Lake Tanganyika & Chimpanzees 9 Days
“Variety is the spice of life” – and this safari experience that has been carefully designed comes with the key ingredients that will take you on a journey like no other. Fasten your seat belts as we take you on a journey to a part of Tanzania that very few adventure seekers even know exist. Lake Tanganyika is a destination full of mystery, romance and adventure. For those who like to explore deserted Sand Islands by kayak, explore the crystal clear waters at your leisure with some amazing snorkeling. You have just experienced the starter – The main is a combination of fine ingredients that not only include the adventure of fly camping under a star studded sky but a chance to sample and experience the chimpanzees of Mahale National Park. These chimp treks and encounters will be a humbling experience and one that will stay with you for a life time.
Itinerary
Prices
Reviews
Below, we go through the adventure day-by-day, giving you a better feel of the adventure.
Day 1: Arrival
On arrival at Dar es Salaam airport, you will be picked up and transfer to your accommodation.
O/n Serena Dar Hotel
Day 2: Dar es Salaam to Lake Tanganyika
Early morning transfer to Dar es Salaam airport for your 07:00 am flight to Mbeya. You will be collected on arrival at 08h25 am and transfer to Lake Shore Lodge. This is an 8 hour drive stopping for a picnic lunch enroute. You travel through the Lwafe Game and Forest Reserve, down the escarpment to Lake Tanganyika where you arrive late afternoon and spend a night in one of the Beach Chalets.
O/n Lake Shore Lodge Lawn Bandas (B, L, D)
Day 3: Lake Tanganyika
Today you set off early (around 06h30) in a local dhow, the Lake Wanderer. Stop enroute to have a packed breakfast and a picnic lunch – enjoy some snorkeling. That night we set up a fly camp in one of the pristine bays along the Lake and have dinner around the fire at the water's edge. There will be a boat driver and a chef on board.
O/n Lake Tanganyika Fly Camping (B, L, D)
Day 4: Mahale National Park
Continue up Lake Tanganyika to Mahale National Park where we set up our fly camp and enjoy dinner under the stars. You will receive a briefing about tomorrow’s chimpanzee trekking activity before retiring for the day.
O/n Tanapa Bandas (B, L, D)
Day 5: Chimp Trekking
Start with an early morning chimp trek and return to the bandas after seeing the chimps.
O/n Tanapa Bandas (B, L, D)
Day 6: Chimp Trekking
Start with an early morning chimp trek and return to the bandas after seeing the chimps.
O/n Tanapa Bandas (B, L, D)
Day 7: Lake Tanganyika
Continue southwards down Lake Tanganyika, snorkeling and enjoying the beautiful shoreline and the clear waters. Another fly camp will be set up in another beautiful bay.
O/n Lake Tanganyika Fly Camping (B, L, D)
Day 8: Lake Tanganyika
Today you set off for Lake Shore and arrive in the afternoon – enjoy the comforts of the lodge followed by dinner and overnight.
O/n Lake Shore Lodge Beach Chalet (B, L, D)
Day 9: Lake Tanganyika to Dar es Salaam
Morning departure at 07h00 and drive back to Mbeya where you connect with your return flight back to Dar es Salaam. The flight leaves Mbeya at 17h40 and arrives in Dar at 19h05. Here you can connect with your international flight back home. (B, L)
Note: O/N = Overnight, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
| Amount of persons: | Price p.p. (usd): |
| 2 people sharing | 5710.- |
| 4 people sharing | 4680.- |
| 6 people sharing | 4335.- |
| Note: prices are based on two adults and indicative. Single supplement is $ 740 | |
- Included:
- Meals as stipulated |B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner
- Emergency Evacuation Cover
- All transfers and activities as mentioned above
- Park fee, Conservation fees and Community Development Fees
- Accommodation as stipulated
- Domestic flight(s) as stipulated
- Excluded:
- Tips suggested: Driver guide $8-$10 per person sharing the vehicle per day
- Drinks apart from 1,5 liter mineral water during the safari
- Visa and airport departure tax
- Items of personal nature and not mentioned in the above itinerary
Way off the beaten track
We thoroughly enjoyed lake shore lodge and Mahale National Park. It was as promised, amazing and way off the beaten path.
We found the chimps during our 25k hike up 1600m spanning 10 hours, what an adventure! Lake Shore was great and we even arose at 3am one morning to return a day early and were rewarded with kayaking, fishing, snorkeling and a sundowner cruise.
Thank you so much, the trip you put together for us, it will be a fond memory for the rest of our lives and we are all better human beings for having experienced it
Through our Community Development foundation, the African Roots Foundation, Bush2Beach Safaris actively supports rural communities in Tanzania's Bush and Beach.