The Western
Circuit
The Primate Kingdom & Untamed Wilderness
Venture into remote forests and the shores of Lake Tanganyika to meet habituated chimpanzees in their natural, untouched habitat.
Your Ticket to True African Adventure
The Western Circuit is an expedition, offering two rare and unforgettable safari experiences found nowhere else in Tanzania.
Primate Encounters & Lake Life
This circuit is the best in the world for habituated chimpanzee trekking in their natural mountain forest habitats (Mahale and Gombe), combined with the unique joy of swimming and snorkeling in the clear, fish-filled waters of Lake Tanganyika.
- Chimpanzee Focus: Spend an intimate hour with wild families in Mahale's forests.
- Aquatic Activities: Kayaking, swimming, and dhow cruises on the second-deepest lake globally.
- Jane Goodall: Walk the same trails as the world's most famous primatologist at Gombe.
Untamed Wilderness & Exclusivity
Experience the true "Last Frontier" in Katavi, a remote sanctuary known for its dramatic dry-season spectacles: colossal hippo pods and buffalo herds. Low visitor numbers guarantee an exclusive, private safari far removed from global tourism hubs.
- Extreme Remoteness: Requires charter flights, guaranteeing minimal crowds and maximum solitude.
- Katavi's Spectacle: Witness thousands of hippos and huge concentrations of game in the dry season.
- Best Walking Safaris: Katavi's vast, open plains are ideal for exhilarating guided walking treks.
The Parks of the Primate Kingdom
Explore the remote sanctuaries of Tanzania's Western Circuit.
Mahale Mountains National Park
A stunning combination of emerald forests plunging into the sapphire waters of Lake Tanganyika. Mahale is primarily accessed by boat and is home to the largest known population of habituated chimpanzees. Treks involve hiking through dense forest, where the reward is spending an intimate hour watching a chimp family.
Katavi National Park
Tanzania’s third-largest park but one of its least visited, offering a true sense of exploration. Katavi is famous for its dry-season spectacle, where thousands of hippos gather in the last remaining pools of the Katuma River, and colossal herds of buffalo and elephant congregate.
Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream is where Jane Goodall’s pioneering research began, making it a sacred site for conservation. This small park is perfect for a short, intensive chimp tracking experience on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The dramatic landscape features steep slopes covered in dense forest, perfect for hiking and finding the primates.
Rubondo Island National Park
Far in Lake Victoria’s southwest lies Rubondo Island—a sanctuary of forest, water, and wonder. At 457 square kilometers, it’s one of the largest island national parks in Africa, yet remains nearly untouched by mass tourism. It is a refuge for reintroduced chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, and sitatungas.
“Rubondo is not a park — it’s a dream of Africa untouched. Every rustle in the forest feels like the Earth remembering itself.”
Chimpanzee Trekking: The Ultimate Encounter
Tracking chimpanzees in Mahale and Gombe is a privilege, offering a profound, hour-long encounter with our closest living relatives in their natural habitat.
The Trek
Expect challenging, rewarding hikes through the steep, damp forests. Locating the chimps can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, guided by expert park rangers using tracking signals.
The Encounter
Once found, you spend one intimate hour observing them feeding, grooming, or playing. This limited time minimizes disturbance and ensures the chimps remain wild and habituated.
Habituation Rules
Strict rules apply: wearing a mask (pre-emptive), maintaining a 7-meter distance, and no flash photography. This protects them from human illness and preserves their wild nature.
The World's Longest Freshwater Lake
Lake Tanganyika, the second-deepest lake in the world, is an incredible part of the Western Circuit experience. Its crystal-clear waters are home to a massive diversity of endemic cichlid fish, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming.
Activities Include:
- Snorkeling & Swimming
- Sunset Dhow Cruises
- Beach Fly Camping
- Fishing Excursions
Planning Your Remote Expedition
Step 1: Fly to Katavi
Your journey begins with a chartered or scheduled flight from Arusha (ARK) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) directly to Katavi’s remote airstrip.
Focus:
Exclusive game drives, walking safaris.
Step 2: Transfer to Mahale
A short charter flight connects you, followed by a dramatic boat ride across Lake Tanganyika to reach your lodge on the Mahale shore.
Focus:
Chimpanzee trekking, lake activities.
Step 3: Optional Gombe/Rubondo
For the complete experience, connect to Gombe via Kigoma, or venture north to Rubondo Island on Lake Victoria (a long but rewarding extension).
Focus:
Jane Goodall site, island ecology, fishing.