Duration: 8 Nights
When: June to November
Snapshot: One of the most off the beaten track itineraries in Africa. Visit two outstanding contrasting wilderness areas and experience Africa as it should be, this itinerary also includes an amazing fly camp, yet another unforgettable experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arusha
Arriving at Kilimanjaro airport you will stay for one night close to Arusha, there are a number of accommodation options here, our favourite is Arusha Coffee Lodge.
Day 2 – Katavi National Park
Early morning departure from Arusha via the Serengeti (dependent on schedule) and Tabora to refuel. Arrive into Katavi in time for a late lunch and a siesta. Take a short afternoon walk with one of our safari guides and armed scout and see more of the the area around camp, getting back in time for sundowners around the fire and supper in the mess tent. In Katavi you will stay at the splendid Chada camp for the following 4 nights.
Day 3 – Katavi National Park
Morning game drive and head further into the wilds of Katavi. Katavi is renowned for its game, huge herds of buffalo and elephants are often on the plains in front of camp and the animal interaction can be intense. We’d suggest sundowners out on the plains, the light is gorgeous at that time of day and watch the big herds of buffalo come in.
Day 4 – Katavi National Park
Another early start to beat the heat; explore further afield and take a picnic lunch with you stopping at your fly camp where you’ll spend the night. After lunch we’d suggest a short walk around this new area, back in camp in time for sundowners followed by dinner.
Day 5 – Katavi National Park
Wake in your fly camp and enjoy a cook-out breakfast.
The choice is yours if you’d like to do a short walk, then a game drive back to camp or hop in the vehicle and drive back to camp the long way. We always love a siesta after lunch, then how about a gentle stroll and bird walk around the camp and environs before drinks around the fire and supper.
Day 6 – Mahale Mountains
Mid-morning departure from Chada Katavi for your one-hour flight to Mahale airstrip, followed by a 90 minute trip down the lake in the dhow to Greystoke Mahale with lunch on board. After arrival, settle into Greystoke, meeting the staff who will also tell you about the chimping activities and all else on offer here. Afternoon at leisure to take a dhow cruise down the lake, a spot of fishing, a short forest hike, or just relax on the beach or in the mess. Meet at the bar for sundowner drinks before dinner in the mess. You will stay for the next 3 nights at this one of a kind camp in a stunning location.
Day 7 – Mahale Mountains
After breakfast in the mess, the scouts and trackers will tell you the whereabouts of the chimps. Head off in two groups of six, walking up the narrow mountain trails to find them. On reaching the chimps, spend an hour with them whilst they do their own thing, eating, foraging, playing, squabbling…After a well-earned lunch in the mess, head off on the dhow for a deep water swim out in the lake. At sunset enjoy a beach supper under the stars as the sun sets over the lake.
Day 8 – Mahale Mountains
Start the day with more chimp trekking after breakfast; take snacks along with you, sometimes you have to walk quite far. If you’ve walked far the boat might meet you and take you on a gentle cruise back to camp. Catch up on the day’s stories around the bar, before dinner in the main mess.
Day 9
Head out early morning in one of our kayaks and have your first cup of coffee out in the middle of the lake or enjoy a relaxed morning in camp before boarding the dhow and heading back up to the airstrip before boarding the plane back to Arusha and your onwards travels.
Details
1 night Arusha Coffee Lodge (Full board)
4 nights Chada Katavi (Fully inclusive, except premium drinks)
3 nights Greystoke Mahale (Fully inclusive, except premium drinks)
Pricing: £8,135 per person
All pricing is given as a guideline, as all our itineraries are tailor made actual costs will depend on dates, passengers and exchange rates as well as any alterations to the itinerary.
Inclusions: Internal flights and transfers, full board accommodation, house wines, beers and spirits.
Exclusions: International flights
POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS
- Zanzibar – Why not treat yourself to a few days relaxation before heading back to the real world…with a number of great options, if you have the time then a few days of down time is the perfect way to end this itinerary.
- Stone Town – This historic little town was once the capital city of Oman, it was the centre of the African slave trade and was also the staging post for many of the great explorations of Africas interior.
- More safari…. – If you are looking for a longer itinerary you could combine this great itinerary with a walking safari in Ruaha or possibly a safari in the Serengeti Northern Tanzania.
