10-Day Katavi, Mahale & Gombe Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Katavi – Begin Your Remote Wilderness Journey
Highlights: Flight transfer, first impressions of Katavi, introductory game drive
Fly from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Ikuu Airstrip in Katavi National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your camp. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch followed by your first game drive across Katavi’s spectacular plains, home to elephants, buffaloes, and lions. End the day with a sundowner overlooking a riverbank teeming with hippos and crocodiles.
- Meet-and-greet at Ikuu Airstrip
- Transfer and lunch at the lodge
- Afternoon game drive
- Sundowner in the wild
Overnight: Camp/Lodge in Katavi
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full Day Exploration of Katavi – Big Game Encounters
Highlights: Morning and afternoon game drives, birdwatching, predator sightings
Spend the full day exploring the game-rich terrain of Katavi. Watch herds of elephants roam the miombo woodlands and keep your camera ready for thrilling predator-prey scenes on the floodplains. Birdlife is abundant, and your guide will help spot elusive species and explain the park's unique ecosystem.
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Birdwatching and predator tracking
- Wildlife photography sessions
Overnight: Camp/Lodge in Katavi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: River Safari and Walking Trails in Katavi
Highlights: Guided walking safari, river boat safari, wildlife tracking
Enjoy a guided walking safari in the early morning to get a ground-level view of Katavi’s flora and fauna. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Katuma River for close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Experience the park from a fresh perspective and deepen your connection to the wilderness.
- Morning walking safari with a guide
- Afternoon boat safari
- Wildlife observation and photography
Overnight: Camp/Lodge in Katavi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Last Game Drive in Katavi & Transfer to Mahale
Highlights: Morning game drive, scenic flight to Mahale, lakeside relaxation
After breakfast and a final game drive, you’ll take a chartered flight to the remote Mahale Mountains National Park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Upon arrival, transfer by boat to your lodge. Settle in and enjoy the stunning lake views and forest backdrop — a complete change of scenery from the savannahs of Katavi.
- Final game drive in Katavi
- Scenic flight to Mahale
- Boat transfer to lakeside lodge
Overnight: Lodge in Mahale Mountains
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale – Into the Rainforest
Highlights: Guided chimpanzee trek, forest exploration, Lake Tanganyika beach time
Head into the forest in search of the Mahale chimps. Accompanied by experienced trackers, follow clues and calls until you come face-to-face with these incredible primates. Spend a magical hour observing their social behaviors. Return to camp for a well-earned lunch and an afternoon dip or kayaking session in Lake Tanganyika.
- Morning chimpanzee trekking
- Afternoon leisure by the lake
- Optional kayaking or beach walk
Overnight: Lodge in Mahale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Mahale Wildlife & Forest Walks
Highlights: Forest trekking, birding, primate watching
Another chance to venture deep into the forest for wildlife tracking. While chimps are the stars, Mahale is home to red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vibrant bird species. Learn about the forest ecology from your guide and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of this untouched wilderness.
- Morning or afternoon forest trek
- Birdwatching and photography
- Educational insights into Mahale’s biodiversity
Overnight: Lodge in Mahale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Final Morning in Mahale & Transfer to Gombe
Highlights: Scenic boat ride, transfer to Gombe, lakeside relaxation
Enjoy your final morning in Mahale with a relaxed breakfast or short walk before boarding a boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika to Gombe Stream National Park. On arrival, check in at your lodge and spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking in the beauty of this legendary park made famous by Jane Goodall.
- Boat transfer from Mahale to Gombe
- Lodge check-in and orientation
- Relaxation and sunset by the lake
Overnight: Lodge in Gombe Stream
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe – A Walk in Jane Goodall’s Footsteps
Highlights: Guided chimpanzee tracking, visit to research station, forest walk
Today, join expert guides to trek through the forest in search of Gombe’s habituated chimpanzees. Spend time observing these intelligent and playful primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit the famous Jane Goodall research center and learn about decades of pioneering conservation work.
- Morning chimpanzee trek
- Guided tour of the research station
- Forest hike and wildlife viewing
Overnight: Lodge in Gombe Stream
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Nature Trails & Waterfall Trekking in Gombe
Highlights: Hike to Kakombe Waterfall, primate and birdwatching
Today you’ll hike through the forest trails to the picturesque Kakombe Waterfall. Along the way, spot various primates and endemic birds. The trail offers a refreshing perspective on Gombe’s terrain and is perfect for active travelers seeking an immersive nature experience.
- Guided hike to Kakombe Waterfall
- Nature walk and wildlife sightings
- Rest and swim by the lakeside
Overnight: Lodge in Gombe Stream
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Departure – Farewell to Western Tanzania
Highlights: Return boat ride, scenic charter flight
After breakfast, enjoy a final lakeside view before boarding your boat back to Kigoma, followed by a charter flight to Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Reflect on an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s wildest parks — an experience few ever have the privilege to enjoy.
- Boat transfer to Kigoma
- Charter flight to Arusha or Dar
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Add-Ons (Pre/Post Tour)
- Combine with 3-day chimp trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park
- Extend with 2–3 nights at Kipili Beach (Lake Tanganyika)
- Request a photography-focused guide
- Add 2 days in Ruaha National Park for a Big Five contrast
What to Pack for Your 10-Day Katavi National Park Safari Tour
- Neutral clothing (tan/khaki), hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with zoom lens
- Light jacket (mornings are chilly)
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
Tip: Pack light — small aircraft have baggage limits (usually 15kg soft bags).