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11 Days Southern & Western Tanzania Safari – Ruaha, Katavi & Mahale

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About Tour

This 11-day safari journey blends Tanzania’s iconic southern parks with the remote western wilderness, offering a seamless mix of classic game viewing, walking safaris, and world-class chimpanzee trekking. Designed for travelers seeking exclusivity and depth, the itinerary focuses on vast landscapes, rich biodiversity, and intimate wildlife encounters far from the crowds.

Starting in Dar es Salaam, the safari moves into the heart of Ruaha National Park, famed for its rugged scenery and predators, before continuing to Katavi National Park—one of Africa’s wildest and least-visited ecosystems. The journey concludes along the forested shores of Lake Tanganyika in Mahale Mountains National Park.

With expert guiding, exceptional camps, and a slow, immersive pace, this safari delivers a refined yet adventurous exploration of Tanzania’s southern and western circuits.

Duration

11 Days / 10 Nights

Difficult

Medium

Age

12 years

Best time

June to October

Transport

4x4 vehicles

Destinations

Dar es Salaam, Ruaha , Katavi , Mahale Mountains

Tour Type

Private Safari

Accommodation

Luxury Safari Camps & Lodges

Safari Style

Classic Game Drives, Walking Safaris & Chimpanzee Trekking

Price

On Request

What to expect

  • Game drives in Ruaha and Katavi National Parks
  • Guided walking safaris in Ruaha
  • Vast, uncrowded landscapes with exceptional wildlife density
  • Remote safari camps with personalized service
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park
  • Scenic flights connecting Tanzania’s southern and western circuits
  • Boat transfers and water activities on Lake Tanganyika
  • Expert guides and highly flexible daily schedules

Trip Gallery

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Dar es Salaam

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative and transferred to your city hotel. A refreshing towel and cool drink help you unwind after your international flight as you settle into your room.

The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to rest, enjoy hotel facilities, or simply recover from travel. This overnight stay provides a smooth and comfortable introduction to Tanzania before your safari adventure begins the following day.

Main Destination
  • Dar es Salaam
Meals & Drinks
  • Dinner
  • Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 2

Dar es Salaam – Ruaha National Park

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Ruaha National Park. On arrival at Msembe Airstrip, you’ll be met by your camp guide with refreshments before beginning a scenic game drive en route to camp.

After lunch and time to relax, enjoy an afternoon game drive through Ruaha’s dramatic landscapes, home to lions, elephants, buffalo, and abundant birdlife. As the sun sets, pause for a sundowner among ancient baobabs before returning to camp for dinner under the stars.

Main Destination
  • Ruaha National Park
Meals & Drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 3

Ruaha National Park

Your day begins early with tea or coffee delivered to your tent before heading out on a guided walking safari. Walking through the bush offers a deeper understanding of ecosystems often missed from vehicles, focusing on tracks, insects, plants, and smaller wildlife.

Later, return to camp for lunch and relaxation, with time to enjoy the pool or spa treatments. In the afternoon, head out for a game drive, with the option of a night drive to search for elusive nocturnal species. Return to camp for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

Main Destination
  • Ruaha National Park
Meals & Drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 4

Ruaha – Katavi National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Katavi National Park. On arrival, you’ll be met by your guide and driven to camp, with the option of a game drive en route.

After settling in and enjoying lunch, spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the surrounding area. Later, embark on a game drive across Katavi’s vast floodplains, famous for dense populations of hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of buffalo. Return to camp for dinner beneath a brilliant starlit sky.

Main Destination
  • Katavi National Park
Meals & Drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 5–6

Katavi National Park

Enjoy two full days in Katavi National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and wildlife-rich destinations. Each day is flexible, allowing you to choose between full-day game drives with picnic lunches or returning to camp midday for rest.

Walking safaris are available in the cool mornings, offering close-up encounters with Katavi’s landscapes and wildlife signs. Night drives provide the opportunity to spot elusive nocturnal species. With minimal visitors, Katavi delivers a raw and exclusive safari experience unmatched elsewhere.

Main Destination
  • Katavi National Park
Meals & Drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 7

Katavi – Mahale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, board your scheduled flight toward Mahale Mountains National Park. Upon landing on the lakeshore airstrip, meet your lodge guide and transfer by boat along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Arriving at Greystoke Mahale, settle into your forest-fringed bandas overlooking the lake. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing, swimming, or enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The remoteness of Mahale provides the perfect setting to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Main Destination
  • Mahale Mountains National Park
Meals & Drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 8–10

Mahale Mountains National Park

Spend three full days immersed in Mahale Mountains National Park, home to one of Africa’s most significant chimpanzee populations. Each day includes one guided chimpanzee trekking excursion, led by experienced rangers through forested mountain slopes.

Beyond chimp trekking, enjoy dhow cruises, kayaking on Lake Tanganyika, forest walks, and birdwatching. The area is rich in primates, insects, and plant life. Evenings are spent relaxing by the lakeshore, sharing stories, and enjoying freshly prepared meals in a truly remote setting.

Main Destination
  • Mahale Mountains National Park
Meals & Drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 11

Mahale – Dar es Salaam (Departure)

After a final breakfast at the lodge, transfer by boat to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Dar es Salaam. A packed lunch is provided for the journey.

On arrival in Dar es Salaam, connect with your international departure or onward travel plans. This marks the end of your unforgettable safari through Tanzania’s southern and western wilderness.

Main Destination
  • Dar es Salaam
Meals & Drinks
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Non-alcoholic drinks
End of Service

Tour Costs

PAX

Solo

2 People

3 People

4 People

5 People

6 People

Costs Per Person

Inclusions

  • Park entry fees and conservation charges
  • Scheduled domestic flights
  • Ground and boat transfers as specified
  • Luxury accommodation as listed
  • All meals during the safari
  • Chimpanzee trekking permits (Mahale)
  • Game drives, walking safaris, and activities as outlined
  • Professional English-speaking guides
  • Non-alcoholic drinks

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional accommodation before or after the tour

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