Western Circuit

OVERVIEW

The western side, on the other hand, is a paradise for primate safaris, offering unique experiences like chimpanzee trekking at Gombe and Mahale. Aside from the chimpanzees, Gombe and Mahale are home to several other primate species. A troop of beachcomber olive baboons is also there, while red-tailed and red colobus monkeys stay in the forest canopy. Katavi, located in the country’s southwestern corner, is a sprawling wilderness that offers a thrilling glimpse into Africa’s distant past. Katavi is dominated by thick Brachystegia woodland, home to a diverse range of antelopes, including eland, sable, and roan. As the Katuma River flows into Lake Katavi and Chada, it creates seasonal floodplains that attract an incredible concentration of wildlife, making game viewing the park’s primary attraction.

The western circuit generally receives fewer tourists because of the lack of infrastructure and scatteredness between the three parks. However, that also makes it one of the more pristine safari destinations, away from the crowd, for an authentic safari experience.