4 Days at Mahale National Park Chimpanzee Trek

Morning: Board a shared charter flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Mahale Airstrip. The flight offers stunning views of the Rift Valley. Afternoon: Upon arrival, take a 1.5-hour scenic dhow boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika to your lodge. Settle into your beachfront accommodation. Late Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxed forest walk to introduce you to the local flora and smaller primates (Red Colobus and Vervet monkeys). Evening: Sundowners on the beach followed by dinner under the stars.

Morning: After an early breakfast, head into the rainforest with expert trackers to find the Mimikere (M-Group) chimpanzees. Note: Sightings are highly likely, but the trek can vary from 1 to 5 hours depending on where the chimps moved overnight. Midday: Spend your allocated one hour observing their human-like social behaviors. Return to the lodge for a hot lunch. Afternoon: Cooling off in Lake Tanganyika. Options include kayaking or snorkeling to see the lake’s famous colorful cichlid fish. Evening: A beach bonfire and storytelling session.

Morning: A guided hike to one of the park’s spectacular hidden waterfalls. This is a prime time for birdwatching, with over 350 species like the Giant Kingfisher and African Fish Eagle. Afternoon: Leisure time on the white sand beaches. In the late afternoon, embark on a traditional dhow sunset cruise, sipping drinks as the sun dips behind the mountains of the Congo across the lake. Evening: Farewell dinner at the lodge.

Morning: A final early morning breakfast by the lake. Take your last photos of the towering Mount Nkungwe. Midday: Dhow boat transfer back to the airstrip. Afternoon: Board your charter flight back to Arusha or Dar es Salaam, carrying a packed lunch.