The Mahale Mountains offers exclusive chimpanzee encounters while visitors to Katavi are assured of intimate big game experiences.
Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the shores of expansive Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania’s extreme west. The park is home to Africa’s largest, wild population of chimpanzees. Due to its large size and incredible remoteness the park is home to a healthy chimpanzee population that flourishes here, including a clan so habituated to human researchers it’s possible to observe them from very close quarters. Discover your inner Jane Goodall when you visit the unique Greystoke Mahale, a romantic lodge situated on the sandy shores of the lake. This remarkable lodge offers guests a little slice of paradise with just 6 charming ensuite thatched chalets, and guided excursions to visit the chimps.
Katavi National Park is also in the country’s far west and one of the most unspoilt wilderness areas in all of the country. Comprised of grassy plains and dry woodland, birding in Katavi is exceptional and predators such as lion and hyena are quite frequently seen.
While both parks are isolated and as a result, expensive and tricky to visit, safaris in either are well worth the effort. Lodges and camps are few and far between, yet the ones that have managed to set up in these wildernesses are well-run, feature excellent guides and are extremely atmospheric.
Location
Why should I visit Mahale and Katavi national parks?
- Pristine wildernesses far from the tourist trail
- Mahale Mountains chimpanzees
- Waterfalls and crystal clear Lake Tanganyika
- Trekking and dhow cruises
- Spectacular Katavi National Park
- Untouched big game country
- Amazing wildlife-viewing and photographic opportunities
When is the best time to visit Mahale and Katavi?
The weather in Tanzania’s west is quite similar to that found elsewhere in the country, with the ‘long dry’ season from June to October, and the ‘short dry’ from January and February. Thunderstorms are common March through to May. For a more in-depth guide click here or feel free to contact one of our Destination Specialists.
Our recommended
Mahale and Katavi Itineraries
The following itineraries are just some of the many experiences that we can design for you. All of our tours are private, independent and tailor-made to your personal travelling requirements. Please contact us to begin creating your personalised Tanzania experience.
Gorillas, Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar
Encounter Rwanda's rare Mountain Gorillas and explore Tanzania's finest safari destinations before relaxing on the white sand beaches of exotic Zanzibar.
Katavi & Mahale
Visit two exceptional wilderness destinations: remote Katavi National Park and exotic Greystoke Mahale which offers chimpanzee encounters.
Our Recommended
Luxury accommodation in the Mahale Mountains and Katavi
The following are some of the lodges and tented camps that we recommend in the Mahale and Katavi region. For information on additional accommodation not featured, please contact us.
Chada Katavi
Chada Katavi is an enchantingly remote camp in truly wild Katavi National Park, tucked away in Tanzania's unspoilt west. This seasonal safari camp has just 6 classic tents and offers incredible
Greystoke Mahale
In the rarely visited west of Tanzania, Greystoke Mahale offers 6 simple tented suites on a white sand beach lapped by Lake Tanganyika, with the looming Mahale Mountains as a backdrop. Trek for
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