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1 Night Arusha | 3 Nights Katavi | 4 Nights Mahale
This 9-day flying luxury safari combines two of the most incredible and off-the-beaten-path wildlife destinations in Tanzania – Katavi National Park where you will stay at the Chada Camp then on to the stunning Greystoke Mahale Camp in the Mahale Mountains where you have the opportunity to track wild chimpanzees in pristine forest.
After a night in Arusha, your journey begins with a flight to Chada Katavi Camp in western Tanzania’s Katavi National Park where you spend 3 nights. Katavi is considered by the few who have visited to be one of the most untouched pristine areas of the country with the greatest bio-density of wildlife.
Tanzania’s greatest populations of both crocodile and hippopotamus are to be found here. During the dry season up to 200 hippos might flop together in any riverine pool of sufficient depth. The giant crocodile are found sleeping in the caves on the banks of the rivers. Giraffe, topi, zebra and other herbivores gather in great numbers along the watercourses.
A kaleidoscope of birds flit across the riverbanks swamps and palm groves while flotillas of pelican cruise the lakes. Elephant graze waist-deep in the marshlands. Lion and leopard find prey among the huge populations of herbivores. But most spectacular of all are the vast herds of 1,000 plus buffalo seldom seen elsewhere in Africa.
You can arrange a night drive or a walking safari, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a night out fly-camping will add a whole new dimension to your safari.
After Katavi, fly to the Mahale Mountains and stay four nights at the unique Greystoke Mahale, overlooking Lake Tanganyika’s turquoise waters. The adventure starts as soon as you land: with no road access to reach Greystoke, you’ll travel a further hour by traditional dhow.
Chimps are the main attraction, but there are plenty of other smaller primate species to see, birding is very good and the hippos and crocodiles are always close! Leopard often come and visit but you are lucky to get a sighting.
You’ll head out each day with an exceptional primatology guide, and with a nearby community of 60 habituated chimpanzees, this is one of the best ways to see chimps in Africa – a truly remarkable and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Between treks, you can relax back at the lodge and swim or kayak on Lake Tanganyika, the longest lake in the world.
Suitable for second-time around safari visitors and those after a genuine safari adventure, this is a journey that will connect you to nature in a manner you have never experienced before.
Safari Itinerary in Summary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport – Transfer to Arusha. Overnight at Rivertrees Country Inn
Day 2: Arusha – Fly to Katavi National Park. Overnight at Chada Camp
Day 3: Katavi National Park. Overnight at Chada Camp
Day 4: Katavi National Park. Overnight at Chada Camp
Day 5: Katavi – Fly to Mahale Mountains National Park. Overnight at Greystoke Mahale Camp
Day 6: Mahale Mountains National Park. Overnight at Greystoke Mahale Camp
Day 7: Mahale Mountains National Park. Overnight at Greystoke Mahale Camp
Day 8: Mahale Mountains National Park. Overnight at Greystoke Mahale Camp
Day 9: Mahale Mountains – Fly to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
Safari Itinerary in Detail
Day 1:Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha, Tanzania
After arriving at Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Rivertrees Country Inn for your first night. Located halfway between the airport and the town of Arusha, this restored farmhouse has a riverside setting and makes the perfect place in which to relax and recharge after a long journey.
Combining old world ambiance, African country elegance, excellent farm cuisine, personal service and a genuine warmth from your hosts, Rivertrees is simply a magical place to stay.
Overnight Accommodation: Rivertrees Country Inn, Arusha
Meal Plan {Bed& Breakfast}
Days 2, 3 & 4: Arusha – Fly to Katavi National Park
After breakfast we transfer you to Arusha Airport and fly to Katavi National Park, located deep in off-radar western Tanzania. A short game drive carries you to Chada Katavi Camp, your home for the next three nights. Arrive to welcoming smiles and an escort to your canvas suite, one of only six available in camp.
After settling in, stroll over to the lounge tent for high tea and an introductory game drive. The main activity here is game drives in open sided vehicles but Chada also offer game walks on the plains, as well as fly camping.
Katavi National park is the third largest park in Tanzania. It is also by far one of the least visited in the country, making it a truly untouched wildlife paradise. During the dry season up to 200 hippos might flop together in any riverine pool of sufficient depth. The giant crocodile are found sleeping in the caves on the banks of the rivers.
Giraffe, topi, zebra and other herbivores gather in great numbers along the watercourses. A kaleidoscope of birds flit across the riverbanks swamps and palm groves while flotillas of pelican cruise the lakes.
Elephant graze waist-deep in the marshlands. Lion and leopard find prey among the huge populations of herbivores… But most spectacular of all are the vast herds of 1,000 plus buffalo seldom seen elsewhere in Africa.
Selecting a scenic spot, your guide pulls out a hamper packed with sundowner treats and chilled drinks. As the sun sinks toward the horizon, you raise a glass to the wildness and solitude of Katavi. Return to the lodge in the early evening, where candles and lanterns create a warm and cozy glow around the fireplace.
After freshening up, sip cocktails in the library before a sumptuous three-course dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: Chada Camp
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 5, 6, 7, 8: Katavi – Fly to Mahale National Park
Bid farewell to Katavi as you fly to Mahale Mountains National Park which lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Kigoma Region, Tanzania. Upon arrival at the Mahale airstrip we take a 90-minute journey by boat to Greystoke Mahale Camp your accommodation for the next four nights.
Mahale Mountain National Park is one of the most remote and most beautiful parks in Tanzania – if not Africa – and Greystoke Mahale is definitely the best camp in the park. This unique, high-end camp stands at the base of the densely forested Mahale Mountains National Park on a remote Kangwena Beach and along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
This area is home to the world’s largest known population of chimpanzees. There are 6 double banda cottages all of which overlook the beach and lake beyond. The en-suite bathroom is just a short board-walk from the room, bathrooms have hot showers and a flush toilet. All the bandas have a private ‘chill-out’ deck.
Every morning, trackers go out early to find the chimp’s, then after breakfast guests head off along the forest paths until surrounded by the calls of chimps. You can then sit quietly for 1 hour with them watching their daily life; grooming, wrestling, foraging, eating, and mothering.
You can also observe leopard, bushbuck, bush pig, and a multitude of birds and butterflies. The lake, with 250 species of tropical fish, is perfect for boat trips and dhow sailing, swimming, snorkeling and fishing, as well as kayaking.
Overnight Accommodation: Greystoke Mahale Camp
Meal Plan {Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner}
Day 9: Mahale – Fly to Arusha/ Kilimanjaro – Depart
As with all good things, the magical days at Mahale must finally come to an end. After a last walk on the beach, take the final journey back to the Mahale airstrip and a flight to Arusha. As you fly over Tanzania’s forested peaks and open savannahs, reminisce on the extraordinary journey you have experienced.
From teeming herds on wide open plains and the thrill of following the spoor of a pride of lions to the incredible connection you felt when meeting a chimpanzee’s probing gaze, each of these experiences is indelibly carved in your memory, which will perhaps compel you one day to return to Africa.
Meal Plan {Breakfast & Lunch}
9 Day Tanzania Fly-in Safari Katavi & Mahale Mountains Prices
9 Day Tanzania Fly-in Safari Katavi & Mahale Mountains Prices Include;
Flights (Shared air charter Arusha -Katavi -Mahale -Arusha) + Return Airstrip Transfers + 1 Night at Rivertrees Country Inn Arusha on Bed & Breakfast + 3 Nights Chada Katavi Camp including Full Board, soft drinks and beverages, laundry, game drives, walking safari, bush lunch + 3 nights Greystoke Mahale Camp including Full Board, soft drinks and beverages, return boat transfers, laundry, chimpanzee tracking, forest walks, snorkeling, fishing, boat safari for bird watching & game viewing, professional tour guide, camp and park entrance fees
| Dates From | Dates To | Price Per Person | Children Aged 8 to 12 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st January 2021 | 31st December 2021 | Request for rates | Request for rates |
Note
* After spending a night in Arusha, the Safari departs every Monday & Thursday, – Minimum 2 Guests
* CHILD POLICY: Children aged under 12 years and sharing a room with 1 or 2 adults each pay 75% of adult rate
* Children under 12 years are not allowed on Chimpanzee Treks. Children remaining at the lodge must be supervised by an accompanying adult at all times
9 Day Tanzania Fly-in Safari Katavi & Mahale Mountains Prices Exclude;
* Laundry
* Personal items
* Travel Insurance
* Tips and gratuities
* Entry visas and vaccinations
* Guide tips and any items of personal nature
* Air fares (International and local), airport taxes and fees
* Optional Excursions/ Activities (unless stated in the itinerary)
