Chimpanzee Safaris

Visa Expeditions invites you to experience a journey with us to some of the most remote, diverse and untouched National Parks in Tanzania.

With Visa Expeditions you can visit Gombe Stream National Park, Rubondo Island National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park. These special places are some of Tanzania’s best kept secrets where those with an adventurous spirit are rewarded the most unforgettable safari experience. From tracking chimpanzees on foot in magnificent forests, to watching herds of elephant 300-strong to lazing on golden beaches, swimming in crystal clear waters; Visa Expeditions offers you all of this and much more…

All of our lodges have been designed with conservation and comfort in mind, allowing you wind down and re-energise for your next adventure. At the end of a day’s exploring, return to one of our luxury lodges where delicious food, understated comfort and personalized service awaits you.

It’s not just game viewing that is on offer! You can visit local villages in the surrounding areas, spend an afternoon fishing or simply relaxing in the shade with a cool drink and a good book.

So go on indulge yourself

Chimpanzee Tracking in Gombe Stream
Chimpanzee being the main attraction is always given a priority. The tracking usually starts early in the morning. The Guides normally start at the area where the Chimpanzees nested the previous night and then track from there onwards. As you walk in the thick forest while tracking the Chimpanzees, you pass through beautiful sceneries and hear thrilling sounds of the birds, insects, monkeys and other inhabitants of the forest.

Tracking Chimpanzees at Gombe can take from half an hour to about three hours depending on where the Chimpanzees are. The Chimpanzees are located close by when there is an abundance of fruits nearby, but when there is scarcity of fruits, the Chimpanzees move further away in search of fruits. Sometimes if you are lucky you can see the Chimpanzees right at the Camp!

Climbing to Kakombe & Mkenke Waterfalls
These are two spectacular waterfalls at the Parks. Kakombe is near to the Hostel and takes about 30 minutes. It takes about 1 hour climb to get to Mkenke. Sometimes you have to walk through these falls while tracking the Chimpanzees.

Normally you go into the forest for Chimpanzee tracking in the morning and come back for Lunch. In the afternoon you have the option of either going into the forest for Chimpanzee tracking again or do other activities such as walking on the beach, swimming, fishing and snorkeling. You can also visit local fishing villages close to the Park and get first hand experience of a typical African fishing village.

Chimpanzee Tracking at Mahale
Chimpanzees being the main attraction are always given a priority. The tracking usually starts early in the morning. The Guides normally start from the place where the Chimpanzees nested the previous night and then track from there onwards. As you walk in the thick forest while tracking the Chimpanzees you pass through beautiful sceneries and hear thrilling sounds of the birds, insects, monkeys and other inhabitants of the forest.

Tracking Chimpanzees at Mahale can take from half an hour to about four hours depending on where the chimps are. The Chimpanzees are located close by when there is an abundance of fruits nearby, but when there is scarcity of fruits, the Chimpanzees move further away in search of fruits. Sometimes if you are lucky you can see the Chimpanzees right at the Camp!

Other Activities
Normally tourists go for chimpanzee tracking in the morning and come back for Lunch. In the afternoon tourists have the option of either going into the forest for the Chimpanzee tracking again or do other activities. There is a long stretch of beautiful white sandy “beach” where you can relax or walk and feel the nature. Lake Tanganyika is very clean and clear so you can enjoy swimming or sightseeing on the Lake in our boats. We also have canoes at the camp should you fancy canoeing. The sunsets on the Lake are breathtaking. Snorkeling is also a lot of fun. Basic snorkeling gear including snorkels, goggles and flippers are available for hire at the Camp.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Rubondo National Park

Rubondo National Park. 475 sq. kms. Highly Recommended! Minimum stay three days, preferably four days. Rubondo National Park is for the discriminating. It has few visitors. Flights are available from Mwanza and Serengeti. The entire island is a national park, being about 25 kms long by 8 kms wide. Some of the animals were introduced to the island in the 1970’s by Frankfurt Zoological Society. The descendants of these animals now live in natural conditions. Apart from chimpanzees, Rubondo has elephants, hippos, sitatunga, giraffe, and colobus. Over 600 fish eagles (H.vocifer) are resident. The call of the fish eagle is perhaps what one most closely identifies with the African wilderness. Rubondo has a wonderful climate, forest-fringed beaches and unusual wildlife viewing. Birding is excellent. Chimpanzees were introduced onto the island in the 1970’s. It takes about six hours to locate them with a 50% chance of success. Optional activities include boat trips (crocodiles and hippos often seen). The sitatunga antelope is common on the island.