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Welcome to the NEW African Pride website.

Mahale Chimp full face portrait
Primate encounters

Breathtaking landscapes

Why safari in Tanzania's Western Parks?

With minimal lodges, no crowds, and wildlife encounters unlike any other in the country, the parks in the west of Tanzania have much to offer. It may take some careful planning to get there – our team excels at this – but the unique experiences make it all worthwhile.

The forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains are home to families of chimpanzees while the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika invite relaxation and sundowners on the lake.

In Katavi National Park, elephant, buffalo and hippo are attracted in vast numbers to the Katuma River and its lakes. Here you are far off the beaten track – the park is wild, the wildlife unspoilt.

 

Discover the Western Parks

Chada Katavi Game Drive

Game drives

Fly camping Chada Katavi

Fly Camping

Crocodile on riverbank Katavi

Crocodiles on the river

Mahale Chimpanzee SS

Chimpanzees

Mahale Kayaks

Lake adventures

Where to stay in the Western Parks

Ruaha River Lodge Orange Headed Agama Lizard
Trust stars

" We had the most wonderful magical experience, the children loved it and the hotel was dreamy! We managed to see everything we went to see. The guide was great and the balloon ride was an exceptional experience. It will be a holiday we will remember for a lifetime, thank you so much for helping organise it! "

The S Family, via Global Independent Travel

Trust stars

" What an absolutely fantastic holiday that was! Everything about it was amazing, we had the best time. We had no issues at all, it all ran so smoothly. I can’t praise it all enough, both for the safari and then we did a trip swimming with dolphins in Zanzibar. The hot air balloon exceeded all expectations. THANK YOU "

Mr & Mrs H via Free Spirit Holiday

Trust stars

"We had a wonderful safari, found all the accommodation/lodges really good, the guide was brilliant and we saw a lot of good game including the migration."

Mr & Mrs C

Trust stars

We had a wonderful holiday. Accommodation all very good. Although tented in some places, they were definitely glamping. We could watch elephants from our decking and it was obvious at night they come right up to tent! (There were always Masaai security guards keeping watch). We saw the Wildebeest migration which was a big plus and unexpected as early this year. Until the next time...

Mr & Mrs F via Personal Travel Agent

Trust stars

"Great holiday! Our safari guide was really good, knowledgeable, polite and sensible. The Lodge was really good, which offset Janes worries about a tent... but plush tent with ceramic loo! We saw the big 5 and scenery was amazing. Video of hippos still makes us laugh and warthogs really do hop like the cartoon Lion King. "

Mr & Mrs F via Hays Travel

Trust stars

"We had an amazing holiday – more than we could have ever hoped for! We absolutely loved Tanzania. Our guide was fantastic. This was a first-time safari, so were very nervous but now want to go to Africa again!"

Mr & Mrs F via Travel Counsellors

Trust stars

"We were delighted with our holiday and the meticulous organisation."

Family N

Travel the Western Parks Your Way

Light aircraft Tanzania

Flying

Due to their very location and remoteness, access to the western parks is only done by light aircraft. Flights operate twice a week from Arusha and touch down in both parks. This means a visit here is at a relaxed pace, a real opportunity to immerse yourself into one of Tanzania’s wilderness areas. A stay in the Serengeti or Zanzibar is easily added on too.

Mahale chimp riding on back portrait

Lodge Activities

Each lodge in Katavi will offer daily game viewing drives, however in addition to this they will also offer walking safaris or the chance to fly-camp in the most remote of areas. In Mahale the chimp treks are the main attraction, however the lake also offers some alternative experiences like kayaking, swimming or fishing.

Be inspired...

Mahale Chimpanzee Itinerary Hero SS

From £12,499

9 Nights

Chimps & Best of the West

Extraordinary primates, wilderness safari experiences and lakeside relaxation in western Tanzania

Discover
Pied Kingfisher Nyerere Itinerary Hero SS

From £5,449

12 Nights

Tanzania Southern Explorer

Get off the beaten track with uncrowded safaris in Tanzania's southern parks

Discover
Ruaha Wild dog Itinerary Hero SS

From £10,999

16 Nights

Tanzania Adventure Safari

Combine the rugged, raw southern safari parks of Tanzania with an exotic beach break.

Discover

When to travel to the Western Parks

Chimpanzees can be tracked all year round in the Mahale Mountains. However the best chance of finding them is from August to October at the end of the dry season. 

The best time to visit Katavi is in the dry season from July to October when the floodplains draw the wildlife. From November to April during the wet season wildlife viewing can be challenging and the heat and humidity are high.

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Western Parks

Tanzania's Western Parks border Lake Tanganyika.

Other areas to explore in Tanzania

Why Travel with African Pride?

Personalised itineraries

Award-winning service & advice

Quality & safety checked

Fully financially protected

24/7 Helpline whilst on holiday

Be inspired by the African Pride Brochure

Explore some of the best experiences that Africa and the Indian Ocean has to offer in the African Pride brochure.

View the Brochure
AP Brochure Colection with Shadow

How to plan a holiday

Your choice of holiday and safari to Africa & the Indian Ocean will be unique to you. 


Using our extensive knowledge, experience and passion for Africa built up over many years, we are perfectly placed to tailor your personalised itinerary.

 

Choose your preferred destinations or experiences to include in a holiday

Talk to your travel adviser or us about your holiday requirements

We use our expertise to design an ideal holiday based on your preferences

We use the latest deals and offers for the best price available at the time

Special occasion? We can suggest little extras and hidden gems

Contact Us