8-Day Katavi & Mahale Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Katavi National Park – Gateway to Untamed Wilderness
Highlights: Flight transfer, introduction to Katavi, afternoon game drive
Fly from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to the remote Ikuu Airstrip in Katavi National Park. Upon arrival, meet your professional safari guide and transfer to your camp or lodge. After lunch and orientation, embark on your first afternoon game drive across the vast floodplains, spotting buffalo, crocodiles, and hippos along the Katuma River.
Included Activities:
- Meet-and-greet at Ikuu Airstrip
- Transfer to camp/lodge
- Afternoon game drive
- Sundowner by the river
Overnight: Tented camp or lodge in Katavi
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full Day Game Drives in Katavi – Wildlife Spectacle
Highlights: Morning and afternoon game drives, predator and herbivore sightings
Spend a full day exploring Katavi’s remote plains and woodlands with morning and afternoon game drives. Look out for lions , elephants , buffalo herds, and leopards , while enjoying birdwatching along the floodplains. Return to camp for relaxation and dinner under the stars.
Included Activities:
- Dawn and dusk game drives
- Wildlife photography
- Birdwatching opportunities
Overnight: Same camp or lodge in Katavi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Katavi Walking Safari & Boat Cruise – Intimate Wildlife Encounters
Highlights: Guided walking safari, boat cruise on Katuma River
Enjoy a morning walking safari through Katavi’s woodlands, led by an expert guide. Discover animal tracks, insects, and plant life up close. After lunch, take a peaceful boat cruise along the Katuma River to observe hippos, crocodiles, and water birds in their natural habitat.
Included Activities:
- Guided walking safari
- Boat cruise on Katuma River
- Wildlife and birdwatching
Overnight: Same camp or lodge in Katavi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Mahale Mountains
Highlights: Morning game drive, scenic flight and boat transfer to Mahale
Start your day with a final morning game drive in Katavi. After lunch, transfer to Ikuu Airstrip for a charter flight to Mahale Mountains National Park. Upon arrival, take a short boat transfer to your lodge nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, ready for chimpanzee trekking and pristine wilderness.
Included Activities:
- Morning game drive
- Flight from Katavi to Mahale
- Boat transfer to lodge
- Orientation at Mahale
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in Mahale Mountains
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains
Highlights: Guided chimpanzee trekking, forest exploration
Spend the day trekking through Mahale’s lush forests with expert guides in search of the wild chimpanzee troops that call this park home. Learn about chimpanzee behavior and conservation efforts while enjoying spectacular views of Lake Tanganyika from the forest canopy.
Included Activities:
- Full-day chimpanzee trekking
- Interpretation by expert guides
- Opportunity for wildlife photography
Overnight: Lodge or camp in Mahale Mountains
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Additional Chimpanzee Trekking & Relaxation
Highlights: Morning chimpanzee trek, afternoon relaxation by the lake
Begin your day with another guided trek in search of chimpanzees or other wildlife. In the afternoon, relax at your lodge or explore the pristine lake shores. Optional kayaking, swimming, or nature walks provide a perfect balance of activity and leisure.
Included Activities:
- Morning chimpanzee trek
- Leisure time for optional activities
- Nature walks or lake activities
Overnight: Lodge or camp in Mahale Mountains
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Morning Game Walk & Departure to Katavi
Highlights: Early morning nature walk, return flight to Katavi
Enjoy an early morning nature walk along the lake shores or forest trails, soaking in the tranquility of Mahale. After breakfast, transfer by boat to Mahale airstrip for your flight back to Katavi. Upon arrival, transfer to camp for a final farewell dinner under the African stars.
Included Activities:
- Early morning nature walk
- Boat transfer to airstrip
- Flight to Katavi
- Farewell dinner
Overnight: Camp or lodge in Katavi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Departure – End of Safari Adventure
Highlights: Final morning game drive, flight back to Arusha or Dar es Salaam
On your final morning, enjoy a sunrise game drive for last wildlife sightings in Katavi. After breakfast, transfer to Ikuu Airstrip for your flight back to Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Reflect on your unforgettable safari, filled with rare wildlife encounters and pristine landscapes.
Included Activities:
- Sunrise game drive
- Breakfast at camp
- Transfer and flight to Arusha or Dar es Salaam
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Add-Ons (Pre/Post Tour)
- Cultural Arusha / Dar es Salaam City Tour (Pre-Safari)
- Zanzibar Beach Extension (Post-Safari)
- Scenic Flight Over Lake Tanganyika (Private Charter) (Pre/Post-Safari)
- Wildlife & Chimpanzee Photography Masterclass (During/Post-Safari)
- Jane Goodall Institute Visit (Kigoma) (Post-Mahale Option)
- Ruaha or Nyerere (Selous) National Park Extension (Post-Safari)
What to Pack for Your 8-Day Katavi & Mahale 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).