The Best of the West; Western Tanzania - From £6,165

Chimps, Game and Beaches, the Best of the West - From £6,165 Per Person Excluding International Flights

Day 1
You have an early start this morning as you transfer from Arusha airstrip for your flight across the plains of Tanzania to the remote Katavi National Park (08:00 – 12:00). Upon arrival, you transfer from Ikuu Airstrip by 4x4 to Chada Katavi Camp in time for a hot lunch and time to relax back at Camp. This afternoon you have your first opportunity to explore this remote wilderness.
Overnight: Chada Katavi Camp - Set on a wooded promontory overlooking the plains of Katavi. You cannot get much more ‘bush’ than this! Six luxury tents set in the shade of acacia trees with commanding views of the open savannah provide amazingly comfortable lodging, with open camp fires at night and overfriendly elephants wandering through the camp (L/D)

Days 2, 3
Katavi is one of the few true remaining great wildernesses of Eastern Africa. Vast savannah plains stretch into the distance and you are almost guaranteed not to bump into any tourists during your stay! Lakes Chada and Katavi provide watering holes for huge herds of savannah game including hundreds if not thousands of hippo. Elephant, lion, leopard, crocs, etc are also to be found throughout the plains of Katavi. This really is the adventurer's choice of safari, almost completely inaccessible by road, as you sit back and relax at camp during the evening you can finally appreciate what true nature is. Over the next couple of days you do a variety of game drives every day through the savannah plains, taking in the wonderful views and abundance of game, maybe stopping every now and then for a refreshing drink.
Overnight: Chada Katavi Camp (B/L/D)

Day 4
Today you may have time for a short game drive in the morning before setting off on the next leg of your adventure. You transfer back to Ikuu Airstrip where you meet your internal flight to Mahale Mountains National Park, at the shores of Lake Tanganyika (12:15 – 13:00). Upon landing on an airstrip at the foot of the Mahale Mountains you have a pleasant cruise on a traditionally constructed (but very comfortable) dhow along the shores of the lake and to the private retreat of Greystoke Mahale Camp. A beautiful camp located at the foot of the Mahale Mountains with a private beach and direct access to one of the largest habituated troops of chimpanzees. Accommodation is in exotic wooden bandas overlooking the beach with adjoining bathrooms and imaginatively designed interiors. The bar and dining area are the focal point of the camp rising up from the sand and loosely modelled on traditional Tongwe architecture.
Overnight: Greystoke Mahale Camp - beautifully designed luxury exotic bandas set back in the tree line with views of the beach and upstairs viewing decks for relaxing on those lazy afternoons (B/L/D)

Days 5, 6, 7
On one of the mornings, after an early morning breakfast at camp, you set off chimpanzee tracking into the forested foothills of the Mahale Mountains. Lush tropical jungle surrounds you as you follow the frenetic pant hoots of the chimps off in the distance. It is only when you finally come across them that you realize how privileged you are to spend time with these intelligent apes in their natural habitat. Sometimes sitting in the middle of the group it is difficult not to feel part of the family. A truly amazing experience!

The rest of the days are yours at leisure spending time relaxing on the soft sands of the private beach or swimming in the clear waters. Other activities include forest walks, birding, boat trips, kayaking and fishing. A perfect end to the day with cocktails and dinner served on the dhow!
Overnight: Greystoke Mahale Camp (B/L/D)

Day 8
After breakfast you transfer by boat to Mahale airstrip where, with packed lunch in hand, you will meet your internal flight to Dar es Salaam, stopping en-route (10:15 – 16:30). From here, you are met and transferred to the beautiful retreat of Ras Kutani to relax for the next 4 nights and reminisce over the adventures of the last few days.
Overnight: Ras Kutani – Lovely Beach Cottages constructed of local materials that blend into the local environment. Sea views and white sand beaches make this the ideal location to relax at the end of your safari (B/L/D)

Days 9, 10, 11
You have three whole days to sit back and enjoy the comfort and tranquillity of Ras Kutani, set on a peninsular of white sandy beach next to a fresh water lagoon and tropical forest shoreline. Here, there are opportunities to enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, massages, nature walks through the forest, a visit to the local villages or alternatively you can just sit back and relax by the pool. This is the perfect African beach relaxation.
Overnight: Ras Kutani (B/L/D)

Day 12
Today you transfer by road (35kms) to Dar es Salaam in time for your international flight back home. A meal in Dar es Salaam can be arranged prior to your flight departure on payment of supplement (B)