The Great Migration & Chimpanzee

$8789 per person

11 Days 10 Nights

Explore the natural jungles of Mahale Mountains in search of chimpanzees and then fly to the Serengeti to follow every movement of the wildebeest during the Great Migration. Unlike a safari in Kruger, you will spend the morning trekking through the forest into an area that is off-limits to vehicles where you will witness a social grooming of the chimpanzee in the Mahale Mountains National Park. This unique itinerary will let you explore some of the planet’s most wonderfully varied terrain, from the starkly beautiful Tarangire, to the lush Serengeti, the mountainous lakeside Mahale and the coffee plantation in Arusha.

Your attention is drawn to a troop of habituated chimpanzees that easily scampers across small forest clearings and swings through the trees. Their faces display emotion as they look into your eyes, ranging from excitement to mischief, from joy to sorrow. The genetic similarities are quickly discernible. However, spending an hour with a troop of chimpanzees also introduces you to the contrasts and demonstrates how these animals are as distinctive as any on the planet.

After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch, and then, take the afternoon to relax and rejuvenate. In the afternoon, you will explore by boat along the gin-like waters of Lake Tanganyika.

From the lakeshore of Tanganyika, you will fly to the endless plains of the Serengeti to experience headlong rush of a Mara River crossing. Witness tens of thousands of grazers will be scattered across the plains, filling the air with their odors and sounds. While zebra gather in herds with black and white stripes, wildebeests will rut and gallop enthusiastically.

Why not slow down in Tarangire and enjoy a gentle game drive within the life corridor of Tarangire and Lake Manyara, float about the expansive plains in a hot air balloon and drink in an endless aerial view of the wildlife below! This breathtaking itinerary is sure to exceed all your expectations when it comes to comfort, service and wildlife discovery.

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Departure/Return Location

Kilimanjaro International Airport [JRO]
Dress Code

Light casual attire in sensible, neutral colors and a warm jacket for evening game drives are safe choices to make all year round when packing for your Tanzania safari.

From our gallery

see some wonderful photos of the wildlife we see and the properties we use for our safaris

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARUSHA, TANZANIA (ONE NIGHT)

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be warmly welcomed by a Wito Africa private vehicle and driver who will transfer you to Arusha Coffee Lodge for a pre-safari briefing and overnight stay. Dinner will be served in the main Plantation House upon arrival, and your butler will then show you to your room for the night.

DAY 2 & 3: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK (TWO NIGHTS)

After a delicious breakfast, your Wito Africa private field guide and vehicle will transfer you to Tarangire National Park for a morning game drive and exploration. Tarangire is known for its massive elephant herds, true sense of wilderness and backdrop of baobabs. During your game drives, you will marvel at your first sightings of what is probably one of Africa’s largest population of elephants, along with Cape buffalos, impalas, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest who— in addition to some big cats and an abundance of mammal species—call the park their home. Lunch will be a classic safari picnic inside the park, while enjoying a glimpse of the great wilds of Northern Tanzania. In the afternoon, check in to your beautiful and intimate camp, get settled and enjoy sundowners and a magical African sunset by the campfire. Mouthwatering, locally sourced, slow-cooked meals will be served at your camp’s unique dining setting. The next day, your guide will greet you and take you for another exciting morning game drive in Tarangire. Return to the camp for lunch and relaxation before setting out again in the afternoon for further exploration.

DAY 4, 5, 6 & 7: NORTHERN SERENGETI (FOUR NIGHTS)

After a leisurely breakfast, your Wito Africa private guide will transfer you to the Kuro airstrip for your scheduled flight to the Northern Serengeti. You will be greeted at Kogatende airstrip by a private safari guide and vehicle and taken on a gentle game drive on your way to your intimate lodge. From your Serengeti luxury accommodation, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the endless plains and stunning wildlife. A stay here offers a front row seat to the Great Wildebeest Migration. For the next four days and nights, you will explore the resident wildlife and stunning landscapes, and venture to the river for a chance to witness the dramatic river crossing! OPTIONAL – Why not take an unforgettable flight over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon!

DAY 8, 9 & 10: MAHALE NATIONAL PARK (THREE NIGHTS)

You will say goodbye to the Serengeti with hearts and minds full of incredible memories, and will then board your scheduled flight to Mahale. Upon arrival at Mahale airstrip, you will be greeted and transferred to a motorized dhow boat, where you will enjoy a 45-minute boat transfer on the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika to the camp. Check in and enjoy a delicious lunch at the iconic Greystoke Mahale. Orientation will be provided by your guide and you will begin your adventure-filled itinerary – you will choose between private chimp trekking, walking, a boat cruise and fishing. For the next three days and nights, enjoy your stay at the luxury bandas, with sundowners and dinners on the beach under a blanket of stars!

DAY 11: KILIMANJARO & BEYOND (DAY ROOM CAN BE ARRANGED)

After breakfast, enjoy the last boat ride back to Kalolo airstrip, where you will board your scheduled flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (a drop off supplement to JRO is included). Upon a late evening arrival at JRO, gather your luggage and transit to your international flight departure.