Ruaha, Katavi and Mahale: Tanzania’s Hidden Gems

Connect in Nairobi and arrive Dar es Salaam. Take flight to Ruaha National Park. Large numbers of elephants can be seen here and the waterholes attract other game animals and corresponding carnivores including large prides of lions, leopard and cheetah. Other wildlife includes both roan and sable antelope, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, lesser kudu, large herds of zebra, healthy populations of wild dogs and over 500 species of birds.

Game drives in open sided 4x4 vehicles in the fantastic Ruaha National Park.

Enjoy another day of safaris in the park.

Transfer to airstrip and take charter flight to Katavi Plains National Park. Remote and wild, Katavi covers 4,500 sq km, making it Tanzania’s third largest park. There is a high concentration of hippo, crocodile, buffalo, impala, eland, topi and zebra, while lion and leopard are never far away.

Morning and afternoon safaris in the wilderness of Katavi Plains National Park. Large herds of buffalo and other herbivores are commonplace, even around the camp, and the park supports a particularly large zebra population. Other common species include topi, hartebeest, eland, waterbuck, impala, southern and bohor reedbuck, giraffe, warthog and the rare roan antelope. Katavi’s waterways also support large densities of hippo and crocodile. Carnivores are well represented too with lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, caracal, serval and African wild cat. The bird, reptile and butterfly diversity is also very impressive.

Another day of safaris and guided walks in the national park.

Transfer to airstrip and take charter flight to Mahale. Met on arrival and board boat for transfer to your lodge in the lush Mahale Mountains National Park. The lodge is within hiking distance from the world’s largest population of habituated chimpanzees.

Morning chimpanzee trekking (on a shared basis). Afternoon free for relaxation or lake activities. As well as chimpanzees, there are eight other species of primate, shyer forest mammals, leopards, birds, butterflies, giant vines and waterfalls to discover. The lake in front of the lodge itself is beautiful with crystal clear water, kayaking, fishing and a white sand beach - great for relaxing between chimp encounters.

Morning chimpanzee trekking (on a shared basis). Afternoon free for relaxation or lake activities.

Morning chimpanzee trekking (on a shared basis). Afternoon free for relaxation or lake activities.

Free morning to relax and then transfer by boat back to the airstrip. Take a shared charter flight to Dar es Salaam. Day use of hotel and transfer to the airport and take flight to Nairobi. Connect with onward overnight flight to London.