Overview
This is a perfect safari from Rafiki tembo tours and safaris that offers combination of chimpanzees up close in western Tanzania and Gombe Stream National Park. Gombe National Park is the famous place where Jane Goodall did her research on chimpanzee populations. It is located on the western border of Tanzania and the Congo. and has 35 km² of protected land along the hills of the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Mahale Mountains National Park is located close by, south of the city of Kigoma.
Safari Plan
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival at Dar es Salaam Airport, you will be met by Rafiki tembo tours and safaris representative. He will be readily available to assist you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of all your travel needs, providing you with a memorable experience in Tanzania.
Today you fly from Dar Es Salaam to Kigoma, on the western side of the country. When you arrive, a driver is waiting to bring you to your hotel, after which there is plenty of time to go for example on a city tour, visit a historical town or a nearby village, or go for boat ride on Lake Tanganyika. The next day it's all about the chimpanzees!
Have you always dreamed of seeing chimps in their natural habitat? Then by all means visit the Gombe Stream National Park where Jane Goodall once did her behavioral research on chimpanzee populations. This small national park lies along the western border of Tanzania on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, where it is only accessible by boat. Step into the footsteps of Jane Goodall as a guide takes you to watch groups of chimpanzees climb trees, play or nurse their babies!
Bid farewell to Gombe Stream as you embark on a journey to Mahale Mountains National Park. After breakfast, depart from Kigoma via a combination of a scenic drive and a boat transfer to Mbali Mbali Lodge in Mahale. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch and spend the afternoon at your leisure, enjoying the stunning surroundings and perhaps taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.
More chimpanzees await you in the Mahale Mountains National Park. This park is a bit larger and home to roughly 900 wild chimpanzees. The park is different from most since there are no roads and you have to go on foot. Experienced guides take you on a hike through the mountains in search of groups of chimpanzees. Once found, you get plenty of time to observe these beauties - a magical experience!
After an amazing time with the chimpanzees from both Gombe and Mahale national park now, it is time to embark on your journey back to Kigoma town. This beautiful and adventurous journey by boat and car takes approximately eight hours to the town and you will arrive in afternoon and you can have town walking town before dinner and overnight.
This is your last day! Today you fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam, from where you will catch your flight home. Having second thoughts? Then don't hesitate to extend your holiday to one of Tanzania's paradise islands such as Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia!
Costing
Included
- Park fees
- (For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits
- (One per person, non-resident)
- Chimp permits
- (One per person, non-resident)
- All activities
- (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation
- (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation
- (Unless labeled as optional)
- All flights during the tour
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals
- (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks
Excluded
- International flights
- (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips
- (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items
- (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Frequently Asked questions
