Remote west · Safari

Katavi & Mahale Western Tanzania

A fly-in western Tanzania expedition joining Katavi’s remote floodplains with chimpanzee trekking beside Lake Tanganyika.

9 Days · Custom quote after a planning conversation · Katavi National Park · Mahale Mountains · Lake Tanganyika

Journey highlights

  • Remote Katavi game drives
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale
  • Lake Tanganyika boat transfer
  • Few-road, low-traffic wilderness

Practical planning

Best time
Generally June to October; Mahale conditions vary
Accommodation
Remote bush camps and a Lake Tanganyika lodge
Start and finish
Scheduled-charter connections, commonly via Arusha
Travel style
Remote fly-in expedition · 2-6 travellers · Moderate

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1: Fly to Katavi

    Board the scheduled-charter service west and meet the camp team on arrival. Flight days and baggage allowances shape this itinerary and are checked before international flights are booked.

  2. Days 2-4: Katavi National Park

    Explore floodplains, woodland and seasonal waterways over three days. Activities and drive lengths respond to wildlife concentration, water conditions and the camp’s operating area.

  3. Day 5: Katavi to Mahale

    Fly onward and transfer by boat along Lake Tanganyika to your Mahale lodge. Settle beside the beach while the guides explain the next morning’s chimpanzee-tracking procedure.

  4. Days 6-8: Mahale Mountains

    Track chimpanzees when the park team locates a habituated group, with trekking duration determined by their movement. Other time can include forest walks, dhow outings, kayaking or resting by the lake.

  5. Day 9: Lake departure

    Travel by boat to the airstrip and join the scheduled-charter flight east. Connections may require an Arusha night because remote flight schedules should not be paired too tightly with international departures.

Important itinerary note

Wildlife movement, trail conditions, sea conditions and domestic schedules can change. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point; the confirmed proposal states the exact accommodation, transport, activities, inclusions and payment terms.

Contact Indigo's Arusha team for dates, availability and a personalised proposal.