Discovering the Western Safari Circuit in Tanzania
In addition to the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, and Ngorongoro Crater, the western Tanzanian parks of Katavi, Mahale, and Gombe are among the top locations for tourists visiting Tanzania. One thing that sets Gombe and Mahale apart from other safari parks is their chimpanzee population. Katavi is home to more elephants, buffalo, and hippos than any other area in Tanzania. This western circuit consists of these parks and other secluded locations. In this blog, we go into this fantastic circuit. So, let’s start by checking out its most popular spots.
The National Park of Katavi
Located in southwestern Tanzania, the 4,471 square kilometer Katavi National Park is home to a diverse array of animals. Because of how difficult it is to get there, only a small percentage of tourists actually travel there. Having said that, the fauna is just breathtaking. Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and hippos are among the huge animals you could encounter here. Just so we’re clear, this park is home to more buffalo than any other place on Earth. Additionally, the number of hippos is quite astounding.
Numerous avian and terrestrial species call the park home, thanks to its varied ecosystems that include rivers, acacia woods, and floodplains. Large herds of buffalo, elephants, wildebeest, and zebras call the Chada Floodplain, one of the most famous environments, home. As mega-beasts forage for grass in this pristine environment, game watching is at its best.
Private drives, night safaris, boat excursions, and fly camping are just a few of the safari experiences available here. Private safaris in open safari vehicles allow you to see tranquil landscapes, hunt for birds and big animals, and relax. On the other hand, you may take a relaxing boat ride down the Katuma River and see crocodiles and hippos up close. A plain, see-through fly tent also allows you to sleep in a picturesque environment beneath the stars.
Going to Katavi is not easy, as previously said. Taking a charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Mwanza is the most hassle-free option. This route is served by many airlines, such as Zantas Air, Coastal Aviation, and Safari Air Link. Trains run frequently between Dar es Salaam, Tabora, and Mpanda. Katavi National Park is accessible by car from that location.
There are a number of campgrounds and resorts in Katavi where you may spend the night. Due to their little size, they might be an ideal choice for both single people and families. A few places to stay are Katuma Bush Lodge, Mbali Mbali Katavi, and Nomad Chada Camp.
Reserve of Gombe.
Some of the most unusual animals, including chimpanzees, call the western circuit home. If you are looking for a great place to see these amazing primates, Gombe is a great choice. Gombe is most famous for this. The British primatologist Jane Goodall devoted many years to studying apes. Not only did her findings provide light on chimpanzee behavior, but they also altered our perception of these primates.
As a regular stop on chimpanzee trekking safaris, visitors come to observe these monkeys in their natural habitat. Many of the Gombe chimpanzees have been acclimated as a result of ground-breaking study. That is, they do not mind being in the company of humans. A chimpanzee trek requires a guide and a permit, which is provided for eight individuals each journey. Blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and baboons are among the other primates you could see as you make your way through the thick jungle.
Lake Tanganyika’s gorgeous beaches are a great place to unwind after a day of chimpanzee trekking. Water activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling are also available on this lake. One of the most picturesque ways to spend an evening is on a boat ride across the serene, picturesque lakes as the sun sets. The Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge (also known as Gombe Forest Lodge), the more intimate Kasekela Luxury Tented Camp, and hotels in Kigoma town are all viable options when it comes to accommodations.
Although it may be difficult, getting to Gombe is certainly doable. From Arusha or Dar es Salaam, you may fly into Kigoma Airport for an unforgettable safari. Kigoma is reachable by both charter and scheduled flights. To get from Kigoma to Gombe in style, arrange for a boat, sometimes known as a lake taxi. A high-speed boat is also available for hiring. Two to four hours is the approximate duration of the journey.
The National Park of the Mahale Mountains
A little over a thousand eastern chimpanzees call the mild mountain slopes of Mahale home. Using a safari vehicle to explore Mahale is not an option. It indicates the wilderness is still unspoiled and the area is still immaculate. Many travel to this area in the hopes of spotting eastern chimpanzees, who are among the world’s rarest primates. As they make their way through the forest in search of territory, they may come across majestic animals like leopards, bushbucks, and the African hunting dog.
Only the Mimikare chimpanzees are habituated out of the several chimpanzee units found in Mahale. It is not safe to hike; simply keep an eye out for other groups because they are still wild. The vervet monkey, olive baboon, Angola colobus, red-tailed monkey, and red colobus are among the numerous primates that call Mahale home. Nkungwe Tented Camp and Greystoke Mahale are your only options.
The final verdict
Discover a new way to savor Tanzania. Wild chimpanzees in Gombe National Park are more interesting to watch than the wildebeests crossing the river, which can be difficult to see at times.
