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Tanzania is a vast country and the two parks in the west, Katavi and Mahale, are a long way from any other parks in Tanzania.
Access is by flying in light aircraft, usually from Northern Tanzania and flights usually take around four hours or more.
Because of the remoteness of the camps, operating costs are high and these are some of the most expensive parks to visit in Tanzania. However, those that do explore Katavi and Mahale will find some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife that there is on the entire African continent.
Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park is the wildest reserve in East Africa. It is best visited in the dry season when herds of up to 3,000 buffalo congregate on the plains. Lion and leopard are never far away. Cutting through the plains the Katasunga River has hippo pods of up to 600 and crocodiles of around 14 feet dug into damp mud holes in the river banks.
Mahale Mountains
The Mahale Mountains are on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and are Africa’s best place to track chimpanzees with a population of over 1,000 living in the mountains. The one camp in this area is perched between the dense rainforest and an idyllic sandy beach.
Visitors to Western Tanzania usually spend a week in the area, combining three days in Katavi with four in Mahale or vice versa, flying from one park to another.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Western Tanzania by contacting one of our Tanzania specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 545
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Places to visit in Western Tanzania
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Western Tanzania, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travellers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Places in and around Western Tanzania
- Katavi National Park Western Tanzania
- Mahale Mountains National Park Western Tanzania
- Ruaha National Park 221 miles away
Photos of Western Tanzania
Accommodation choices for Western Tanzania
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Western Tanzania. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Katavi Foxes Camp
Katavi National Park -
Chada Camp
Katavi National Park -
Greystoke Camp
Mahale Mountains National Park