If you're seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure in Tanzania, our Ruaha and Mahale National Parks Expedition is the perfect trip for you. These two national parks are remote, secluded, and far less crowded than some of Tanzania's more popular destinations. This means you'll get to experience the country's breathtaking natural beauty and incredible wildlife without the usual crowds of tourists. In collaboration with the Swiss travel agency "Au Tigre Vanillé".
During the expedition, you'll have the opportunity to explore Ruaha National Park, Tanzania's largest national park, which is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. From lions to elephants, leopards, and giraffes, the park's landscapes are home to some of Africa's most iconic creatures. You'll have the chance to see these magnificent animals up close on game drives led by Chris Schmid.
After exploring Ruaha, we'll journey to Mahale National Park, which is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Here, you'll be able to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as well as enjoy other outdoor activities such as snorkeling and fishing. Our small group size ensures a personalized experience, with a maximum of six participants per trip.
Dates & Price
CHF 12’500
from Saturday, the 9th to Tuesday, the 19th of December 2023
per person and per week, in small group of 6 to 8 persons.
Minimum number of participants: 4 persons to confirm and carry out the trip.
Included
- Round-trip economy class flights from Geneva to Dar Es Salaam, including all taxes
- Domestic flights between Dar Es Salaam, Ruaha, and Mahale
- Private safari activities with English-speaking local guides
- Accompaniment from Mr. C. Schmid, a renowned producer/director and wildlife photographer, departing from Geneva
- Full board accommodation in double/twin rooms
- A selection of beverages during the safari (excluding some wines, champagne, and certain spirits)
- Laundry service during the safari
- National park entrance fees
- Travel documentation
- Francophone/Anglophone assistance during your trip
- Tanzanian visa
Not included
- Pre-selection of seats on long-haul flights
- Some beverages during the safari (such as vintage and spirits), but all beverages are included in Dar Es Salaam
- Optional activities during the safari (such as massages, etc.)
- Personal expenses and tips
- Mandatory cancellation/assistance insurance
- 3% surcharge for credit card payments
- Any necessary PCR tests
Day 1
Dar Es salaam
Early in the morning, you will take a flight from Geneva to Dar Es Salaam airport, with a layover in Amsterdam or another city (or directly to Kilimanjaro without a layover).
Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred (+/- 1 hour) to your hotel.
Days 2-5
Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, you will take a flight to Ruaha National Park. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your camp. In the afternoon, you will embark on your first safari. Take the next 4 days to appreciate and capture the beauty of Ruaha National Park through your lens. This national park is a well-kept secret, with rich and diverse wildlife, stunning arid landscapes, and easy accessibility, yet it is rarely visited by tourists. You'll feel like you're off the beaten path. The park is home to a wide range of animal species, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 370 varieties of birds. Ruaha National Park is one of the few places where you have a good chance of observing wild dogs in their natural habitat.
Days 6-9
Mahale National Park
Discover the wonders of Mahale National Park. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to approach a group of approximately sixty chimpanzees, known as the M-group, on foot.
Several other species of primates can be observed in the surrounding forests. During your stay, you can also enjoy activities related to Lake Tanganyika, such as kayaking or sailing on a traditional dhow, and of course, swimming.
The site where you will stay for four nights is as splendid as it is wild.
Day 10-11
Back home
Early this morning, you will take a final boat ride on Lake Tanganyika while making your way to the nearest airstrip.
You will then take a flight to Dar Es Salaam (with possible layovers), where you will be greeted upon arrival and transferred to the international airport for your flight back to Geneva via Amsterdam (or another city).
You will arrive on the shores of Lake Geneva in the late morning.
Meet your guides
-
Chris Schmid
Read BioChris Schmid is a Swiss freelance wildlife cinematographer and photographer. As a Sony Europe ambassador and a National Geographic Explorer, Chris works in some of the most challenging environments on earth to raise awareness around the fragility of our planet and inspire action to preserve it. Chris loves to portray emotions within the wild beauty of nature. He is internationally recognized for over 10 years. He looks forward to sharing with you his passion for photography.
Accomodations
Ruaha
A miniature tented camp in the landscape of giants in Ruaha. Kigelia Ruaha is a small and discreet bush camp located in the eastern part of the park, where the wildlife is most concentrated, offering a unique intimacy with the animals in the heart of the bush. Enjoy your stay in one of the comfortable canvas tents with nature at your fingertips. A peaceful refuge, only disturbed by the elephants that come to visit you.
Mahale
Greystoke Mahale Camp is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful camps in Africa. Its location between the Mahale Mountains and Lake Tanganyika, its calmness, simplicity, service, and luxury make it a truly exceptional place. The six spacious bandas consist of a bathroom with running water and a mezzanine level, offering a spectacular view of the lake.
Ethics
We offer a photographic tour which respects the wellbeing of the wild animals we will be lucky meeting with. You will see only wild animals living freely, without human intervention. None of these animals are tamed, feed nor made dependent of humans in any way. No pictures is worth disturbing or harming the observed species.
The operator reserves the right to stop an activity at any time if they think it has a harmful impact on the observed animals, without possible recurse on behalf of the trip participants.
Booking information
All bookings for this trip must be made through the Swiss travel agency "Au Tigre Vanillé".