Duration
6-Day
Accra, Tanzania
6-Day Mahale Chimpanzee Tracking & Nkungwe Summit Trek
Overview
Experience the Mahale Mountains on this 6-day adventure with a challenging trek to Nkungwe Peak (2,462 m), offering panoramic views over Lake Tanganyika and distant chimpanzee calls. At Kasiha, you'll enjoy chimpanzee tracking, kayaking, and a sunset boat cruise. Best Time: June-October (dry season, ideal for hiking & tracking). Fitness Level: High - the Nkungwe trek involves 9-10 hours of steep climbing and 6-7 hours of descent. Guests must be physically prepared.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Kigoma to Kigoma (Town)
Via Mahale Mountains NP
Country & park
Tanzania
Style
Safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
18 years
Activities
chimpanzee trekking & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
TANAPA Mahale Rest House Budget guest house inside Mahale Mountains NP – Lunch & Dinner Included - Budget guest house inside Mahale Mountains NP – Lunch & Dinner Included
Meals
Lunch & Dinner Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
n/a* USD
$2,255 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
This tour is not available to solo travelers.
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour is unavailable for children.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Tanzania
Start
Kigoma (Day 1)
Day 1-5
Mahale Mountains NP
End
Kigoma (Town) (Day 6)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and guest houses.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Cannot be customized
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Not for solo travelers
Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.
18
Minimum age of 18 years
The minimum age for this tour is 18 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: chimpanzee trekking & nature hikes/walks
Getting around: open-sided 4x4 vehicle & normal 4x4 vehicle
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
TANAPA Mahale Rest House Budget guest house inside Mahale Mountains NP – Lunch & Dinner Included
Budget guest house inside Mahale Mountains NP – Lunch & Dinner Included
Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2
Budget camping Inside Mahale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Inside Mahale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-5
Mahale Mango Tree Bandas Budget banda inside Mahale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Budget banda inside Mahale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Kigoma – Mahale (Bilenge)
You'll depart from Kigoma in the morning for a scenic 7-8 hour scenic but rough road journey to Mahale Mountains National Park. On the way, you'll cross from Ilagala to Kajeje via local ferry, enjoying views of Lake Tanganyika and surrounding villages. You'll arrive at Bilenge Headquarters in the late afternoon, meet your guides and porters, and receive a briefing about the trek ahead. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at Bilenge Rest House. Budget guest house located inside Mahale Mountains NP Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimps) Stay: TANAPA Mahale Rest House Budget guest house located inside Mahale Mountains NP Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Trek to Nkungwe Summit via Muhesabantu & Ihumo Summits
After breakfast, you'll set out at 08:00 am for a demanding 9–10 hour trek to the top of Mount Nkungwe, passing Muhesabantu and Ihumo summits along the way. The trail is steep and challenging, requiring endurance and good preparation. At the Nkungwe summit(Summit Mount Nkungwe (2,462 m) – the highest peak in Mahale), enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale’s forests, and even across to the DRC. You may also hear the distant calls of wild chimpanzees—though sightings are unlikely as these groups are not habituated to humans. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at Nkungwe Campsite. Inside Mahale Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimps) Stay: Budget camping Inside Mahale Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Descent to Park Headquarters – Transfer to Kasiha Bandas
After breakfast, you'll begin a 6–7 hour descent back to Bilenge. Along the way, your guide will point out unique plants and features of the mountain forest. On arrival at the Park Headquarters, you'll meet your boat driver and transfer across Lake Tanganyika to Kasiha Bandas, your base for chimpanzee tracking and lake activities. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at Kasiha Bandas. Budget banda located inside Mahale Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimps) Stay: Mahale Mango Tree Bandas Budget banda located inside Mahale Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Optional Activities at Kasiha
This day is flexible — rest after the hike or choose from several activities: Chimpanzee tracking with guides. Kayaking on the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika. Evening walk to Kasiha Water Pool for a refreshing swim in a natural spring. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at Kasiha Bandas. Budget banda located inside Mahale Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimps) Stay: Mahale Mango Tree Bandas Budget banda located inside Mahale Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Chimpanzee Tracking & Sunset Boat Cruise
After breakfast, you'll head into the forest for chimpanzee tracking with your professional guide, assisted by experienced trackers who follow the chimps’ movements. You'll spend time observing them in their natural habitat and learning about their behavior, social structures, and daily routines. You'll return for lunch and rest at the bandas. In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Tanganyika, with stunning views of the Mahale Mountains. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at Kasiha Bandas. Budget banda located inside Mahale Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimps) Stay: Mahale Mango Tree Bandas Budget banda located inside Mahale Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Mahale – Kigoma (Departure)
After breakfast, you'll bid farewell to the Mahale staff and, at 08:30 am, take the boat back to Bilenge. From Bilenge, you'll drive back to Kigoma, passing through villages, farmland, and palm plantations. On the route, you'll cross via a local ferry from Kajeje back to Ilagala before continuing to Kigoma. Your arrival will be in Kigoma, and be dropped off at your hotel or onward connection. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Kigoma (Town) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
Chimp permits(Two per person, non-resident)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Kigoma
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from Kigoma Airport (TKQ - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Safari Moja Matata
5.0 operator rating
73 reviews
Welcome to Safari Moja Matata Tour Company. Safari Moja Matata is the safari outfitters organizing and Operating the wilderness safari into Tanzania: arranging safari to the national parks and game reserves, Kilimanjaro Mountain trekking, water sports, Zanzibar leisure holidays and chimpanzee tracking safaris.
Office In
Tanzania
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2016)
Member Of
Tanzania Tourist Board
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Incredible journey!!!
"As a traveler from Korea, I had an incredible journey climbing to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (Jan 14-19) and exploring Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro on a safari (Jan 20-23). The entire experience was flawlessly organized by 'Safari Moja Matata'. From the moment I stepped off the plane until my departure, they ensured my comfort and safety with exceptional care. Thanks to their professional support, I was able to achieve a successful climb and enjoy a blissful safari. I am deeply grateful to Safari Moja Matata for providing such high-quality service at a reasonable price. Highly recommended!"
Moon · South Korea
Wonderful
Thank you Safari Moja Matata for the adventure! Leopard was very helpful in planning our safari and gave us a warm welcome. Richard, our tour guide and driver for the safari was fantastic. We are so grateful to have had such a knowledgeable and experienced guide to deliver unforgettable moments on our journey and with the animals. We had so much fun! Asante sana!
Naomi · Australia
Best Tour guide and company for Safari
Thanks again Leopard, and Sebastian for making my father’s birthday fun filled and memorable again this year. We appreciate your kindness and professionalism.
Edna · United States
9-day Tanzania tour with safari
Thank you so much. It was a truly wonderful trip. Experiencing the tour of Tanzania was fantastic. Leopard and Talib were excellent guides. It was like being part of a small family. Leopard was a superb driver, and Talib was a very good German interpreter with a deep understanding of the country and its people. The journey from Zanzbar by taxi and ferry, and back to our hotel in Nunghwi, the Tanzania Beach Hotel, was all organized perfectly. We visited Dar es Salaam, hiked to a waterfall, visited a coffee farm, a hot spring, and Mkomazi National Park (for rhinos) and Sadaani National Park. It was a pleasure traveling with them. Until next time. Thanks again, best regards, Peter, Sigrid, and friends
Peter und Sigrid · Austria
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour is unavailable for children.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
TANAPA Mahale Rest House Budget guest house inside Mahale Mountains NP – Lunch & Dinner Included - Budget guest house inside Mahale Mountains NP – Lunch & Dinner Included. Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Kigoma
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Safari Moja Matata, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
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