Western Tanzania National Parks
Western Tanzania’s Hidden Wilderness
Discover Tanzania’s remote western frontier, home to breathtaking terrain, iconic primates, and wild safari experiences along the shores of Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria. Unlike the well-trodden safari circuits, the Western Circuit offers pristine beauty, chimpanzee trekking, and true solitude for adventurous travelers.
Mahale Mountains National Park
The Ultimate Chimpanzee Trekking Experience
Location: Lake Tanganyika | Access: By boat from Kigoma
Tucked against the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale is a remote haven famous for chimpanzee encounters and dramatic mountain scenery. It’s one of the only places on Earth where chimpanzees and lions coexist in the wild.
✅ Highlights:
Track wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat
Spectacular sunsets on Lake Tanganyika
Untouched forests and pristine beaches
Gombe National Park
Where Jane Goodall Met the Chimps
Location: North of Kigoma | Size: 52 sq km
Gombe is world-renowned thanks to Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee research. The park is small but incredibly rich in wildlife, from playful primates to vibrant birds.
✅ Highlights:
Famous Kasakela chimpanzee troop
Over 200 bird species
Olive baboons, red-tailed and vervet monkeys
Katavi National Park
Tanzania’s Wildest Frontier
Location: Near Mpanda | Size: 4,471 sq km
Remote and rarely visited, Katavi is a paradise for safari purists. Vast floodplains, seasonal rivers, and enormous herds of buffalo and hippos make for dramatic game viewing.
✅ Highlights:
Huge hippo pods and crocodile gatherings
Spectacular predator-prey encounters
Ideal for adventurous, crowd-free safaris
Burigi–Chato National Park
The Savannahs of the Great Lakes
Location: Near Lake Victoria & Rwanda Border | Size: ~4,707 sq km
This lesser-known park boasts lakes, wetlands, and sprawling savannahs. Home to the mighty Cape eland and iconic species, it also links with Rwanda’s Akagera and Uganda’s Lake Mburo ecosystems.
✅ Highlights:
Rare birds: shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, fish eagles
Elephants, giraffes, lions, and leopards
Breathtaking lakeside landscapes
Plan Your Western Tanzania Safari
Ready to explore chimpanzee sanctuaries, remote wilderness, and wildlife without the crowds? Let us craft your perfect Western Tanzania safari ideal for trekkers, researchers, and off-the-beaten-path adventurers.