You’ll arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a local representative will meet you and transfer you to the Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge. Located on a coffee plantation just outside Arusha, this peaceful retreat is a great place to unwind after your flight. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax or explore the property.

After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to Arusha City Airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Katavi. Upon arrival at Ikuu Airstrip, you’ll be transferred to Chada Katavi Camp, where you’ll stay for four nights. This remote, stylish tented camp is set in one of Africa’s most untouched parks. You’ll settle in and enjoy your first afternoon game drive or a relaxing evening in camp.

Over the next three days, you’ll explore Katavi’s wide-open plains and woodlands, home to huge herds of buffalo, large lion prides, crocodiles, and hippos packed into shrinking pools. You’ll enjoy daily game drives and walking safaris with expert guides. The park is known for its low visitor numbers, so you’ll likely have sightings all to yourself. Optional extras like fly camping and night drives can be arranged in advance for an added adventure.

Today you’ll fly from Katavi to Mahale Mountains National Park. After landing, you’ll take a scenic 90-minute boat ride across Lake Tanganyika to reach Greystoke Mahale Camp. This unique camp sits between the lake and the rainforest and will be your home for the next three nights. Once settled, you can enjoy the lake, relax at the lodge, or take a short forest walk.

You’ll spend these two days tracking wild chimpanzees through the forest with your expert guide. Mahale is one of the best places in the world to see chimpanzees in the wild. Trekking is moderately challenging and can last from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the troop’s location. You’ll also have time for boat rides, swims in the lake, forest walks, and cultural visits to nearby villages. Encounters with the chimps are deeply moving and unforgettable.

After breakfast, you’ll take a boat ride back to the Mahale Airstrip for your return flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may connect directly or arrange for an overnight stay in Arusha (not included). Your safari ends with incredible memories from two of Africa’s most remote and rewarding wildlife destinations.