8-Day Serengeti Big Game & Mahale Chimpanzees Safari:

Your safari begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, where your professional guide will warmly welcome you to Tanzania. After introductions, enjoy a brief safari orientation, covering safety tips, what to expect on your safari, and an overview of the wildlife and ecosystems you will explore. From Arusha, travel by scenic road or short flight toward the Serengeti National Park, taking in breathtaking landscapes along the way. The drive offers views of rolling hills, patchwork farmland, and traditional Maasai villages where you can observe local culture and lifestyle.

Upon arrival in Lamai, Serengeti, check in at your camp, settle into your comfortable accommodation, and take a moment to enjoy the serene surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an optional afternoon game drive in the park’s northern or central areas. This first encounter gives you a glimpse of the vast Serengeti plains, where zebras, wildebeest, and antelope roam freely. Watch the sun set over the golden savannah as the landscape transforms into a magical, wildlife-rich environment. Return to your camp in the evening for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the anticipation of the adventures ahead and preparing for the thrilling big game experiences starting tomorrow.

This day combines relaxation, scenic travel, and your first taste of Serengeti wildlife, setting the stage for the unforgettable safari journey that awaits.

Wake up early at your Lamai camp for breakfast before heading out on a full day of big game exploration in the Serengeti National Park. The morning is the best time to observe wildlife at its most active, so keep your cameras ready. Your expert guide will lead you across the open plains, woodland areas, and rocky kopjes, pointing out lions lounging in the shade, leopards resting in trees, herds of elephants moving gracefully, and buffalo grazing. You will also encounter giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest, giving you a true sense of the Serengeti’s diverse ecosystem.

During the day, enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by spectacular scenery and the sounds of the African savannah. In the afternoon, continue on your game drive, exploring new areas of the park where predators may be actively hunting or interacting with prey. Your guide will provide insights into animal behavior, social structures, and conservation efforts in the Serengeti. Watch the sun cast golden light over the plains, perfect for photography and capturing memorable moments.

Return to Lamai camp in the early evening, where you can relax on the deck, watch the sunset, and share stories of your day’s wildlife encounters over dinner under the stars. This immersive day gives you a deep appreciation of Serengeti’s natural beauty and sets the stage for more thrilling wildlife experiences in the following days.

Wake up early at your Lamai camp for breakfast and prepare for another full day of big game exploration in the Serengeti. Today, venture deeper into the central and northern Serengeti plains, where wildlife encounters are abundant. Your expert guide will lead you across open savannahs, woodland areas, and rocky kopjes, pointing out lions lounging under acacia trees, leopards resting in the shade, and elephants moving gracefully through the plains. You will also encounter herds of buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes, providing countless opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Serengeti. In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Lamai, following different routes to maximize your chances of spotting predators, including cheetahs and hyenas, in action. Your guide will share detailed insights about animal behavior, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation efforts in the Serengeti. As the day ends, watch the sun set over the golden plains, creating dramatic landscapes perfect for memorable photographs.

Return to Lamai camp in the evening for dinner and overnight stay, relaxing and reflecting on the extraordinary wildlife experiences of the day. This full day deepens your connection with Serengeti’s incredible ecosystem and prepares you for the upcoming transfer to Mahale and chimpanzee trekking adventures.

After breakfast at Lamai Camp, check out and prepare for a scenic flight to the remote Mahale Mountains National Park on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. As you fly, enjoy aerial views of the Serengeti’s endless plains, rolling hills, and wildlife below, offering a unique perspective of this iconic landscape. Upon arrival in Mahale, you will be transferred by boat or vehicle to Greystoke Mahale Lodge, nestled between the lush forested hills and the pristine lake waters.

Once at the lodge, take time to settle into your comfortable accommodation and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings, including dense rainforest, mountains, and the sparkling expanse of Lake Tanganyika. In the late afternoon, enjoy a short guided nature walk or boat excursion, spotting local wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and other small forest animals. As evening falls, savor a delicious dinner at the lodge, reflecting on your Serengeti adventures and preparing for the upcoming chimpanzee trekking experiences.

This day combines travel, stunning scenery, and a gentle introduction to Mahale’s untouched wilderness, marking the start of an unforgettable primate-focused adventure in one of Tanzania’s most remote and pristine parks.

Wake up early at Greystoke Mahale Lodge and enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading into the lush forests of Mahale Mountains National Park for your first chimpanzee trekking adventure. Accompanied by experienced local trackers and your guide, follow narrow trails through dense rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees. Witness these intelligent primates as they socialize, play, and forage in their natural habitat, providing a rare and intimate glimpse into their fascinating behavior.

Throughout the trek, your guide will share insights about chimpanzee social structures, forest ecology, and ongoing conservation efforts in Mahale. The trekking experience is not only educational but also highly rewarding, with opportunities for close-up photography and wildlife observation. After a morning in the forest, return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation, enjoying the serene views of Lake Tanganyika and surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon, you can opt for a boat excursion on Lake Tanganyika, a nature walk around the lodge, or simply relax by the lake. The evening concludes with dinner at the lodge, sharing stories of your encounters with the chimpanzees and reflecting on the beauty and tranquility of this remote wilderness.

This full day provides an unforgettable introduction to Mahale’s unique ecosystem, combining adventure, wildlife observation, and education in one of Tanzania’s most pristine national parks.

After an early breakfast at Greystoke Mahale Lodge, set out for a full day of chimpanzee trekking in the pristine forests of Mahale Mountains National Park. Accompanied by experienced trackers and your guide, venture deeper into the forest in search of wild chimpanzees. Observe their playful interactions, grooming behavior, and complex social dynamics while your guide explains their ecology, diet, and role in the forest ecosystem. The trekking experience provides incredible opportunities for photography and close wildlife encounters in a remote and untouched environment.

Following the morning trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy optional activities such as boat excursions on Lake Tanganyika, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or short guided nature walks around the lodge to spot birds, monkeys, and other local wildlife. The combination of trekking and lake exploration allows you to experience Mahale’s unique blend of rainforest and freshwater ecosystems.

As the day ends, return to Greystoke Mahale Lodge for dinner, sharing stories of the chimpanzees and reflecting on the remarkable encounters of the day. The tranquil surroundings of mountains and lake create the perfect backdrop for relaxation and appreciation of Mahale’s untouched beauty.

This full day immerses you in one of the world’s most remote and biodiverse parks, balancing adventure, wildlife observation, and leisure in an unforgettable Tanzanian wilderness experience.

Begin your day with an early breakfast at Greystoke Mahale Lodge, then head out for your final chimpanzee trekking experience in the pristine forests of Mahale Mountains National Park. Guided by experienced trackers, explore new trails in search of wild chimpanzees and observe their playful interactions, social grooming, and foraging behavior. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into their social structures, communication, and conservation, making this a truly educational and unforgettable encounter.

After the morning trek, return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy some leisure time. You may choose to relax on the lodge deck, take a refreshing swim in Lake Tanganyika, or enjoy a boat excursion to admire the surrounding scenery and spot local wildlife. This flexible afternoon allows you to soak in the tranquil beauty of Mahale, capturing photographs or simply appreciating the peaceful environment.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the lodge, sharing stories of your chimpanzee encounters and reflecting on the incredible experiences of your safari. Overnight at Greystoke Mahale Lodge marks the end of your immersive Mahale adventure, leaving you with lasting memories of Tanzania’s unique wildlife and pristine wilderness.

After an early breakfast at Greystoke Mahale Lodge, prepare for your departure from this remote and pristine wilderness. Depending on your travel arrangements, you will either take a chartered flight or a combination of boat and road transfer back toward Arusha. During the journey, enjoy stunning views of Lake Tanganyika, the surrounding forests, and rolling Tanzanian landscapes, reflecting on the incredible wildlife experiences of your safari.

Upon arrival in Arusha, you will be dropped off at your hotel, airport, or onward travel destination, concluding your 8-day adventure. This marks the end of a remarkable journey combining big game viewing in the Serengeti with chimpanzee trekking in Mahale, leaving you with unforgettable memories, incredible photographs, and a deep appreciation for Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems.