Tanzania: Chimpanzee Tracking

Private
$
From $16,326
2
Guests
12
Days

Exploring Tanzania’s South West

This journey explores Tanzania’s remote south and west, well away from the more familiar northern parks. Beginning in Arusha for a gentle arrival, the route carries you into Ruaha’s vast landscapes, where lions, elephants, and wild dogs roam across semi-arid plains. You then continue to Katavi, famed for its immense hippo pods, large buffalo herds, and an atmosphere of complete wilderness. The final stage reaches the Mahale Mountains, where the forested slopes above Lake Tanganyika offer Africa’s finest chimpanzee tracking.

Travel is by light aircraft and private transfers, with guiding tailored to wildlife movements and guest preferences. Activities range from walking safaris in predator-rich Ruaha, to low-density game drives in Katavi, to sailing by dhow across Lake Tanganyika. Each stage is designed to prioritise space, seclusion, and direct engagement with the environment, creating a rare chance to experience Tanzania’s wildest regions in comfort while enjoying unhurried access to its most remarkable habitats.

Daily Summary

Day
1

Arusha

Arrive in Arusha and transfer privately to Legendary Lodge, set on a leafy former coffee estate. The pace is gentle, allowing for rest after your international flight. Guests can relax in the gardens, enjoy a swim, or take a short walk to adjust to the rhythm of Tanzania before heading into wilder terrain the following morning.

Full Board
Legendary Lodge
Days
2-4

Ruaha National Park

Fly by Cessna C208 into Ruaha and settle at Kichaka Expeditions. This region is defined by low visitor numbers and exceptional guiding, with Mollie and his team leading walking safaris alongside vehicle explorations. Expect to encounter large prides of lion, elephant herds, and rare wild dogs, while on foot the focus turns to tracks, birdlife, and the subtle detail of the bush.

All Inclusive
Kichaka Expeditions
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Days
5-7

Katavi National Park

Continue west by light aircraft to Chada Katavi, one of Tanzania’s most isolated camps. Early and late game drives explore vast plains that in the dry season gather extraordinary hippo pods and huge herds of buffalo, often shadowed by lions and hyenas. Bush walks add another dimension, revealing Katavi’s birdlife and a sense of true wilderness few places can match.

All Inclusive
Chada Katavi
Chada Camp, Katavi National Park
Chada Camp, Katavi National Park
Chada Camp, Katavi National Park
Chada Katavi
Chada Katavi
Hippo, Uganda
Days
10-12

Mahale Mountains

Fly to Mahale and cross Lake Tanganyika by dhow to reach Greystoke Mahale. Days here are shaped by the movements of habituated chimpanzee families, with treks into the forest led by expert trackers. Between treks, guests can swim or kayak in the clear waters, explore by dhow, or simply enjoy the mountain backdrop. This is the most rewarding place in Africa to observe chimpanzees in their natural setting.

Fully Inclusive
Greystoke Mahale

Fitzroy are true specialists in accessing the wilderness. They know where to go and importantly, when to go there. Highly recommended!

Ed Charles

Bafta & Emmy award winning film producer of BBC’s Planet Earth 2 and A Perfect Planet

Ed Charles, BBC Producer
Ed Charles, BBC Producer

Our Approach

Remote, Exclusive, Seamless

At Fitzroy, we believe direct dialogue is essential in tailoring your travel experience. We favour engaging conversations over digital exchanges, ensuring your travel vision is clearly understood and promptly supported.

Our team is committed to a human-led process from start to finish, that goes beyond the online realm. Whether over the phone or in person, we work closely with you to develop a journey plan that is both thoughtfully considered and expertly executed. Please reach out to schedule a meeting or call and begin shaping your journey with us.

Bespoke
To You By Design
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