7 Days Western Circuit
Chimps & Big Game Expedition: 7-Day Western Tanzania
This midrange safari is designed for travelers who want Tanzania’s most remote, uncrowded wilderness without going ultra-luxury. You’ll fly into wild Katavi National Park for three days of powerful big-game viewing think huge buffalo herds, elephants, hippo-filled pools, crocodiles, and strong predator chances in a landscape that feels truly untouched then continue to the shores of Lake Tanganyika for Mahale Mountains, home to some of Africa’s best chimp trekking. After tracking chimps through forested slopes, you’ll slow down with beach time, lake views, and optional boating or kayaking, creating a perfect balance of adrenaline and calm. Midrange stays are carefully chosen for comfort and location, such as Katavi Wildlife Camp in Katavi and Mbali Mbali Mahale on the lake, with flights and logistics arranged to keep the journey smooth despite the destination’s beautiful remoteness.
7 Days
2 Parks
$0 USDUSD
Destination Highlights
Your Route Through Tanzania
Click any destination to explore it on the map.
Detailed Itinerary
Your Day-by-Day Adventure
Every day curated for the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation.
Price Details
What's Included
✓ Included
✓ All transfers (airstrip to and fro camp/lodge, and boat transfers where required for Mahale access)
✓ Private safari guiding in Katavi with a professional English-speaking guide
✓ Shared lodge activities in Mahale (as operated by the lodge, with expert local guides)
✓ Park & conservation fees (Katavi National Park + Mahale Mountains National Park)
✓ Chimp trekking permits/fees (as included in your package plan)
✓ Accommodation (6 nights) midrange
✓ Meals as per camp/lodge plan (typically Full Board)
✓ Drinking water during activities / in camp
✓ Government taxes and VAT
✗ Not Included
✗ International flights
✗ Tanzania visa fees
✗ Travel insurance (highly recommended)
✗ Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages (unless the camp includes them)
✗ Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
✗ Tips/gratuities for guides, camp staff, porters
Things you might be wondering
If you don’t find your answer below, message us via the chat or use the “Book this trip” button — we usually reply within a few hours.
What is included in the price of my safari?
Your safari price typically includes park fees, professional driver-guide, 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, accommodation on the tier you select (budget camping, mid-range lodges, or luxury lodges), all meals during the safari, drinking water in the vehicle, and airport transfers. Exact inclusions are listed in the cost overview of this itinerary.
What is NOT included?
Generally excluded: international flights to/from Tanzania, visa fees, travel insurance, tips for the driver-guide and lodge staff, alcoholic and soft drinks, personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs), optional activities such as hot air balloon flights or night drives, and any meals taken in Arusha town outside the safari.
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Most visitors need a visa. Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and many other countries can obtain a Tanzania tourist visa on arrival or online via the official e-visa portal (eservices.immigration.go.tz). The single-entry tourist visa costs US$50 (US$100 for US passport holders). Bring a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date with at least 2 blank pages.
What vaccinations and health precautions do I need?
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you arrive from a Yellow Fever endemic country (including most of sub-Saharan Africa). Most travellers also take anti-malaria medication — consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel. Recommended (not required) vaccines include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and routine boosters. Bring insect repellent containing DEET, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit.
When is the best time to go on safari?
Tanzania is a year-round destination. The dry seasons (June–October and January–February) offer the best game viewing because animals gather around water sources and vegetation is sparse. The Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti typically peak July–September. The "green season" (March–May, November) brings lush landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices, and excellent birdwatching.
What should I pack for a Tanzania safari?
Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige — avoid bright colours and dark blue/black which attract tsetse flies). Layers are essential: cool early-morning game drives and warm midday sun. Bring a warm fleece for Ngorongoro Crater, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, a good camera with extra batteries, and a soft duffel bag (hard suitcases don't fit well in safari vehicles). The total luggage limit on small bush flights is usually 15kg.
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Tanzania is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa, with a stable government and a tourism-dependent economy that prioritises visitor safety. Petty theft can occur in Arusha and Dar es Salaam — use hotel safes and avoid displaying valuables. Inside parks and lodges you are completely safe. Your driver-guide is professionally trained in wildlife behaviour and emergency procedures.
Can children come on safari?
Yes — Tanzania safaris are wonderful for families. Most lodges welcome children from age 6+; some luxury lodges require minimum age 8 or 12. Children pay reduced rates (often 50–75% of adult price). Game drives are long, so factor in attention spans. We can adjust the itinerary with shorter drives, child-friendly lodges with pools, and cultural activities to balance the wildlife focus.
How do I pay and what is the deposit?
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance is due 60 days before arrival. We accept bank transfer (SWIFT), credit card (3% surcharge applies), and PayPal. All prices are quoted in US Dollars. A receipt and confirmation voucher are issued immediately on deposit.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations more than 60 days before arrival: 30% deposit retained. 30–60 days: 50% of total trip cost. Less than 30 days: 100% of total trip cost. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and emergency evacuation. We can recommend insurance providers if needed.
Will I have phone signal and internet?
Most lodges in the northern circuit (Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti) have Wi-Fi in the main areas — often slow but enough for messages and emails. Mobile signal (Vodacom, Airtel) covers much of Tarangire and Lake Manyara, parts of central Serengeti, and Ngorongoro rim. Deep in the Serengeti you may have limited or no signal — embrace the digital detox.
How much should I tip my guide?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Industry guidelines: US$20–30 per day for your driver-guide (from the whole group, not per person), US$10–15 per day for camp/lodge staff (placed in the communal tip box), US$5–10 for porters at airports. Tips are best in US dollars in clean, undamaged notes.