Tanzania BudgetSafari
From $1,600

7-Day Mahale & Gombe Chimpanzee Safari

7 Days / 6 Nights·Mahale Mountains, Gombe Stream·Gosheni Safaris

Overview

The ultimate Tanzania primate experience — 7-day budget safari combining Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream chimpanzee trekking on the shores of Lake Tanganyika from $1,600 per person.

This extraordinary 7-day safari brings you to both of Tanzania's famous chimpanzee habitats — the remote Mahale Mountains and Jane Goodall's legendary Gombe Stream. The Mahale Mountains rise dramatically from the shores of Lake Tanganyika, sheltering one of the largest habituated chimpanzee communities in Africa. After trekking in Mahale's pristine forests, transfer to Gombe Stream for a second trekking experience in the park made famous by Goodall's groundbreaking research. Between treks, enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear lake, forest hikes for monkeys and birds, and the incomparable atmosphere of western Tanzania's wild frontier.

Safari Highlights

  • Two chimpanzee habitats in one safari
  • Mahale Mountains — remote mountain forest trekking
  • Gombe Stream — Jane Goodall's legendary research site
  • Lake Tanganyika beach time and boat rides
  • One of Africa's most unique wildlife experiences
  • Small group, intimate encounters

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Kigoma to Mahale Mountains National Park

Arrive in Kigoma and transfer to the lake. Boat ride south to Mahale Mountains National Park (approximately 4-5 hours along the stunning Lake Tanganyika coastline). Arrive at the park and settle into your lakeside camp. Evening orientation and briefing.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Mahale Mountains lakeside camp

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Lake Tanganyika boat transferMahale arrivalLakeside orientation
2

Mahale — Chimpanzee Trekking Day 1

Trek into the Mahale mountain forest with expert trackers to find the habituated Mimikere chimpanzee community — around 60 individuals. The trek may last 2-6 hours depending on where the chimps are. Once found, spend one hour observing them. The forest is breathtaking — enormous fig trees, waterfalls, and mountain streams.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Mahale Mountains lakeside camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner

Mountain forest trekkingChimpanzee observationForest wildlife spotting
3

Mahale — Chimpanzee Trekking Day 2

Second day of chimpanzee trekking in Mahale. Different day, different behaviors — you may witness chimps fishing for ants, cracking nuts, or grooming sessions. Afternoon swim in Lake Tanganyika's crystal-clear waters.

Accommodation: Budget camping — Mahale Mountains lakeside camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner

Chimp trekkingBehavioral observationLake swimmingSunset on the beach
4

Mahale to Gombe Stream National Park

Morning boat transfer from Mahale north to Gombe Stream National Park via Kigoma (full day journey with stops). Arrive at Gombe and settle into the guesthouse. Evening walk along the lakeshore.

Accommodation: Budget guesthouse — Gombe Stream NP

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lake Tanganyika boat transferGombe arrivalLakeshore walk
5

Gombe — Chimpanzee Trekking Day 1

Trek into Gombe's forest to find the habituated chimpanzee community. Gombe's chimps have been studied since 1960 — they are among the most well-known wild chimps in the world. Spend one hour observing them. Afternoon forest exploration for red colobus monkeys and baboons.

Accommodation: Budget guesthouse — Gombe Stream NP

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chimp trekking in GombeRed colobus monkey spottingForest trail exploration
6

Gombe — Chimpanzee Trekking Day 2 & Forest Hikes

Final chimpanzee trek at Gombe. Afternoon hike to the Kakombe waterfall and Jane Goodall's Peak viewpoint. Take in the panoramic views of Lake Tanganyika. Evening campfire dinner at the guesthouse.

Accommodation: Budget guesthouse — Gombe Stream NP

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chimp trekkingKakombe waterfall hikeJane Goodall's Peak viewpointCampfire dinner
7

Gombe to Kigoma & Departure

Morning boat transfer back to Kigoma. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Accommodation: End of tour — Kigoma drop-off

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Boat transfer to KigomaDeparture

What's Included

  • Kigoma return transfers
  • Boat transfers to Mahale and Gombe
  • All park entry fees
  • Chimpanzee trekking permits (both parks)
  • Professional guides and trackers
  • Full-board meals
  • Basic guesthouse and camping accommodation
  • Drinking water

What's Excluded

  • Flights to Kigoma
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Camera fees
Best Price

$1,600

per person sharing

Duration7 Days
DestinationMahale Mountains, Gombe Stream
Difficultychallenging
Group Size1-12

Group Pricing

Solo Traveller$2,080
2 People$1,600
4-6 People$1,360
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7-Day Mahale & Gombe Chimpanzee Safari — From $1,600 | Tanzania Budget Safari