12 Days - Southern Highlands, Great Rift & Primate Wildernes

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Ruaha National Park. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you for an introductory game drive through the park’s rugged landscapes, home to large elephant herds, lions, leopards, and numerous antelope species. Head to your luxury lodge for dinner and overnight.

Today is dedicated to exploring the extraordinary wilderness of Ruaha National Park. Enjoy early morning and afternoon game drives, providing excellent opportunities to spot predators including lions, leopards, hyenas, and occasionally African wild dogs. The Great Ruaha River attracts large concentrations of wildlife, especially during the dry season.

Begin the day with a professionally guided walking safari, allowing you to experience the African bush from a different perspective, learning about animal tracks and plants. After lunch, continue with an afternoon safari. As the day ends, enjoy a scenic sundowner while watching the golden African sunset.

After breakfast, depart Ruaha and begin your journey toward the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. The transfer may combine driving and domestic flight connections toward Mbeya before continuing to Kitulo National Park, known as the “Garden of God” for its wildflowers and mountain scenery. Settle into your lodge.

Today you will explore the spectacular landscapes of Kitulo National Park, internationally recognized for its rich botanical diversity and seasonal wildflower blooms. Guided hikes through rolling hills and valleys provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and enjoying panoramic mountain views. You may also visit nearby waterfalls.

After breakfast, depart Kitulo and drive back toward Mbeya for your scheduled domestic flight to Kigoma in western Tanzania. The journey offers scenic views of mountains and villages. Upon arrival in Kigoma, relax at your hotel, enjoy lakeside views, or prepare for the upcoming chimpanzee trekking adventure.

This morning, board a traditional wooden boat or speedboat for a journey along the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika toward Mahale Mountains National Park. The boat cruise passes isolated beaches and forest-covered mountains. After check-in at your luxury lodge, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or swimming.

Today is dedicated to chimpanzee trekking in the forests of Mahale Mountains National Park. Accompanied by experienced guides, you will hike through tropical rainforest trails searching for habituated chimpanzee families. Observe them interacting naturally as they groom, feed, and move through the forest canopy.

Enjoy another full day in Mahale Mountains National Park. Guests may choose an additional chimpanzee trekking excursion or spend the day enjoying the crystal-clear waters and peaceful beaches of Lake Tanganyika. Optional activities include kayaking, swimming, fishing, or guided nature walks.

After breakfast, depart Mahale by boat and return to Kigoma. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your scheduled domestic flight back to Dar es Salaam. Once in Dar es Salaam, transfer to your luxury hotel for relaxation and a comfortable overnight stay before your international departure.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel depending on your flight schedule before transferring to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your international departure. Your safari concludes with unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s remote wilderness and spectacular landscapes.