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Trail Safari Explorers
11-Day Remote Loop: Ruaha & Katavi
11 Days / 10 Nights · Western Circuit
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Overview
Combine Ruaha National Park's predator action, Katavi National Park's seldom-visited floodplains and Mahale's rainforest chimpanzees in one adventurous itinerary. It's an ambitious route for seasoned safari-goers keen on remote camps, charter flights and unforgettable primate encounters along Lake Tanganyika.
- Ruaha River Lodge — lion prides, baobab-studded scenery
- Katavi Wildlife Camp — vast plains with huge hippo/croc concentrations
- Mbali Mbali Mahale — lakeside base for chimp trekking
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Itinerary Route
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive in Ruaha
Fly into Ruaha (Msembe airstrip) and settle into Ruaha River Lodge overlooking the Great Ruaha River.
Ruaha River Lodge
View Details →Ruaha: Big-Game Drives
Full-day safaris among Ruaha's baobab forests, sandy riverbeds, and predator territories. One of Tanzania's most biodiverse parks — lions, leopards, cheetah, elephant and wild dog all call it home.
Ruaha River Lodge
View Details →Ruaha Finale & Transfer to Katavi
A final morning game drive before flying west toward Katavi via Tabora or charter routing.
Katavi Wildlife Camp
View Details →Katavi: Wilderness Immersion
Track vast hippo pods in the Katuma River, follow crocodile concentrations across the remote Katasunga Plain, and witness the raw, uncrowded spectacle of western Tanzania. Elephant activity is constant at camp.
Katavi Wildlife Camp
View Details →Fly Katavi → Mahale
A scenic charter flight over Lake Tanganyika to Mbali Mbali Mahale — a lakeside camp at the foot of the Mahale Mountains.
Mbali Mbali Mahale
View Details →Mahale: Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Tanganyika
Join TANAPA trackers into the Mahale Mountains to observe habituated chimpanzee troops at close range. Afternoons are free for kayaking, snorkelling, or relaxing on the beach.
Mbali Mbali Mahale
View Details →Depart Mahale
A morning activity before chartering back to Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Optional extension to the coast.
Seasonal Rates
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Primate & Wilderness Safari
Year-round (best chimps: dry season)
Related Activities
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Chimpanzee Trekking
Guided treks with TANAPA trackers to observe habituated chimpanzee troops.
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Lake Tanganyika Kayaking
Kayaking and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle & professional guide
- Park fees & chimpanzee trekking permits
- Full-board meals throughout
- All charter flights between parks
- All transfers
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania e-visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
Upgrade or Extend?
Add extra nights in Ruaha, tag on a Zanzibar beach finish or request private charters.
