10-Day Katavi & Mahale Safari Itinerary – Tanzania’s Remote Wilderness

Embark on a 10-day Katavi & Mahale safari itinerary for an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania’s untouched wilderness. Discover Katavi’s abundant wildlife and trek to see Mahale’s chimpanzees with expert guides.

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Katavi & Mahale Safari Highlights

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destinations: Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park
Main Focus: Wildlife safaris, chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, and remote wilderness
Tour Style: Guided small-group or private safari
Best Time to Go: June–October (dry season) for optimal wildlife viewing and trekking
Ideal For: Wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, photographers, and primate lovers

Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains Safari

Katavi & Mahale Safari Overview

The 10-day Katavi & Mahale safari itinerary takes you to Tanzania’s most remote and pristine national parks. Katavi National Park, one of Africa’s least-visited reserves, offers unparalleled wildlife viewing with vast herds of buffalo, elephants, and predators like lions and leopards. Mahale Mountains National Park, set along Lake Tanganyika, is home to one of the largest populations of wild chimpanzees, offering an intimate trekking experience.

Led by expert guides, this safari combines game drives, walking safaris, and chimpanzee trekking in untouched landscapes. Perfect for adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, this itinerary showcases Tanzania’s biodiversity and serene beauty.

With small-group or private options, comfortable lodges, and domestic flights included, this safari ensures a seamless and immersive journey into Tanzania’s wild heart.

10-Day Katavi & Mahale Safari Itinerary

Embark on a 10-day adventure through Tanzania’s remote Katavi and Mahale parks, combining wildlife safaris and chimpanzee trekking for an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrive in Arusha via Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to your hotel for a welcome briefing and overnight stay. Relax and prepare for your safari adventure.

Day 2: Fly to Katavi National Park

Take a morning domestic flight to Katavi National Park. Check into your lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting buffalo, hippos, and lions in Katavi’s vast plains.

Day 3–4: Katavi National Park Exploration

Spend two full days on game drives and walking safaris in Katavi. Witness large herds of elephants, giraffes, and predators, with opportunities for birdwatching (over 400 species). Overnight at a luxury lodge.

Day 5: Transfer to Mahale Mountains

Fly to Mahale Mountains National Park via a scenic charter flight. Arrive at your lakeside lodge on Lake Tanganyika, relax, and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Day 6–8: Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale

Embark on guided chimpanzee treks in Mahale’s lush forests, home to over 800 wild chimpanzees. Enjoy close encounters with these primates, plus colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife. Afternoons include boat trips or relaxing by Lake Tanganyika.

Day 9: Return to Arusha

Fly back to Arusha via domestic flight. Spend the day at leisure, exploring Arusha’s markets or relaxing at your hotel. Overnight in Arusha.

Day 10: Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable Katavi & Mahale safari.

Highlights of the Katavi & Mahale Safari Experience

Why Choose the Katavi & Mahale Safari

Remote Wilderness: Explore Tanzania’s least-visited parks for an exclusive, crowd-free safari experience.
Diverse Wildlife: Spot lions, elephants, and hippos in Katavi, and track chimpanzees in Mahale.
Expert Guides: Learn from knowledgeable guides with deep expertise in Tanzania’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy Katavi’s vast savannas and Mahale’s lush forests and Lake Tanganyika shores.

Essential Travel Details for Your Katavi & Mahale Safari

Trip Aspect	Information
Distance Covered	Approx. 1,200 km (750 miles) by air from Arusha
Tour Duration	10 days / 9 nights
Group Size	2–8 people (private or small group)
Completion Rate	95% – Moderate fitness required for trekking
Best Months to Visit	June–October (dry season)
Activity Level	Moderate – Includes game drives and light trekking

Katavi and Mahale Safari Experience

Katavi’s Untouched Wilderness: Katavi National Park is one of Tanzania’s most remote reserves, offering an authentic safari experience with minimal tourist presence. Visitors describe the park as a “hidden gem” for its vast herds and predator-prey interactions.

Mahale’s Chimpanzee Encounters: Mahale is renowned for its chimpanzee trekking, providing intimate moments with these intelligent primates. Travelers often highlight the emotional connection of observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Community Impact: Your safari supports local conservation efforts and communities near Katavi and Mahale, preserving Tanzania’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Visitor Statistics and Economic Impact of Katavi & Mahale Safaris

Visitor Numbers: Katavi sees fewer than 3,000 visitors annually, ensuring exclusivity, while Mahale hosts around 1,500 tourists.
Wildlife Density: Katavi has over 20,000 buffalo and 4,000 elephants, with a lion population density of 1 per 10 km².
Chimpanzee Population: Mahale is home to approximately 800–1,000 chimpanzees, one of the largest wild populations in Africa.
Tour Satisfaction: 94% of travelers rate this safari 4.8/5 for wildlife diversity and guide expertise.
Economic Impact: Remote safaris contribute over $5 million annually to Tanzania’s conservation and tourism sectors.

Katavi & Mahale Safari Gallery

What to Bring for the Best Katavi & Mahale Safari Experience

Lightweight clothing: Breathable, neutral-colored attire for warm weather and trekking
Sturdy hiking boots: Essential for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale’s forests
Binoculars: For spotting distant wildlife and birds in Katavi
Camera with zoom lens: Capture wildlife and chimpanzees in their natural habitats
Insect repellent: Protect against mosquitoes, especially in Mahale
Sunscreen and hat: For sun protection during game drives
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated during long safari days
Light rain jacket: For unexpected showers, especially in shoulder seasons

Katavi & Mahale Safari – Price & Customization Options

Experience Tanzania’s remote wilderness with our 10-day Katavi & Mahale safari, tailored for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.

1–2 People (Private Safari)

From $4,500 per person

Private guide and 4x4 vehicle
Customized itinerary with flexible scheduling
Domestic flights and luxury lodge stays
All meals and guided activities included
Exclusive chimpanzee trekking sessions

3–4 People

From $4,000 per person

Small group guided safari
Game drives and chimpanzee trekking
Domestic flights and comfortable lodges
All meals and park fees included
Ideal for small groups or families

5+ People

From $3,800 per person

Group discounts for larger parties
Expert-guided game drives and treks
Domestic flights and lodge accommodations
All meals and activities included
Perfect for adventure groups

Customize Your Katavi & Mahale Safari

Enhance your adventure with these optional add-ons:

Extend your stay with a Lake Tanganyika boat safari
Add a photography guide for professional wildlife shots
Include a cultural visit to local communities
Combine with a Serengeti or Ngorongoro extension
Arrange international flight bookings

Katavi & Mahale Safari Price Inclusions & Exclusions

Our 10-day Katavi & Mahale safari offers a comprehensive package for an immersive wilderness experience, with clear inclusions and exclusions.

Included in the Katavi & Mahale Safari Package

Domestic flights from Arusha to Katavi and Mahale
Professional English-speaking guides
Game drives, walking safaris, and chimpanzee trekking
Luxury lodge and camp accommodations
All meals and bottled water
Park entry fees and taxes

Not Included in the Katavi & Mahale Safari Package

International flights to/from Tanzania
Tips for guides and lodge staff (optional)
Personal purchases like souvenirs
Travel or medical insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Additional activities like boat safaris

Ready to Explore Katavi & Mahale?

Embark on a 10-day safari to Tanzania’s remote Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains, where wildlife and chimpanzees await in pristine wilderness.

Exclusive access to Tanzania’s least-visited parks
Intimate chimpanzee trekking in Mahale’s forests
Expert guides for immersive wildlife experiences
Comfortable lodges and domestic flights included
Perfect for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers

Limited spots available for this exclusive safari — book now to secure your adventure!

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Book Now: 10-Day Katavi & Mahale Safari

Frequently Asked Questions – Katavi & Mahale Safari

1. What is the best time for a Katavi & Mahale safari?

The dry season (June–October) is ideal for wildlife viewing in Katavi and chimpanzee trekking in Mahale due to clear trails and concentrated animal sightings.

2. Is the Katavi & Mahale safari suitable for families?

The safari is suitable for families with older children (12+), as it involves light trekking and long travel days. Customized family-friendly options are available.

3. What wildlife can I expect to see on this safari?

In Katavi, expect lions, elephants, hippos, and buffalo. In Mahale, you’ll see chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and diverse birdlife.

4. What should I pack for the Katavi & Mahale safari?

Pack lightweight clothing, sturdy hiking boots, binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.

5. Are flights included in the safari package?

Domestic flights from Arusha to Katavi and Mahale are included. International flights are not included but can be arranged on request.

6. What is the cancellation policy for this safari?

Free cancellation is available up to 30 days before departure. Contact us for detailed terms or to reschedule.