Western Circuit Destinations
Western Tanzania Safari
Western Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most remote and pristine safari parks, ideal for experienced travelers seeking exclusive encounters with wildlife and nature. Known for chimpanzee trekking, untouched landscapes, and unique biodiversity, this region offers some of Tanzania’s most rewarding and off-the-grid adventures.
Katavi National Park
Katavi is one of Tanzania’s wildest and least visited national parks—perfect for those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty. The park is centered around seasonal floodplains and rivers, where hundreds of hippos crowd into shrinking pools during the dry season.
Katavi offers spectacular wildlife sightings, including large herds of elephants and buffaloes, as well as lions, leopards, crocodiles, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. Game drives feel truly exclusive, with virtually no other vehicles in sight. This is an ideal destination for authentic wilderness safaris, off-the-beaten-path Tanzania tours, and photographic safaris.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale is one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. Set on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale’s lush mountains and tropical forests provide a breathtaking setting for guided treks in search of wild chimpanzees. The experience is intimate and unforgettable, often involving hours on foot through thick forest led by experienced trackers.
Beyond primates, Mahale is rich in biodiversity and offers swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika. Lodges here are few and eco-friendly, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and conservation-focused travelers.
Gombe Stream National Park
Famous as the research site of Dr. Jane Goodall, Gombe is the smallest national park in Tanzania but one of the most iconic. Gombe is best known for its habituated chimpanzee populations, which can be observed during guided forest walks. The park also supports baboons, colobus monkeys, forest birds, and butterflies.
Gombe lies along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika and can only be accessed by boat, adding to its sense of seclusion. Visitors can combine chimpanzee safaris with scenic walks, birding, and lakeside relaxation.
