Tanzania chimpanzee safari

Arusha is the jump-off point for most safaris to Tanzania’s northern circuit. The town itself is home to numerous coffee plantations, in the shadow of nearby Mount Meru.

Katavi National Park, one of Tanzania’s largest at 4,500 km², offers an untouched wilderness experience rarely seen by tourists.

The stark contrast between the dry and wet seasons shapes its landscapes, creating a dynamic ecosystem where survival hinges on water. During the dry season, rivers shrink, and waterholes become battlegrounds for hippos and crocodiles, while herbivores face predators in their daily quest for hydration.

This remote park, located near Lake Tanganyika, features vast miombo woodlands, expansive floodplains, and is home to chimpanzees in the nearby Mahale Mountains. With fewer than 500 visitors each year, Katavi invites you to explore its pristine landscapes in blissful solitude.

If you’re after a Tanzania family safari like no other, Western Tanzania safaris are far enough off the beaten track to offer an experience that is as exceptional as it is rewarding.

Mahale and Katavi National Parks are the draw cards of the West, and their remote inaccessibility means almost no one else gets out there: just you, the wilderness, and a cornucopia of creatures.

Mahale is the place for primates: chimpanzees, red-tailed monkey and red colobus grace the treetops, as do giant forest squirrels — while huge herds of wildlife and populous pods of hippo are dry season highlights in Katavi.

Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, on the foothills of Mt Meru near Arusha, is a great place to soak in Tanzania at its best.

The atmosphere is relaxed, yet attentive, and the gardens are large. Lunch is served in these gardens every day, dinner is an a la carte dining experience, and if you’d like more flexibility, there is an all-day bistro and bar.

The lodge’s main area, built around the original landowner’s home that dates back to the 1900s, is an oasis of calm, however, should you want to make the most of it, there is plenty to do here. As well as the swimming pool, cafe and pizza area, there is a lovely collection of boutiques on the property, called Trader’s Walk a destination in itself.

Chada Katavi overlooks the Chada plain and sits under a cooling canopy of acacia trees.

Katavi’s wildlife is well-renowned and highlights will include herds of buffalo, as well as elephant, lion, leopard and a myriad of plains game species. The park is also known for hippos congregating in large numbers at the limited water sources, and crocodiles skulking in caves as they enter a dormant state in the dry season.

Accommodation is provided in six simple but very comfortable safari tents. They are spacious, airy, and complete with eco-flush toilet and hot-water bucket shower. Chada Katavi is run by Nomad Tanzania, one of our favourite operators in East Africa, with a huge focus on sustainable luxury and minimal ecological footprint.

Set on the shores of remote Lake Tanganyika, the six thatched, open-fronted bandas at Greystoke Mahale are made of reclaimed dhow wood, and as such give a real castaway feel to this unique lodge.

The deserted location helps too – there are a couple of villages in the vicinity, but you wouldn’t know – on arrival by boat across the crystal-clear lake waters, all you see is the camp, and the steeply forested peaks behind it.

This forest is home to chimpanzees, semi-habituated to humans through years of study. As such, this is one of the very best places on earth to make the acquaintance of our closest relatives (children must be aged 12 or over to take part). The chimpanzee experts here are some of the most experienced primatology guides on the continent.

There is no road access at all to Mahale Mountains, and while it is home to chimpanzees, it also hosts a myriad other primate species, not to mention a host of birdlife and other wildlife, including the dainty bushbuck, bristly bush pigs and even elusive leopards.

In Arusha, families can immerse themselves in vibrant cultural experiences.

Visit the Maasai Market to explore traditional crafts, or take a guided tour to a local Maasai village for a glimpse into their unique way of life.

The Cultural Heritage Centre showcases Tanzanian art, jewelry, and sculptures, offering a deep dive into the region’s creativity. For an interactive experience, join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Tanzanian dishes, blending both local flavors and stories.

Walking safaris in Katavi National Park immerse you in one of Tanzania’s largest and least-visited wilderness areas, covering 4,500 km² of prime wildlife habitat.

As you trek through diverse landscapes—like the vast Katisunga Plain and lush miombo woodlands—your knowledgeable guide will lead you to the banks of the Katuma River, where elephants and buffalo often gather.

With only about 500 visitors annually, you’ll enjoy a sense of solitude that enhances your experience, allowing for intimate wildlife encounters and a deeper connection to this stunning ecosystem, all while witnessing the beauty of the Great Rift Valley’s remote terrain.

For the next three days, you’ll be able to enjoy unrivalled opportunities to trek with our closest genetic relative, the chimpanzee. Sometimes they even come down from the mountains into camp.

The journey to find these intelligent primates involves navigating muddy paths and thick undergrowth, filled with anticipation. Once you spot them, you’ll be captivated by their complex social dynamics and expressive behavior, which mirror our own emotions.

As Eastern chimpanzees thrive in this remote region, the trekking experience can be physically demanding but profoundly rewarding. Observing their use of tools and social interactions provides a fascinating glimpse into our evolutionary history, making this an unforgettable adventure in the wild.