Western Tanzania (Mahale & Katavi)

Venture into Africa’s most remote wilderness, where the jungle-clad peaks of the Mahale Mountains meet the sun-baked floodplains of Katavi. This exclusive frontier offers a safari experience like no other, allowing you to track wild chimpanzees through lush rainforests before witnessing the raw drama of Katavi’s massive buffalo herds and crowded hippo pools. Accessible only by small aircraft or boat, Western Tanzania is a land of extraordinary contrasts—from the crystal-clear depths of Lake Tanganyika to the predator-rich Katisunga Plains—providing a private, soulful journey for those seeking the heart of the truly wild.

Budget Western Tanzania (Mahale & Katavi) Tours

Western Tanzania, home to the legendary Mahale Mountains and Katavi National Park, offers a captivating blend of primeval rainforests and raw, untamed floodplains. Once a secluded sanctuary for the Tongwe people and legendary hunters of the Rukwa Valley, this remote frontier remains a place where the pulse of old Africa still beats. Explore the misty peaks of Mahale to walk among the world’s most renowned population of wild chimpanzees, then discover the dramatic plains of Katavi, where massive herds of buffalo and pods of hundreds of hippos gather along the Katuma River. Beyond its wildlife, the region boasts the turquoise depths of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake, where white sandy beaches provide a serene contrast to the rugged interior. African Overland Tours invites you to immerse yourself in the compelling narrative of the Wild West, where nature reigns supreme amidst breathtaking landscapes, promising an unforgettable journey of discovery, solitude, and raw inspiration.

What travellers most enjoyed about Western Tanzania (Mahale and Katavi)

Chimpanzee Trekking

Mountains

Safaris

Wildlife

The best time to visit Western Tanzania’s Mahale and Katavi National Parks is during the dry season, from June to October, for peak wildlife viewing, especially large herds in Katavi and easier chimp tracking in Mahale as animals congregate near water. The shoulder period, November to March (green season), offers lush scenery, fewer tourists, and interesting chimp group dynamics but can have challenging trekking conditions, while April/May are the heavy rains.