Big Game + Chimp Trip
Big Game & Chimp Trip
Immerse yourself in this breathtaking 8-day itinerary on which you will experience some of western Tanzania’s most game-rich and pristine destinations. Travel this region, and marvel at wildlife spectacles that will take your breath away and create indelible memories. The famed Serengeti, renowned for its prolific wildlife, migrating throngs, and big cat predators, has a secret corner – the western side. A place of fewer vehicles, less people and wildlife in abundance all year round. In this area, sensational sightings will be the order of the day, with lions a daily feature, along with large herds of topi, buffalo, elephants and other big cat predators. It is also the only place in the Serengeti that you will see black and white colobus monkeys.
The next leg of your adventure will take you to Arusha, Tanzania’s safari gateway city, for an overnight stop. On the following day, fly to the remote Western part of Tanzania to Lake Tanganyika, where you and your group will take a boat ride across the turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika to another secret gem – the Mahale Mountains National Park. Your time here will be spent trekking deep into the lush jungle foliage in search of the engaging Mahale chimpanzees and enjoying the gentle activity offerings of Africa’s longest freshwater lake. This incredible journey offers the rare opportunity to explore the secluded wildlife havens of western Tanzania.
3 nights Serengeti National Park | 1 night Arusha | 3 nights Mahale Mountains National Park
Day 1: Arusha to Grumeti
A member of the team will collect from your hotel in Arusha and will take you to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to the Grumeti airstrip in the Western Serengeti. When you land at the Grumeti airstrip, your guide will be waiting for you to transfer you to Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp. The lodge is just a 10-minute drive away. You can then settle in, and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Day 2-3: Serengeti National Park
Wake up early for the sunrise and have your camera ready. This area is legendary for its perfect light. Don’t miss the twice-daily game drives in this celebrated wildlife sanctuary, a region of immense scientific value and big cats, set against a backdrop of natural beauty. Treasure all your exclusive moments in this secluded wildlife Eden. Take the opportunity to sit on your cool, shady veranda, watching the antics of the resident hippo pod in the nearby pool, while sipping on your favorite beverage. Dine under a canopy of stars, with only the sounds of the African bush around you.
Day 4: Arusha
Take a flight from the Serengeti to Arusha. Upon your arrival at Arusha Airport, you will be welcomed by a member of the &Beyond team, who will transfer you by car to the plantation-style luxurious Arusha Coffee Lodge. Your activity options include a guided coffee-plantation tour and the processes of nurturing, harvesting, drying and roasting a variety of blends. This is a must-do for all coffee enthusiasts. Perhaps you would prefer to visit the social enterprise Shanga that employs people with disabilities to create beautiful products including jewelery, blown glass pieces, and intricate woven garments.
Day 5-7: Mahale Mountains National Park
A member from the team will collect you from Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge and drive you to Arusha Airport in time for your scheduled light aircraft flight to Mahale Airstrip. Take a flight (approximately 5 hours with one stop) to Mahale, where you will be welcomed by a Greystoke Mahale representative and guide. After a delicious lunch on your boat, you will start your 90-minute boat transfer along the shores of Lake Tanganyika to the lodge.
Embark on an adventurous trek through the rainforest where Mahale’s endangered chimpanzees live, and other wildlife including leopard, bushbuck and bush pig can be spotted. Enjoy numerous lake activities including fishing for freshwater tropical cichlids and kayaking. Evening options include simply relaxing on the shore in these beautiful surroundings, perhaps taking a lake cruise on a dhow, or a rejuvenating lake swim. Head off daily in groups of 6 on forest treks in search of the Mahale chimpanzees together with your guide and specialist trackers. Once located, cherish this rare opportunity to watch their captivating social and family interaction.
Day 8: Departure
After a delicious breakfast, take your boat trip back to the airstrip, where you will take your schedule light aircraft flight back to Arusha, you will connect to your onward journey.
* Contact us for your customized itinerary and rates. (&B)
