GOMBE: CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY
8 DAYS IN TANZANIA
TRIP SUMMARY
Chimpanzee Adventures: Gombe Stream & the Mahale Mountains
This one-of-a-kind journey takes you deep into western Tanzania, where you'll come face to face with chimpanzees living freely in their natural habitat. Gombe Stream National Park, world-famous thanks to the groundbreaking research of Jane Goodall, is a protected paradise of forested hills tumbling down to the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Further south, the Mahale Mountains offer something truly extraordinary: a wild landscape where chimpanzees and lions share the same territory.
This is a private trip designed entirely around you. You'll explore at your own pace, with a dedicated guide, exclusive transport, and Gold-category accommodation, everything you need for an authentic, comfortable adventure in the heart of the wild.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
WELCOME TO DAR ES SALAAM
Your adventure begins the moment you land in Dar es Salaam, greeted by the warm tropical air of the Indian Ocean coast. You'll transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city to rest up and let the excitement sink in, because tomorrow, you leave civilisation behind.
Accommodation: Hotel in Dar es Salaam. Meals included: Breakfast.
HEADING TO LAKE TANGANYIKA
You'll fly west to Kigoma, then board a private boat to sail across the longest freshwater lake in the world. As you approach the shores of Gombe Stream National Park, the jungle tumbles dramatically down to meet the water, and you'll feel the thrill of arriving somewhere truly special.
Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
INTO GOMBE
Accompanied by expert trackers, you'll venture deep into Gombe's lush forest. You'll share magical moments with wild chimpanzee families, watching them play, interact, and go about their complex social lives. You'll also visit the Kakombe waterfall and Jane Goodall's original research station, a place where conservation history was made.
Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
JUNGLE & CRYSTAL WATERS
A second day in this secluded paradise. You can head back into the forest for another chimpanzee trek, or simply unwind on the lodge's private beach. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, surrounded by colourful cichlid fish, pure bliss.
Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
THE GREAT JOURNEY TO MAHALE
Today is a true expedition day. You'll travel south by boat and 4x4 to reach the magnificent Mahale Mountains. As you approach by boat, the sight of lush green peaks rising straight from the deep blue lake will take your breath away. Welcome to one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth.
Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
A MAGICAL ENCOUNTER IN MAHALE
You'll venture into the heart of the Mahale Mountains, home to the largest known population of wild chimpanzees. Deep in the ancient forest, you'll search for the legendary "M Group", a community accustomed to human presence. The encounter here is intimate, quiet, and almost spiritual. In the afternoon, watch the sun set in a blaze of colour over the lake.
Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
FAREWALL TO PARADISE
You'll sail back towards Kigoma, taking one last look at the sacred mountains. Soak in the vast landscape and the gentle breeze off the lake, and know that very few travellers ever get to see what you've just seen.
Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
HOMEWARD BOUND
You'll transfer to Kigoma Airport for your flight back to Dar es Salaam. As the plane climbs above the lake, you'll look back knowing you've experienced one of the wildest, most unspoiled corners of our planet, before connecting to your international flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast & domestic flights
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
AMARIAH HOTEL - MIKOCHENI
SIMBA
AMARIAH HOTEL - MIKOCHENI
SIMBA
KIGOMA HILLTOP HOTEL
SIMBA
MBALI MBALI MAHALE LODGE
SIMBA
INCLUDED
- International flights
- Domestic flight to Kigoma
- Road and boat transfers
- Airport-hotel-airport transfers
- Private safari on a full-board basis
- Private luxury 4x4 safari jeep with unlimited mileage
- Spanish-speaking safari specialist guide
- Bottled water and binoculars during the safari
- Park entry fees for Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti
- Booking managements fees
NOT INCLUDED
- Visa processing
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Drinks during the safari
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Anything not listed in the “included” section
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
International flights
Your gateway airport should be Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). If you're adding a Zanzibar extension, you can fly home directly from Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).
Visa
A visa is required to enter Tanzania. We can handle the paperwork for you for €100, just let us know! Alternatively, you can apply on arrival at the airport.
Vaccinations
There are currently no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Tanzania, unless you've visited a yellow fever endemic country in the six months before your trip. That said, we always recommend stopping by your nearest tropical medicine centre for personalised advice from a specialist.
Malaria
No mandatory treatment is required. However, we strongly recommend visiting an international vaccination center for professional advice regarding malaria prevention and other travel health recommendations.
Terms and conditions
Here we will include a link to our cancellation policy.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
EXTENDED YOUR JOURNAY
After the adventure, comes paradise
ZANZIBAR
From 315€
PEMBA
From 1250€
MAFIA
From 975€