back to Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Depending on the time of your international flight, you may have the afternoon to explore Tanzania’s safari capital and shop for locally made crafts.

Tour Price Per Person Sharing double/twin room

Single = Single room supplement

Rates are subject to change with notice.

Important to Know

• Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
• Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.

Important to Know

• Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.