Gombe Chimps trek, Great Migration & more – 10 days
$6,649
Begin your African journey with the exhilaration of chimpanzee trekking in Gombe, a rare and intimate experience set along the shimmering shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest lake. In this secluded corner of western Tanzania, you’ll follow winding forest trails, listening for the echoing calls of chimpanzees that swing high through the canopy.
From there, brace yourself for one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the Great Migration. More than 2.5 million wildebeests and zebras surge across the plains, facing the dramatic challenge of crossing the Mara River, where crocodiles lie in wait and every leap is a battle for survival.
The adventure continues into the sweeping grasslands of the Central Serengeti, where prides of lions rule the savannah and the golden light stretches for miles. In Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll descend into a natural amphitheater alive with Africa’s densest concentration of wildlife, a world within a world that feels untouched by time. Tarangire completes the journey with its ancient baobab trees and the country’s largest gatherings of elephants, a sight both humbling and unforgettable.
This is no ordinary safari—it is a journey crafted for those who seek the extraordinary.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Dar-es-salaam
Upon landing at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), you will be greeted by our friendly representative and escorted to your hotel in Dar es Salaam. From the very first moment, you’ll be in the hands of a team of local Tanzanians who know every corner of this land. With our care and expertise guiding your journey, you can simply relax and let the adventure unfold. Welcome to Tanzania—the safari of a lifetime begins here.
Dar Serena Hotel
The Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel places you at the very heart of the city’s business district, with the Indian Ocean’s sandy beaches just minutes away. Step outside to discover the city’s rhythm at the bustling fish market, wander through colorful crafts stalls, or enjoy boutiques and restaurants that showcase Tanzania’s vibrant culture. Inside, 230 elegant rooms and suites offer comfort and style, ensuring your stay in Dar es Salaam is as memorable as it is relaxing.
Fly to Kigoma – Ujiji Memorial Museum + Gombe Forest Walk
After breakfast, our representative will take you to Dar es Salaam Airport for your flight west to Kigoma. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and guided to the historic Ujiji Livingstone Memorial Site, where Dr. David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley first met—an encounter that shaped African exploration. From there, the journey continues to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake. Here, a boat will carry you across its shimmering waters to Gombe. A delicious lunch awaits, followed by a refreshing forest walk, the perfect introduction to this extraordinary corner of Tanzania.
Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge rests in the cool shade of ancient forest trees along the shimmering shores of Lake Tanganyika, deep within Gombe National Park. With just seven forest tents raised on wooden platforms beneath fragrant mango groves, the lodge offers an intimate retreat in harmony with nature. Each luxury tent is thoughtfully furnished for comfort while blending seamlessly into its surroundings, ensuring that your stay leaves the lightest possible footprint on this extraordinary environment.
Chimp trekking, kayaking & sundowner
Venture deep into the forest for a full day of primate encounters. Gombe is best known for its wild chimpanzees, yet the park also teems with other fascinating species. Velvet monkeys leap playfully between branches, while striking black-and-white colobus monkeys glide through the canopy. Along the trails, you may cross paths with baboons, shy forest pigs, or the delicate steps of a dik-dik. Above, the air fills with the calls of tropical birds, from vibrant sunbirds to the echo of turacos. As the day winds down, trade the forest for the water with a gentle kayaking trip on Lake Tanganyika, ending with a serene sundowner as the evening light dances across the lake.
Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge
Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge rests in the cool shade of ancient forest trees along the shimmering shores of Lake Tanganyika, deep within Gombe National Park. With just seven forest tents raised on wooden platforms beneath fragrant mango groves, the lodge offers an intimate retreat in harmony with nature. Each luxury tent is thoughtfully furnished for comfort while blending seamlessly into its surroundings, ensuring that your stay leaves the lightest possible footprint on this extraordinary environment.
Chimp trekking – Transfer to Kigoma
Another exciting adventure awaits as you track chimpanzees and other primates in the forests of Gombe Stream. You will have plenty of time to capture memorable photographs of the chimpanzees and other wildlife you encounter along the way. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon, enjoying the forest atmosphere. In the evening, a scenic boat ride across Lake Tanganyika will take you back to Kigoma, where you will spend the night at the Hilltop Hotel.
Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
The Kigoma Hilltop Hotel rests on a quiet outcrop surrounded by lush gardens with sweeping views over Lake Tanganyika, offering comfort and relaxation after your adventures. Its 30 cottage-style rooms each feature a private balcony facing the lake, creating the perfect spot to unwind. Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Kigoma Airport, five minutes from Ujiji Town, and an hour by boat from Gombe National Park, the hotel blends tranquility with easy access to the region’s highlights.
Fly to Northern Serengeti for Migration
Another day brings another adventure as you fly north to the Serengeti to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. Upon landing at the Kogatende Airstrip, your safari guide will greet you and lead the way on an evening game drive as you head toward your camp. This remote corner of the Serengeti is where the herds gather to face the dramatic crossings of the Mara River, a spectacle of survival unlike any other. Beyond the migration, the Northern Serengeti is also home to the famed Big Five, offering unforgettable encounters at every turn.
Serengeti Wilderness Camp
Serengeti North Wilderness Camp is a seasonal retreat that moves with the rhythm of the Great Migration, set in both the Southern and Northern Serengeti. In the north, the camp lies just a short distance from the Mara River, where the dramatic crossings unfold each year. Its ten spacious tents blend comfort with wilderness, each featuring a shaded verandah that invites you to sit back, relax, and take in the sweeping beauty of the Serengeti around you.
Northern Serengeti & Great Migration
Witness the awe-inspiring drama of the Great Migration as massive herds of wildebeest and zebra attempt to cross the Mara River, all while giant crocodiles lie in wait. This extraordinary migration involves more than 2.5 million wildebeest, driven by ancient instincts to follow water sources in a clockwise journey spanning 1,600 miles (2,575 kilometers) each year. Northern Serengeti is not only the stage for this iconic spectacle but also home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including Africa’s legendary Big Five.
Serengeti Wilderness Camp
Serengeti North Wilderness Camp is a seasonal retreat that moves with the rhythm of the Great Migration, set in both the Southern and Northern Serengeti. In the north, the camp lies just a short distance from the Mara River, where the dramatic crossings unfold each year. Its ten spacious tents blend comfort with wilderness, each featuring a shaded verandah that invites you to sit back, relax, and take in the sweeping beauty of the Serengeti around you.
Central Serengeti
Let yourself be inspired by the beauty and wonder of the Serengeti, where acacia trees and granite kopjes rise from endless waves of golden grass. Your time will be devoted to exploring the heart of Central Serengeti, where each day brings new chances to encounter Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife, including large prides of lions, sleek cheetahs, towering elephants, elusive leopards, elegant giraffes, pods of hippos, and an abundance of birdlife.
Singing Grass Camp
With just eight luxury safari tents, The Singing Grass Camp offers an intimate and immersive Serengeti experience. Each tent is tucked away in a secluded patch of savannah, ensuring privacy and a deep connection to nature. As night falls, sink into your plush bed and drift off to sleep to the soothing chorus of birds, cicadas, grasshoppers, and the distant sounds of wildlife roaming the bush.
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Rim walking safari
Today, you will embark on a final game drive in the Serengeti with a packed lunch, giving you more opportunities to capture heart-stopping photos. Later, you will continue to Ngorongoro for a one-hour walking safari along the rim of the crater. This short adventure is the perfect way to step out of the vehicle and experience the African bush on foot without committing to a strenuous trek.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering spectacular views from above. Its 74 guest rooms and one suite harmoniously combine the breathtaking grandeur of the crater with exceptional standards of comfort and personalised service, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Ngorongoro Crater Tour
The Ngorongoro Crater, measuring just 10 miles (16 kilometres) across, was formed around three million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed. Today, it is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and home to over 25,000 resident animals, making it one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems. In the grass steppes and acacia forests, you can spot nearly every iconic species of the East African savannah, including the legendary “Big Five”.
Maramboi Tented Lodge
Maramboi Tented Lodge is a classic safari retreat set between Lake Manyara and Tarangire, right on the animal migration route. Wildlife freely roams the lodge’s grounds, creating a true safari atmosphere. The property offers 44 suites, including four interconnected rooms ideal for families with children. Each elegant tented suite is built on a raised wooden platform and features a private terrace with sweeping views of Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park holds the highest concentration of elephants in northern Tanzania, where vast herds roam among ancient baobab trees. The park is also alive with predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, alongside giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, and graceful gazelles. With more than 550 recorded bird species—including the towering Maasai ostrich, the largest bird in the world—Tarangire is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
After a rewarding day exploring this remarkable landscape, you will be transferred to the airport for your outbound flight, carrying with you memories of Tanzania’s untamed beauty.