8-Day Chimpanzee Safari:
Gombe Stream & Mahale Mountains

This extraordinary safari takes you deep into the forests of western Tanzania, home to the greatest concentrations of wild chimpanzees on earth. Combine the legendary Gombe Stream National Park, made famous by Dr. Jane Goodall’s research, with the remote Mahale Mountains, where forested peaks meet the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Southern Tanzania offers a wilder, more remote safari experience compared to the popular Northern Circuit. This region is home to vast, unspoiled reserves where visitor numbers are low, wildlife sightings feel intimate, and the sense of adventure is palpable. From the immense plains of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) to the dramatic landscapes of Ruaha National Park, Southern Tanzania is the place to go for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-track safari.

Here, you’ll find diverse habitats, fewer crowds, and some of the best opportunities to spot predators and large herds of elephants. Southern Tanzania combines river safaris, walking safaris, and traditional game drives—giving you a richer variety of ways to encounter wildlife than anywhere else in the country.

Untouched Wilderness: Southern parks cover enormous areas but see far fewer visitors than Serengeti or Ngorongoro, meaning wildlife encounters feel private and exclusive.
Variety of Activities: Unlike many other Tanzanian parks, here you can enjoy boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and classic game drives.
Superb Game Viewing: Ruaha is renowned for large prides of lion and significant leopard populations, while Nyerere is famous for wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
Authentic Adventure: Lodges and camps here are smaller, more intimate, and blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings, enhancing the feeling of being in untouched wilderness.
Ideal for Repeat Visitors: Perfect for travellers who have already experienced Northern Tanzania and want something more off-grid, or for those seeking a quieter, less commercialised safari.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dar es Salaam

On arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Dar es Salaam before your onward journey west.
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Day 2: Flight to Kigoma – Transfer to Gombe Stream National Park

Fly to Kigoma on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. From here, take a boat ride along the lake to Gombe Stream National Park. Settle into camp and enjoy a relaxed afternoon on the beach or a short introductory forest walk.
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Day 3–4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Gombe Stream

Spend two full days trekking in the forests of Gombe, following experienced trackers in search of wild chimpanzee families. Watching these remarkable primates interact in their natural habitat is one of Africa’s most moving wildlife encounters. Along the way, spot olive baboons, red colobus monkeys, and a dazzling variety of birdlife.
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Day 5: Boat Transfer to Mahale Mountains National Park

Return by boat to Kigoma, then continue along the remote shores of Lake Tanganyika to Mahale Mountains National Park. This park is famed for its pristine beauty — emerald mountains dropping into the world’s longest, second-deepest freshwater lake. Evening at leisure on the beach.
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Day 6–7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Mahale Mountains

Spend two magical days exploring the forests of Mahale. Chimpanzee trekking here can be challenging, but the reward is unparalleled — close encounters with large communities of wild chimps in their natural world. In between treks, enjoy swimming, kayaking, or relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Lake Tanganyika.
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Day 8: Return to Kigoma – Flight to Dar es Salaam – Departure

Take a final boat ride across Lake Tanganyika before transferring to Kigoma airport for your flight back to Dar es Salaam. Connect with your onward international flight or extend your holiday with time in Zanzibar.

Trek through the forests of Mahale Mountains National Park or Gombe Stream
Guided chimpanzee tracking with expert rangers
Boat safaris on the pristine waters of Lake Tanganyika
Encounter diverse primates and tropical birdlife
Remote lodges offering a unique blend of lake and forest experiences

Southern Tanzania offers a range of intimate safari camps and lodges designed to immerse you in the wilderness while still offering comfort and style.

– Nyerere National Park: Riverside tented camps and lodges with boat safari access, such as Roho ya Selous or Siwandu.
– Ruaha National Park: Authentic safari camps like Kigelia Ruaha, or lodges overlooking the Great Ruaha River, offering rustic elegance and superb game viewing right from camp.

Most accommodations here are smaller than their Northern counterparts, with fewer rooms and a more personalised feel. They blend natural materials and open-air designs to make you feel truly part of the wilderness.

The best time to visit Southern Tanzania is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around rivers and waterholes. This is also the ideal time for boat safaris along the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park.

– June – October: Peak game viewing, cooler weather, little to no rain, and great predator sightings.
– November – March: Green season with lush landscapes, fewer visitors, and excellent birdwatching. Game is still present but more dispersed.
– April – May: Heavy rains can make travel more difficult, and some camps close during this period.

For the best balance of game viewing and comfort, most travellers choose July through October.

A Southern Tanzania safari pairs perfectly with a beach escape, offering both adventure and relaxation in one journey. After days of exploring the wild landscapes of Ruaha and Nyerere, many travellers choose to unwind on the white sands of Zanzibar, just a short flight away.

For those seeking something more exclusive, Mafia Island offers pristine coral reefs, incredible diving, and seasonal whale shark encounters. This combination of remote wilderness and idyllic Indian Ocean beaches makes Southern Tanzania an unforgettable holiday experience.