The West
Western Tanzania is probably one of the last wildlife destinations in East and South Africa that can claim to be ‘undiscovered’ by mainstream tourism. This is largely due to the remote locations and reaching Katavi and the Mahale Mountains, but for those who make the journey, both Katavi and Mahale exceed all expectations.
Tracking chimpanzees in the forests of Mahale Mountains is a humbling experience as you come face to face with man’s closest relative. There are very few areas left in Africa where it is possible to track chimpanzees in the wild and the location of Mahale Mountains National Park on the shores of Lake Tanganyika is one of the most atmospheric in Africa.
|
 |
 Don’t miss… |
Experience the chimpanzees in the remote Mahale Mountains where more than 700 chimpanzees make their homes. Some of these groups are accessible to visitors, others are the subject of research studies, but most live undisturbed deep inside the forest.
Lake Tanganyika boasts over 350 species of fish of which most are endemic. Like Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika is extremely old, and the combination of its age and ecological isolation has led to the evolution of unique fish populations. The lake lies in the Great Rift Valley, which has created its steep shoreline. It reaches a depth of 4,700 feet, which is an astounding 642m below sea level!
Gombe Stream National Park is a fantastic place to explore and provides another opportunity to see chimpanzees. Gombe is the smallest of Tanzania's national parks: a fragile strip of chimpanzee habitat straddling the steep slopes and river valleys that hem in the sandy northern shore of Lake Tanganyika. The chimps here are largely habituated to humans making for a magical experience.
The incredible numbers of game that are found in Katavi National Park make this one of the most rewarding areas to visit in Africa. It lies in the remote southwest of the country, within a truncated arm of the Rift Valley that terminates in the shallow, brooding expanse of Lake Rukwa. Lakes Katavi and Chada support the largest concentrations of hippo and crocodile in Tanzania.
|
Suggested Accommodation
|
Chada Katavi
Chada Katavi is situated in the core of Katavi National Park. From its elevated vantage point on a peninsula that rises out of the miombo woodland, the camp is perfectly positioned for panoramic views over the Chada plain. Hidden among trees, there are 6 guest tents, luxuriously furnished and light and airy. Walking safaris are a highlight here as well as game drives and (waters permitting) boat rides.
Foxes Safari Camp
Foxes Camp is the only small, personalised camp in Mikumi and, set up on a rocky kopje on the Mkata flood plain, it presides over the best game viewing area of the park, the Mwanamboga waterhole. Accommodation is in 8 custom-designed tents raised on wooden platforms. All tents have an en-suite shower, toilet and basin with hot water, twin beds with mosquito nets, and a private veranda. Activities include daily guided wildlife excursions in this north-eastern part of Mikumi National Park, including walking safaris at different times of the day and classic game drives in specially adapted open 4x4 vehicles. Rainforest trekking excursions to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park can also be arranged.
Greystoke Mahale Camp
On a far-flung beach along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, below a huge tropical forest, is the sanctuary of Greystoke Mahale. The slopes of the Mahale Mountains rise behind camp and within hiking distance, is a group of 60 chimpanzees. Guests are accommodated in exotic bandas overlooking the beach and each of the six-suites are open-fronted, with adjoining bathrooms and upstairs chill-out decks. Tracking primates is a major highlight here and experienced and knowledgeable guides will accompany you to the chimps where you can sit and quietly observe them as they go about their daily routines. Dhow trips across the lake are another highlight as you relax and unwind in this most beautiful of settings. |
| Getting there |
The main way to access the West of Tanzania is by private charter flights, which are available from Arusha and Dar es Salaam. There are also regular shared charter flight services connecting Arusha-Mahale-Katavi-Arusha with flight departures on Tuesdays and Fridays making this circuit more accessible than ever. |
|
|
|
|
