Trip Itinerary
Arusha
Just 30 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge is the ideal spot to acclimatise before your safari begins. Set in a forest reserve with Mount Meru as a backdrop, the house is surrounded by gorgeous, bird-filled gardens that feel worlds away from the bustle of town. With a selection of colonial-style rooms and suites in the main house and a three-bedroom farm cottage – perfect for families – it’s a small, intimate place to start your journey. Since this itinerary requires a one-night stopover, Ngare Sero is a great way to make the most of the downtime. You can spend the afternoon by the pool or just enjoy the tropical gardens before heading into Tanzania’s remote western region the following morning.
Katavi
Flying over the Katavi wilderness by light aircraft, you’ll have to look closely to spot Chada, as it’s discreetly tucked away beneath a canopy of tamarind trees. This is a true explorer’s camp, ideal for those who want to be completely connected to the bush. It’s not uncommon for elephants to wander through, drawn by the fruit trees, while massive herds of buffalo graze on the floodplains, creating an incredible wildlife spectacle right near camp. Katavi is at its most dramatic between June and October when the water dries up, and you’ll see hundreds of hippos crammed into the remaining pools. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially when you’re out tracking lion and leopard with Nomad’s expert guides. Evenings are just as fun, with meals served under canvas or around the glowing campfire, and the staff’s hospitality makes it feel like home. Whether you’re on a walking safari, a night drive, or opt in to go fly camping under the stars, the focus is on a truly wild and remote safari experience. You’ll barely encounter another visitor.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Greystoke Mahale is renowned for the best chimpanzee encounters in Africa. But the wildlife is only part of the experience! The setting is just as remarkable – a remote stretch of pure white sand on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. With the Mahale Mountains towering behind it and a frontage facing the crystal-clear lake, Greystoke has an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on Earth. Our experts (who have been to plenty of incredible places!) describe it as genuinely magical. The camp’s iconic thatched bandas have recently been updated, with some now positioned higher up on the slopes, ensuring you’re totally immersed in the greenery. Life here revolves around the forest and the chimp tracking is the main draw. Each morning, you’ll head out on foot with guides who have spent years dedicated to the resident chimpanzees. From foraging to grooming, watching their social interactions is an astonishingly human experience that leaves a deep impression. Aside from trekking, you can spend your time hiking up to mountain waterfalls for a cool dip, kayaking on the lake, or sailing on a traditional wooden dhow. Whether you’re seeking rare butterflies or simply observing the dawn mist over the water, Mahale is genuinely a place where you’ll create lasting memories.
