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Greystoke Mahale, Chada Katavi

This 5 day fly-in safari offers the opportunity to track the chimpanzees in the beautiful Mahale Mountains National Park.  Romantic dhow trips on Lake Tanganyika.  Excellent game viewing opportunities in the grass plains of the renowned Katavi National Park and watching crocodiles and hippo surface in the seasonal Lake Chada.

Day 1: Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred to the  beautiful Arusha Coffee Lodge.

This attractive little town is situated beneath the towering peaks of Mt. Meru and Kilimanjaro. Arusha, renowned as the safari capital of Tanzania, offers a plethora of attractions and adventures. The town has numerous first-class restaurants, bars and markets to browse, and is the ideal place to spend a few relaxing days before embarking on a safari or attempting to scale Kili. Not-to-be-missed is the Arusha National Park (in Ngurdoto Crater), the National Natural History Museum, the Laetoli Footprints (set in volcanic ash, dating back 3 500 000 years) and the beautiful coffee plantations, which dot the landscape.

Overnight at Arusha Coffee Lodge. Accommodation is in a standard chalet. Your stay includes breakfast.

Day 2-4: Mahale or Katavi National Park

After a delicious breakfast you will be driven back to Arusha Airport where you will board your shared charter flight either the Mahale or Ikuu airstrip, depending on your choice of Greystoke Mahale lodge, in the Mahale Mountains National Park , or Chada Camp in the Katavi National Park. Shared charters depart at 08h00 on a Monday and Thursday.

Set among the forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains, the Mahale Mountains National Park was originally created to protect thousands of chimpanzees. It is renowned for its fantastic sunsets over Lake Tanganyika, which makes it an essential stop for keen photographers and safari enthusiasts.  The habitat combines rainforest, grasslands, alpine bamboo and woodland. Some 50 species of animals have been recorded in the Park, predominant among these being representatives from various monkey and ape families, and over 90 unique species of fish swim in the clear waters of the lake.

Overnight for three nights at Greystoke Mahale. Accommodation is in an opened -fronted thatched banda with an open-air bathroom. Your stay includes three meals daily, camping fees, all drinks (except champagne), laundry and activities.  Adventures include chimpanzee tracking (guests need to obtain chimp permits at an approximate fee of US$150 per person) boat cruises and kayaking, snorkelling and fishing.

Alternatively,

Visit the wilderness of Katavi National Park, located in the western area of Tanzania, which is one of third-largest and most untouched areas of the entire country.  Katavi's dramatic scenery is as varied as it is pristine. Flood plains of thick reeds and dense waterways are home to a huge population of hippo and varied birdlife. In the woodlands to the west, forest canopies shroud herds of buffalo and elephant. Seasonal lakes fill with dirt coloured water after the rains and animals from all corners of the park descend on them to drink. The park is also home to the rare roan and sable antelope species, and is a must-see for the visitor intent on exploring the wilds of the continent.

Overnight for three nights at Chada Camp.  Accommodation is in a beautiful tent with an ensuite bathroom.  Your stay includes three meals daily, all local brand drinks (excluding champagne), all scheduled safari activities and laundry. Adventures include game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, interpretive walking safaris with an armed guide and fly camping.

Day 5: Depart

After a wholesome breakfast, we wave a fond farewell as drive back to the airstrip for your chartered flight Arusha airport where our services end.

From USD 4, 820.00 pp based on Greystoke

From USD 3, 694.00 pp based on Katavi

• Greystoke Camp is closed from 25 March to 30 May 2010.
• Chada Katavi is closed from 16 November 2009 to 31 May 2010