Gombe and Mahale, The Western Tanzania Chimpanzee Journey, 8 days
Both of Tanzania's chimpanzee parks in one journey, linked by Lake Tanganyika.
Experience the ultimate Western Tanzania journey, combining Gombe National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park in one immersive adventure. Begin in Dar es Salaam before flying west to Kigoma and travelling by boat across Lake Tanganyika to Gombe. Spend three nights exploring Gombe's rainforest and tracking chimpanzees before continuing towards the spectacular Mahale Mountains, where ancient forest rises directly from the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The journey combines chimpanzee trekking, rainforest exploration, mountain scenery, hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, boating and lakeside relaxation. Rather than rushing between destinations, this itinerary gives you time to experience both parks properly.
They are different experiences. Gombe is compact, historic and easily reached from Kigoma. Mahale is larger and more dramatic, with forested mountains rising straight out of Lake Tanganyika and chimpanzee trekking in the foothills.
Gombe back to Kigoma by boat, then south to Mahale either by boat across the lake or by safari flight to Mahale Airstrip with the lodge's boat transfer. The arrangement is confirmed according to your travel date, accommodation and the operating schedule.
No. The chimpanzees move freely through their habitat. Current TANAPA guidelines limit tracking groups to five people in Gombe and six in Mahale, with a maximum viewing period of one hour.
Treks follow forest trails that can be steep, wet and slippery, and their length depends on where the chimpanzees are. Mahale also offers longer guided hikes, including an excursion towards Mount Nkungwe subject to weather, guide assessment and park conditions.
June to October is relatively dry and generally favourable for trekking. November to February is green and atmospheric in the forest. March to May brings the long rains, wetter trails and seasonal operations, so availability should be confirmed for your dates.
- ✓Domestic flight Dar es Salaam to Kigoma
- ✓Domestic flight Kigoma to Dar es Salaam
- ✓Airport transfers
- ✓Kigoma–Gombe return boat transfers
- ✓Gombe–Mahale transportation according to confirmed routing
- ✓Mahale–Kigoma return transportation according to confirmed routing
- ✓Accommodation as specified
- ✓Three nights Gombe
- ✓Three nights Mahale
- ✓One night Kigoma
- ✓Full board in Gombe and Mahale
- ✓Meals according to selected Kigoma accommodation
- ✓Gombe National Park fees
- ✓Mahale Mountains National Park fees
- ✓Chimpanzee trekking fees
- ✓Authorized park guides and rangers
- ✓Activities specifically listed in the itinerary
- ✓Drinking water during safari activities
- ✓Applicable taxes and service charges
- —International flights
- —Tanzania visa
- —Travel and medical insurance
- —Personal expenses
- —Alcoholic and premium beverages
- —Tips and gratuities
- —Optional activities not listed as included
- —Private charter flights unless specifically quoted
- —Additional baggage charges
- —Additional accommodation before or after the itinerary
- —Any increase in park fees, taxes, airline fares or transport costs after confirmation
Change anything on this itinerary
This is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Add nights, move parks, change the accommodation tier — tell us and we rebuild it.
8 days, in order
Dar es Salaam to Kigoma to Gombe
West to Kigoma by air, then straight onto the lake for the 2u20133 hour crossing to Gombe.
Your Western Tanzania adventure begins in Dar es Salaam. Board your domestic flight to Kigoma.nnUpon arrival, your AfricaMaze representative will meet you and transfer you directly to the lakeshore. Rather than spending your first night in Kigoma, continue immediately by boat across Lake Tanganyika towards Gombe National Park. The crossing generally takes approximately 2u20133 hours, depending on the boat and lake conditions.nnArrive at Gombe and settle into your lodge or camp. Enjoy dinner and your first evening surrounded by the forest and Lake Tanganyika.
Gombe National Park
A first trek into Gombe's rainforest with an authorized ranger, then an afternoon beside the lake.
After breakfast, meet your authorized park ranger and begin your first chimpanzee trek.nnEnter Gombe's rainforest and follow the trails in search of the habituated chimpanzee community. The experience is completely natural: chimpanzees move freely through the forest, and your ranger follows their location and behaviour. The forest also offers opportunities to encounter several species of primates and birds.nnReturn to the lodge for lunch.nnIn the afternoon, relax beside Lake Tanganyika or choose a suitable forest or lakeside activity.
Gombe National Park
A second trek in the morning, then Kakombe Falls, the lake or the lodge for the rest of the day.
Enjoy another full day in Gombe.nnIn the morning, take a second chimpanzee trek for another opportunity to observe the community. This is particularly recommended for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and guests who want a deeper understanding of chimpanzee behaviour.nnThe afternoon is your choice between Kakombe Falls, forest walking, birdwatching, a lake excursion, kayaking, swimming where permitted or relaxation at the lodge.nnEnd the day with the sounds of the forest and Lake Tanganyika.
Gombe to Kigoma to Mahale
South to Mahale by boat or safari flight, according to the confirmed operating schedule.
After breakfast, board your boat from Gombe and return to Kigoma. From Kigoma, continue south towards Mahale Mountains National Park.nnDepending on the confirmed travel schedule, the transfer to Mahale can be arranged by boat across Lake Tanganyika, or by safari flight to Mahale Airstrip followed by the lodge's boat transfer. The exact arrangement will be confirmed according to the travel date, accommodation and operating schedule.nnArrive at Mahale and settle into your lakeside accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing beside Lake Tanganyika.
Mahale Mountains National Park
A first Mahale trek into the foothills, then swimming, snorkelling or kayaking on the lake.
After breakfast, begin your first Mahale chimpanzee trek.nnEnter the forest with your authorized ranger and follow the trails into the foothills of the Mahale Mountains. The experience combines wildlife and landscape in a unique way, with forested mountains rising behind you and Lake Tanganyika stretching out below.nnAfter the trek, return to the lodge for lunch.nnThe afternoon belongs to Lake Tanganyika. Choose from swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, a boat excursion, beach relaxation or birdwatching.
Mahale
A flexible day: a second trek, a mountain hike towards Nkungwe, time on the water or a private sunset.
Today is your flexible Mahale adventure day.nnFor wildlife enthusiasts, enjoy a second chimpanzee trek.nnFor active travellers, take a guided forest or mountain hike. More experienced hikers may consider a longer mountain excursion towards Mount Nkungwe, subject to weather, guide assessment and park conditions.nnFor water lovers, enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, swimming or boat excursions.nnFor couples, spend the day at leisure beside Lake Tanganyika and enjoy a private sunset experience.
Mahale to Kigoma
A last forest or lakeside morning, then back to Kigoma by boat or the confirmed flight connection.
Enjoy a relaxed final morning in this extraordinary lakeside wilderness. Depending on the day's operating schedule, choose a final forest walk, chimpanzee trek or lakeside activity.nnLater, begin your journey back towards Kigoma by boat or the confirmed safari flight connection. Arrive in Kigoma and transfer to your hotel.nnEnjoy a final evening beside Lake Tanganyika. For couples, AfricaMaze can arrange a private sunset boat ride or special lakeside dinner.
Kigoma to Dar es Salaam
The flight back to Dar es Salaam, with the option to extend to the coast, the north or the south.
After breakfast, transfer to Kigoma Airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam. Your Western Tanzania journey ends in Dar es Salaam.nnYou can continue your Tanzania adventure with Zanzibar for Indian Ocean beaches and island experiences, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro for the classic Northern Circuit safari, Kilimanjaro for mountain trekking, Nyerere and Ruaha for the Southern Tanzania wilderness, or Dar es Salaam as a coastal extension.
Package prices
Tour code 08GOM-MAH. Children aged 15 and over pay the adult rate. Totals are for the whole party.
| Itinerary | Per adult | Per child | Package total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo traveller (1 adult) | 7,687.25 | — | 7,687.25 |
| Two adults sharing | 6,238.75 | — | 12,477.50 |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children aged 15+) | 6,051.25 | 6,051.25 | 24,205 |
Accommodation
Two forests, one lake
Three properties across seven nights, positioned where the forest meets Lake Tanganyika, so the time between treks is spent somewhere worth staying.
Gombe National Park
Lodge or camp, Gombe National Park
3 nights
- Room and board
- Full board, all listed activities
Rainforest and lakeshore, with the chimpanzee trails starting at the door.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Lakeside lodge or camp, Mahale
3 nights
- Room and board
- Full board, all listed activities
Forested mountains behind, Lake Tanganyika in front, and some of the most remote accommodation in Tanzania.
Kigoma, Lake Tanganyika
Selected hotel, Kigoma
1 night
- Room and board
- Meals according to the selected property
A comfortable base beside the lake for your final evening before the flight east.
One team, from the first email to the airport
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