Great Ape Safari
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Great Ape Safari
Two of Tanzania’s most remote and extraordinary national parks — Gombe and Mahale — are the only places on Earth where you can trek through ancient forest to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Jane Goodall began her legendary research at Gombe in 1960 and the tradition of exceptional wildlife science continues today.
Mahale Mountains National Park on the shores of Lake Tanganyika is one of Africa’s most scenically beautiful parks — accessible only by boat or light aircraft, with no road connections. The lake itself is the world’s longest freshwater lake and one of the oldest on Earth. Chimpanzee trekking here takes place in pristine montane forest, often with stunning lake views.
Gombe is smaller and more intimate — set in steep forest ravines above the lake shore. Both parks require a level of physical fitness for forest trekking and a willingness to get off the beaten path entirely. These are safaris for the adventurous traveller who wants to see something genuinely rare and moving. Contact us for current chimpanzee trekking permits and availability.
Choose Your Safari Experience
Four days trekking through ancient rainforest in Uganda or Rwanda for a one-hour face-to-face encounter with habituated mountain gorillas, including permit. From $5,200/person for 2 guests.
Five days in Rwanda combining savannah game drives in Akagera National Park with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and visits to the scenic twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo. From $2,530/person for 2 guests.
Five days following in Jane Goodall's footsteps at Gombe Stream National Park — trek with the habituated Kasakela chimpanzee community, climb to Jane's Peak, visit Kalambo Falls and snorkel in Lake Tanganyika. From $3,550/person for 2 guests.
Five days in one of Africa's most remote and extraordinary destinations — Mahale Mountains National Park on Lake Tanganyika. Trek through ancient forest with habituated chimpanzees, snorkel the world's longest freshwater lake and visit local fishing villages. From $4,610/person for 2 guests.
Six extraordinary days retracing Livingstone's footsteps through Tanzania's remote western frontier — chimpanzee trekking at Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains, vast hippo pods at Katavi National Park and Lake Tanganyika adventures. From $5,325/person for 2 guests.
Seven days combining the most dramatic dry-season game-viewing in Africa at Katavi National Park with two days trekking habituated chimpanzees above Lake Tanganyika in Mahale Mountains — Africa's most remote and rewarding ape experience. From $4,600/person for 2 guests.
Request This Safari
Tell us your travel dates, group size and any special interests. We’ll respond within 24 hours.