5-Day Mahale Mountains Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari
Fly to the remote Mahale Mountains, where a large chimpanzee community lives in forest that runs down to the beaches of Lake Tanganyika.
About this safari
Fly to the remote Mahale Mountains, where a large chimpanzee community lives in forest that runs down to the beaches of Lake Tanganyika. Daily treks, dhow trips on the lake and no roads at all.
This 5 days private safari starts in Arusha and takes you to Daily chimpanzee treks in the Mahale forest, Beach camp on Lake Tanganyika, reached only by air and boat, Dhow trips and swimming in the lake, Best from June to October, the dry season. Your own vehicle and guide set the pace, and every stay and transfer is confirmed around your dates.
Safari snapshot
A quick look at the route, day by day.
| Day | Place | Highlights | Hotel options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fly to the Mahale Mountains | Game drives with your private guide | Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park |
| Day 2 | Chimpanzee trek | Game drives with your private guide | Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park |
| Day 3 | A second day with the chimps | Game drives with your private guide | Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park |
| Day 4 | Forest walk and Lake Tanganyika | Game drives with your private guide | Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park |
| Day 5 | Fly back to Arusha | Arrival · guide briefing · rest in Arusha | Departure |
Ways to customise this trip
- Add a night in the bush, a cultural visit or a balloon flight
- Upgrade your stays or finish with beach time in Zanzibar
Route
- Day 1Mahale Mountains
- Day 2Mahale Mountains
- Day 3Mahale Mountains
- Day 4Mahale Mountains
- Day 5Arusha
Day by day
Here is how the days run. We can adjust the route around your dates and the pace you want.
1Day 1Fly to the Mahale MountainsLakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park / Lunch, Dinner
A long scenic flight west across Tanzania lands at the Mahale airstrip, where a boat takes you along the lakeshore to camp. Afternoon swim or a first walk into the forest edge. The evening is spent at Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park: a hot shower, sundowners as the light fades, and dinner while you compare the day's sightings. Lunch and dinner are included today.
- Main stop
- Mahale Mountains
- Accommodation
- Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
2Day 2Chimpanzee trekLakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trackers go out at dawn to find the chimps and radio back; you follow with your guide. Treks range from easy to steep. The afternoon is for the beach, a dhow sail or simply the view. Zanzibar is the time to slow down: white sand, warm Indian Ocean water and long lunches by the sea. Swim, rest, or ask us to arrange snorkelling, a dhow sunset cruise, a spice tour or a walk in Stone Town. The night is spent at Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park, with dinner by the sea if you wish. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.
- Main stop
- Mahale Mountains
- Accommodation
- Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3Day 3A second day with the chimpsLakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A second trek gives you a better chance of long, close sightings and of seeing the group's behaviour — grooming, feeding and calls echoing through the forest. In the late afternoon you check in at Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park, with time to freshen up before dinner and a briefing from your guide about tomorrow. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.
- Main stop
- Mahale Mountains
- Accommodation
- Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4Day 4Forest walk and Lake TanganyikaLakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park / Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A final trek or a forest walk in the morning, then a sundowner dhow trip on the clearest lake in Africa. You return to Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park as the sun drops, with time to rest before dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.
- Main stop
- Mahale Mountains
- Accommodation
- Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National Park
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5Day 5Fly back to ArushaBreakfast
Boat to the airstrip and the flight back to Arusha, with connections to Zanzibar or home. Your guide or driver meets you and handles the transfer to your hotel in Arusha, where the rest of the day is yours to recover from the journey, change money or walk to a local café. In the afternoon your guide drives you back for your drop-off — your hotel, the airport for your onward flight, or a connection to Zanzibar. We can add an extra night or a beach stay if you would like more time.
- Main stop
- Arusha
- Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation
Where you stay on this trip. We can move the comfort level up or down when we plan your dates.
Days 1, 2, 3, 4Lakeside camp in Mahale Mountains National ParkTour rates
Your price depends on your dates, group size and the stays you choose. We confirm it in writing once we have checked availability.
Prices are per person and assume shared rooms. Season, park fees, group size, flights and lodge availability all affect the final quote.
Get my exact quoteWhat’s included
Included
- Return light-aircraft flights Arusha – Mahale
- Park and chimpanzee trekking fees
- Full-board accommodation in a lakeside camp
- Guided treks and boat activities
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa fees
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Read guideFrequently asked questions
Can this 5 days itinerary be changed?
Yes. We can review your dates, daily pace, room preferences and interests, then build a specific proposal. Changes to flights, activities or park nights may affect cost and availability.
Which accommodation will I stay in?
Your proposal will name the properties and room categories for each night. Any stays shown here are planning options and remain subject to availability; alternative properties are agreed before confirmation.
What wildlife will we see?
Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and the animals themselves. Your guide plans around local conditions, but particular species, migration movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
Can I change the route and accommodation?
Yes. The published routes are starting points. Tell us your dates, interests and preferred comfort level so we can adjust nights, transfers and activities before quoting.
What determines the final price?
The travel season, number of travellers sharing a vehicle, park fees, room arrangements, lodge availability and domestic flights all affect cost. Your written proposal will identify inclusions and optional extras.
Can the safari finish in Zanzibar?
A mainland safari can connect with Zanzibar by a separately arranged domestic flight. Leave enough time for the transfer and confirm baggage allowances before booking flights.
When is the best time to do this safari?
Wildlife can be seen all year. June to October is dry, with animals gathering near water. January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. April and May are the long rains: greener, quieter and often better value. We match the parks and camps to the month you travel.
How many days do I need?
Two or three days suit Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Four to six days let you add the Serengeti without rushing, and seven or more give time for extra parks, a cultural visit or the coast. Fewer long drives usually means a better trip.
Is the safari private?
Our tailor-made safaris are private: your own vehicle and guide, and a daily pace set around your group. Shared departures can sometimes be arranged for solo travellers — ask us and we’ll explain the options.
What vehicle will we travel in?
Game drives are in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for viewing and photography. Your proposal confirms the vehicle and seating for your group size.
Is a safari suitable for children?
Yes, with the right planning. We keep drives shorter, choose family-friendly rooms and build in rest time. Some camps and activities have minimum ages, so please share each child’s age when you enquire.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Most lodges and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other meals with notice. Tell us about allergies or requirements when you enquire and we’ll pass them to every property on your route.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
Requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel, and a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from certain countries. Malaria precautions are generally advised. Please check with a travel health clinic before you go.
What should I budget for tips?
Tipping is not compulsory but is customary for guides and lodge staff. We include current guidance with your proposal so you can plan for it in advance.
Will there be Wi-Fi and charging?
Many lodges and camps offer charging points and some Wi-Fi, but the connection can be slow or limited to main areas in remote parks. A spare power bank is useful on game drives.
How far in advance should I book?
For July to October and the holiday season, three to nine months ahead gives the best choice of camps. Shorter notice is often possible — send us your dates and we’ll check availability.
Photography credits
Photographs from Wikimedia Commons, resized and converted to WebP. Display crops adapt to the screen.
- A chimpanzee mother and baby at Gombe Stream, Tanzania — AmyAbroad, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- A young eastern chimpanzee climbing — Roland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.
A few details.
A good beginning.
Tell us who is coming and what you would love to find here. We’ll send back a route you can read, question and make your own.
- Planned around your dates and interests
- Midrange or luxury, at your pace
- A personal conversation with our local team