Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Tanzania – Katavi National Park – Katavi – Mahale
100% customisable for you
Your Tanzanian adventure begins with a 13-and-a-half hour flight to Kilimanjaro, via Nairobi. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Arusha, where there’s time to unwind and recover from the journey, ahead of the days in the bush to come.
Early this morning, you’ll be transferred to Arusha airstrip for your flight west to the remote and untouched Katavi National Park. Along the way, the plane will make brief refuelling stops in the Serengeti and Tabora, before touching down in Katavi in time for a late lunch. The total journey time is around four hours.
In the late afternoon, head out on a gentle walk with an experienced safari guide and armed scout, exploring the terrain around camp and spotting the first signs of wildlife. Return to camp in time for sundowners by the fire, followed by dinner beneath the vast African sky.
Wake up early and set out on a full-day game drive, venturing deeper into the untamed wilderness of Katavi. Renowned for having some of the highest mammal densities in Tanzania, the park is a wildlife photographer’s dream: vast herds of buffalo – sometimes numbering up to 1,000 – roam the wide plains, while rivers teem with hippos and crocodiles. Keep your camera ready, as each turn could reveal a spectacular sight.
After an afternoon sunbathing session back at camp, head out again for an evening game drive. As the golden light of sunset washes over the plains, enjoy sundowners in the wild, watching buffalo and other wildlife move across the landscape.
Tonight, experience the magic of Katavi like few ever do with an overnight fly-camping safari (only available in the dry season, mid-August to mid-November). Setting out with your guide, traverse the remote wilderness on foot to discover the perfect secluded spot, hidden deep within the park.
Once your campsite is pitched, your guide will rustle up a delicious dinner before leaving you to enjoy the night in complete solitude. With only a mat and a mosquito net between you and the stars, you can shower au natural beneath the trees and then cosy up for a truly unforgettable night under the African sky.
Wake up to the gentle sounds of the bush and enjoy a hearty cook-out breakfast under the early morning sky. After savouring the serenity of your fly camp, return to the comfort and luxury of your main camp on foot through the wilderness or on a game drive – the choice is yours.
Spend the afternoon at your own pace: perhaps a siesta after lunch, followed by a gentle stroll or birdwatching walk around the camp’s grounds. As evening falls, gather for sundowners around the fire and a delicious dinner, swapping stories of the day while the bush comes alive with its nocturnal symphony.
Today, wave goodbye to Katavi and take to the skies for the next stage of your Tanzanian adventure – Mahale Mountains National Park. After an hour-long flight, land at Mahale airstrip and continue your journey in style on a one-and-a-half-hour dhow (traditional sailing boat) ride, enjoying a delicious picnic lunch as you glide across the sparkling waters. Arriving into the lodge by mid-afternoon spend the rest of the day at leisure, settling into your new lodge and surroundings. Why not take a dhow cruise down the lake, do a spot of fishing, a short forest hike, or simply relax on the beach. Meet at the bar in time for sundowners before having dinner in the dining area.
Arrive at your lodge by mid-afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure, soaking up your stunning surroundings. You could take a gentle dhow cruise along the lake, try your hand at fishing, explore the forest on a short hike, or simply relax on the beach. Gather at the bar for sundowners before a delightful dinner in the lodge’s dining area.
Today is all about going ape in the Mahale Mountains, home to the world's largest population of wild chimpanzees. After breakfast, meet your scouts and trackers, who will share the latest sightings and guide you along the narrow mountain trails in search of these fascinating primates.
Spend a magical hour observing the chimps as they forage, play, eat and interact in their natural habitat. After your encounter, trek back to camp for a well-earned lunch.
In the afternoon, take to the water on the dhow and enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake. As the sun sets, tuck into a lakeside dinner, watching the sky transform from blazing orange into a canopy of twinkling stars.
The following morning offers another opportunity to track the chimps. Depending on how far you walk, the boat will meet you for a gentle cruise back to camp, allowing you to enjoy a final morning immersed in Mahale’s wildlife and scenery before continuing your Tanzanian adventure.
Start the day with a serene kayak across the lake, sipping your first coffee as the sun rises. Later, board the dhow back to Mahale Airstrip for your onward flight to the Tanzanian coast, with a brief stopover in Dar es Salaam.
After an action-packed week exploring Katavi and Mahale, arrive ready to unwind and soak up some well-earned relaxation along the coast.
Relaxation is on the cards for the next two days: think lazing in hammocks, wandering deserted beaches, sunbathing by the pool and indulging in a spa treatment or two. The Tanzanian coast is incredibly beautiful, so take time to savour the calm, scenic surroundings.
For those seeking something more active, forest walks and kayaking offer the chance to explore the nearby lagoons and spot wildlife such as Colobus monkeys in the treetops. Divers are well catered for, with opportunities to take boat trips to explore colourful coral reefs and the nearby archipelago, making the most of the crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life.
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Tanzania as your journey comes to an end. After a short flight back to Dar es Salaam, check in for your international flight and begin the overnight journey home to the UK.
You’ll arrive back home the following day, full with unforgettable memories of wild landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and sun-soaked shores.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
