Tanzania's Hidden Realms
A 5-day signature safari through Katavi and Mahale, combining road transfers with light-aircraft legs.
Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge is a secluded lakeside retreat nestled along the golden sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika, beneath the lush, forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains. Combining rustic safari charm with modern comforts, the lodge features ten spacious beach tents set on raised wooden platforms, each with an en-suite bathroom and a private veranda overlooking the lake.
- Katavi
- Mahale
- Arusha
Day by day
Day 1
Arusha / Fly to Katavi National Park
Lunch · Dinner
Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and privately transferred to Arusha airport in time for your shared charter flight to Katavi National Park.
Upon arrival at Katavi Ikuu airstrip met by the lodge's dedicated driver guide and transferred to the lodge for freshening up and lunch.
Enjoy a shared and scheduled afternoon game drive across Katavi National Park's vast plains, spotting elephants, buffaloes, hippos and other wildlife against the backdrop of its untouched wilderness.
Dinner and overnight at Mbalimbali Katavi Lodge on Game Package Basis.
Mbalimbali Katavi Lodge offers an intimate safari experience in the remote and unspoilt wilderness of Katavi National Park, one of Tanzania's most secluded wildlife destinations. Surrounded by vast open plains, seasonal floodplains and diverse wildlife habitats, the lodge provides an ideal base for exploring the park's remarkable natural beauty. Its comfortable safari accommodation combines an authentic bush atmosphere with modern comforts, allowing guests to relax and reconnect with nature between adventures. The welcoming dining and lounge areas provide inviting spaces to unwind, enjoy freshly prepared meals and take in the peaceful surroundings. Guests can embark on morning and afternoon game drives in search of elephants, buffaloes, lions, hippos and other wildlife that thrive in this largely untouched wilderness. With its remote setting, tranquil atmosphere and access to exceptional wildlife encounters, Mbalimbali Katavi Lodge is an excellent choice for travellers seeking an authentic and adventurous safari experience away from Tanzania's busier circuits.
Day 2
Katavi National Park
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge
After breakfast, enjoy shared and scheduled morning and afternoon game drives through Katavi's remote landscapes, exploring seasonal lakes, open grasslands and riverbanks in search of diverse wildlife and remarkable predator-prey encounters.
All meals and overnight at Mbalimbali Katavi Lodge on Game Package Basis.
Day 3
Katavi National Park – Fly to Mahale National Park
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge
Breakfast at the lodge.
Afterwards, transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Mahale. Upon arrival at Mahale airstrip, enjoy a dhow transfer to the lodge.
After freshening up and lunch, enjoy a 1 x Dhow boat Safari per stay (two hours - Option 1: See the Hippos and take a short river cruise and try the local methods of freshwater fishing. Option 2: Visit a neighbouring fishing village, Katumbi, for a Cultural Tour).
Dinner and overnight at Mbalimbali Mahale Lodge on Game Package Basis.
Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge is a secluded lakeside retreat nestled along the golden sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika, beneath the lush, forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains. Combining rustic safari charm with modern comforts, the lodge features ten spacious beach tents set on raised wooden platforms, each with an en-suite bathroom and a private veranda overlooking the lake.
The lodge's relaxed atmosphere invites guests to unwind in the open-air lounge and dining areas, enjoy freshly prepared meals, or admire the spectacular sunsets across the lake. Its remote setting offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with nature, with the surrounding forest alive with birds, monkeys and other fascinating wildlife. The highlight of a stay is a guided chimpanzee trek through Mahale Mountains National Park, where guests can observe habituated chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Afternoons can be spent kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, enjoying a boat safari, or simply relaxing on the beach. Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge is an ideal choice for travellers seeking a distinctive combination of wildlife, adventure and lakeside tranquillity.
Day 4
Mahale National Park
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge
Enjoy a morning chimpanzee trekking excursion in Mahale Mountains National Park, followed by an afternoon kayaking experience on the tranquil waters of Lake Tanganyika.
All meals and overnight at Mbalimbali Mahale Lodge on Game Package Basis.
Day 5
Depart
Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge as you prepare to check with a bag full of memories.
At the designated time, transferred to Mahale airstrip for your shared charter flight back to Arusha.
On arrival, transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your safari.
Where you’ll stay
4 nights across 2 properties
Days 1–2
2 nights
Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge
Katavi National Park
Days 3–4
2 nights
Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge
Mahale National Park
Where a property is full on your dates we substitute a comparable one at the same level, and tell you before you book.
What’s included
- Accommodation during the safari on Game Package basis as indicated. Mbalimbali Katavi Lodge includes: Accommodation, three daily meals (dinner, breakfast, lunch or packed lunch), three complimentary beverages per meal while dining on site (includes water, soft drinks and beers), water on game drives, Laundry, two daily game drives or a full day game drive on a shared basis, and transfer to and from Katavi Ikuu Airstrip.
- Mbalimbali Mahale Lodge includes: Accommodation, three daily meals (dinner, breakfast, lunch or packed lunch), three complimentary beverages per meal while dining on site (includes water, soft drinks and beers), water during Chimpanzee trek, Laundry, Dhow boat transfer to and from Mahale Airstrip (Dhow boat transfers between Mahale Airstrip and Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge are included in the Game Package rate only when guests arrive/depart by confirmed scheduled or shared charter flight into/out of Mahale Airstrip). Kayaking, 1 x Chimpanzee Trek per day, and 1 x Dhow boat Safari per stay (two hours - Option 1: See the Hippos and take a short river cruise and try the local methods of freshwater fishing. Option 2: Visit a neighboring fishing village, Katumbi, for a Cultural Tour. Pay for another Dhow boat safari to do both).
- Private airport transfers.
- Shared Charter flights (Arusha – Katavi – Mahale – Arusha)
- Shared game drives in the Parks/Conservancies as indicated in a 4x4 safari landcruiser – supplement for private use of vehicle applicable.
- Park fees and conservancy fees as per the itinerary.
- Services of an English-speaking driver guide.
Not included
- Tips and porterages
- Drinks and Laundry
- Extra meals and visits not indicated
- Optional activities offered with cost shared separately.
- Visa fees
- Festive season supplements
- Personal medical and travel insurance
- International flights and departure taxes
What it costs
USD per person sharing · 2027 season
$5,195from, per person sharing
Full rates on enquiry
Starting prices are for the largest party in low season. Your actual rate depends on when you travel, how many of you there are and the camps you choose — send us your dates and we’ll share the full rate card, including single supplements and any seasonal surcharges.
Request full ratesGood to know
- Mbalimbali Katavi will be closed on 1 April to 31 May 2027 and Mbalimbali Mahale will be closed on 1 March to 31 May 2027.
- We may have to reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability
- Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
- Flights operate on Mondays and Thursdays only on an inducement basis with a minimum of 4 seats per sector. Minimum seats required are calculated per sector, not per aircraft. If a sector is not already induced and the booking is for fewer than 4 seats, the booking will be charged for the minimum 4 seats required for that sector. If another confirmed booking joins the same sector before final payment is due, the empty-seat charge may be reduced or waived; any waiver is not guaranteed and must be confirmed in writing.
- ETD and ETA of flight times are subject to change based on flight route and manifest of passengers on the actual day.
- Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris.
- All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for internal flights.
- Baggage on internal flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage).
- Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in.
- Some airstrips operate with a minimum requirement of four passengers per service. Should the confirmed number of passengers fall below this minimum, the cost of the additional seats will be charged to the clients
- Passengers arriving in Kenya and Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.