Pori Africa

9-Day

9-Day Wild Western Tanzania Journey: Katavi Big Game, Mahale Chimpanzees & Kigoma Lakeside Culture

This 9-day safari is the perfect balance of raw wilderness, primate adventure, and lakeside culture designed for travelers who want Western Tanzania without rushing. You’ll begin with fly-in safari days in Katavi National Park, one of Africa’s least-crowded big-game strongholds, where huge buffalo herds, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and predators dominate the landscape. Then you’ll shift to the green slopes of Mahale Mountains, for immersive chimpanzee trekking and serene moments on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. To round it off, spend time in Kigoma, experiencing local life, markets, and a gentle lake cruise—an authentic finish that makes the journey feel complete, connected, and unforgettable. Destinations Dar es Salaam , Katavi , Mahale , Kigoma (Lake Tanganyika), Dar es Salaam

9 Days
3 Parks
$5,000 USDUSD
Destination Highlights

Your Route Through Tanzania

Click any destination to explore it on the map.

Detailed Itinerary

Your Day-by-Day Adventure

Every day curated for the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation.

Pricing

Group Pricing by Season

Select your travel season, group size, and accommodation level. All prices are per person.

When do you want to travel?
Accommodation
Mid Season — Apr – Jun
Mid Season · Comfort
Excellent wildlife, great conditions. Mid-range lodges and camps.
$ 4,750 per person
Group total: $9,500 for 2 people
* Prices quoted for 2 people. Solo and group rates adjust automatically below.
How many people in your group?
All seasons at this level
Low Season
Jan – Mar, Nov
$4,038
Mid Season
Apr – Jun
$4,750
High Season
Jul – Oct
$6,413
Season Calendar
Low Season Jan – Mar, Nov Green & lush, fewer visitors — best value.
Mid Season Apr – Jun Excellent wildlife, great conditions.
High Season Jul – Oct Peak conditions — highest demand.
All prices are per person in USD based on 2 people sharing accommodation. Solo travellers incur a single supplement. Group discounts apply for 3+ people. Prices exclude international flights and visa fees.
Price Details

What's Included

✓ Included

All park fees & conservation fees (Katavi/Mahale/Gombe as per itinerary)
Internal flights (Dar ↔ western circuit airstrips where applicable)
Ground transfers/boat transfers (including lake transfers to Mahale/Gombe as planned)
Accommodation (lodges / tented camps / beach bandas—based on package level)
Meals (usually Full Board: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Professional guide/driver in Katavi + specialist chimp guides/rangers in Mahale/Gombe
Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicle (Katavi)
Chimp trekking permits (as listed: 1–2 treks depending on package)
Bottled drinking water during activities
AMREF/Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover (recommended standard)

✗ Not Included

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Tips/gratuities (guides, camp staff, rangers)
Alcoholic beverages & premium drinks
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs)
Optional activities not listed (private boat upgrades, extra trekking permits, etc.
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9-Day Wild Western Tanzania Journey: Katavi Big Game, Mahale Chimpanzees & Kigoma Lakeside Culture
9 Days Tanzania $5,000
Safari Itinerary

9-Day Wild Western Tanzania Journey: Katavi Big Game, Mahale Chimpanzees & Kigoma Lakeside Culture

9 Days From $5,000 USD pp

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SubjectBooking Request — 9-Day Wild Western Tanzania Journey: Katavi Big Game, Mahale Chimpanzees & Kigoma Lakeside Culture
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Frequently Asked Questions

Things you might be wondering

If you don’t find your answer below, message us via the chat or use the “Book this trip” button — we usually reply within a few hours.

What is included in the price of my safari?
Your safari price typically includes park fees, professional driver-guide, 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, accommodation on the tier you select (budget camping, mid-range lodges, or luxury lodges), all meals during the safari, drinking water in the vehicle, and airport transfers. Exact inclusions are listed in the cost overview of this itinerary.
What is NOT included?
Generally excluded: international flights to/from Tanzania, visa fees, travel insurance, tips for the driver-guide and lodge staff, alcoholic and soft drinks, personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs), optional activities such as hot air balloon flights or night drives, and any meals taken in Arusha town outside the safari.
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Most visitors need a visa. Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and many other countries can obtain a Tanzania tourist visa on arrival or online via the official e-visa portal (eservices.immigration.go.tz). The single-entry tourist visa costs US$50 (US$100 for US passport holders). Bring a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date with at least 2 blank pages.
What vaccinations and health precautions do I need?
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you arrive from a Yellow Fever endemic country (including most of sub-Saharan Africa). Most travellers also take anti-malaria medication — consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel. Recommended (not required) vaccines include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and routine boosters. Bring insect repellent containing DEET, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit.
When is the best time to go on safari?
Tanzania is a year-round destination. The dry seasons (June–October and January–February) offer the best game viewing because animals gather around water sources and vegetation is sparse. The Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti typically peak July–September. The "green season" (March–May, November) brings lush landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices, and excellent birdwatching.
What should I pack for a Tanzania safari?
Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige — avoid bright colours and dark blue/black which attract tsetse flies). Layers are essential: cool early-morning game drives and warm midday sun. Bring a warm fleece for Ngorongoro Crater, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, a good camera with extra batteries, and a soft duffel bag (hard suitcases don't fit well in safari vehicles). The total luggage limit on small bush flights is usually 15kg.
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Tanzania is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa, with a stable government and a tourism-dependent economy that prioritises visitor safety. Petty theft can occur in Arusha and Dar es Salaam — use hotel safes and avoid displaying valuables. Inside parks and lodges you are completely safe. Your driver-guide is professionally trained in wildlife behaviour and emergency procedures.
Can children come on safari?
Yes — Tanzania safaris are wonderful for families. Most lodges welcome children from age 6+; some luxury lodges require minimum age 8 or 12. Children pay reduced rates (often 50–75% of adult price). Game drives are long, so factor in attention spans. We can adjust the itinerary with shorter drives, child-friendly lodges with pools, and cultural activities to balance the wildlife focus.
How do I pay and what is the deposit?
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance is due 60 days before arrival. We accept bank transfer (SWIFT), credit card (3% surcharge applies), and PayPal. All prices are quoted in US Dollars. A receipt and confirmation voucher are issued immediately on deposit.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations more than 60 days before arrival: 30% deposit retained. 30–60 days: 50% of total trip cost. Less than 30 days: 100% of total trip cost. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and emergency evacuation. We can recommend insurance providers if needed.
Will I have phone signal and internet?
Most lodges in the northern circuit (Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti) have Wi-Fi in the main areas — often slow but enough for messages and emails. Mobile signal (Vodacom, Airtel) covers much of Tarangire and Lake Manyara, parts of central Serengeti, and Ngorongoro rim. Deep in the Serengeti you may have limited or no signal — embrace the digital detox.
How much should I tip my guide?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Industry guidelines: US$20–30 per day for your driver-guide (from the whole group, not per person), US$10–15 per day for camp/lodge staff (placed in the communal tip box), US$5–10 for porters at airports. Tips are best in US dollars in clean, undamaged notes.
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