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Journeys/Mahale Mountains, Gombe Stream

7-Day Mahale & Gombe Chimpanzee Safari

Mahale Mountains, Gombe Stream
7 Days / 6 Nights
4.8(6)
Challenging
Presented byTanzania Budget Safari
Overview

About this journey

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.

Two chimpanzee habitats in one safariMahale Mountains — remote mountain forest trekkingGombe Stream — Jane Goodall's legendary research siteLake Tanganyika beach time and boat ridesOne of Africa's most unique wildlife experiencesSmall group, intimate encounters
Your Itinerary

Day by day

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

Experiences

Lake Tanganyika boat transferMahale arrivalLakeside orientation

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

Experiences

Mountain forest trekkingChimpanzee observationForest wildlife spotting

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

Experiences

Chimp trekkingBehavioral observationLake swimmingSunset on the beach

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

Experiences

Lake Tanganyika boat transferGombe arrivalLakeshore walk

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

Experiences

Chimp trekking in GombeRed colobus monkey spottingForest trail exploration

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

Experiences

Chimp trekkingKakombe waterfall hikeJane Goodall's Peak viewpointCampfire dinner

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

Accommodation

End of tour — Kigoma drop-off

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Experiences

Boat transfer to KigomaDeparture
What to Expect

Included & excluded

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

Not Included

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

Investment

Group SizeTravelersPrice per Person
Solo Traveller1-1 pax$2,704
2 People2-2 pax$2,080
4-6 People4-6 pax$1,768

Pay in installments available

Split your payment into manageable monthly installments. Choose your plan at checkout.

Your Guide

Meet your operator

Tanzania Budget Safari

Gosheni Safaris

Verified

Arusha, Tanzania

Award-winning safari operator based in Arusha with 15+ years of experience leading unforgettable wildlife expeditions across Tanzania.

BrandTanzania Budget Safari
Common Questions

Frequently Asked

What is included in the 7-Day Mahale & Gombe Chimpanzee Safari?

The tour includes accommodation, meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, park fees, and all transfers during the 7-day journey. See the "Included & Excluded" section above for full details.

How do I book the 7-Day Mahale & Gombe Chimpanzee Safari?

Use the booking widget on this page to select your dates and group size, then submit a booking inquiry. Gosheni Safaris will confirm availability within 24 hours. Payment is processed securely through PesaPal.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 30 days before departure for a full refund. Cancellations 15-29 days before receive a 50% refund. Less than 15 days: no refund. Some operators may have specific policies that differ.

How difficult is this tour?

This tour is rated as challenging. Good physical fitness is recommended. Some days involve extended walking or altitude.

Is Mahale Mountains, Gombe Stream safe for tourists?

Mahale Mountains, Gombe Stream is a popular and well-established safari destination. Your guide from Gosheni Safaris will be with you throughout the journey, and all activities follow established safety protocols. We recommend travel insurance for all trips.

Tanzania Budget Safari

From

$2,080

per person


Adults
2
Children
0
$2,080 x 2 people$4,160

2 People pricing applied

No payment is taken at this step. We confirm availability with the operator first.

Secure booking via Inspiration Africa
Free cancellation up to 30 days before
Confirmation within 24 hours

From $2,080

per person