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Ugalla Gombe Safari


6 Days from $3,500$3,210

All about the Ugalla Gombe Safari.

Ugalla River Gombe Safari: Ultimate Discover Tanzania’s Hidden Gems

Immerse yourself in Tanzania’s wild beauty with our Ugalla River & Gombe Safari—a journey to two of Africa’s most awe-inspiring and untouched destinations. Ideal for adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts, this safari takes you off the beaten path to experience nature in its purest form.

Ugalla River National Park: A Wildlife Paradise

Spanning nearly 5,000 square kilometers in west-central Tanzania, Ugalla River National Park is a haven of untamed beauty. Its vast miombo woodlands, golden savannas, and tranquil riverbanks teem with iconic wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and massive herds of buffalo. It is home to Tanzania’s largest populations of sable and roan antelope, rare sitatunga antelope, and vibrant water birds such as shoebill storks and wattled cranes.

In the dry season (July–October), animals converge at the Ugalla River, offering unforgettable game-viewing opportunities. Watch as hippos bask in the water and massive crocodiles, some over 21 feet long, lounge along the banks. Game drives along the river’s winding path reveal breathtaking scenery and thrilling wildlife encounters.

For true adventurers, private camping by the river is a must, letting you sleep under the stars and wake up to the sounds of nature.

Gombe National Park: A Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Your journey continues to Gombe National Park, a lush forest on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Known for its intimate chimpanzee tracking, Gombe gained fame through the pioneering research of Dr. Jane Goodall, who arrived in 1960 to study chimpanzees. Her groundbreaking work revealed the complex emotions and social behaviors of these primates, leaving a legacy that inspires conservation to this day.

Guided hikes through Gombe’s forests bring you face-to-face with playful chimpanzees in their natural habitat—a profoundly moving experience.

Plan Your Adventure

Access Ugalla via private 4WD, and reach Gombe by boat from Kigoma. Both parks offer an unforgettable escape into Tanzania’s hidden gems.

Activities Beyond Chimpanzee Tracking

Your adventure at Gombe doesn’t stop with chimpanzees. Guided hikes through the forest lead to stunning vistas, while boat excursions on Lake Tanganyika offer a chance to unwind and soak in the serene beauty of this incredible region. The lake, with its crystal-clear waters, is also perfect for snorkeling or swimming among colorful cichlid fish, unique to this part of the world.

Seamless Access and Accommodation

Gombe is easily reached by boat from Kigoma, a well-connected town accessible by air, rail, and road. Choose from campsites, a cozy rest house, or a luxurious private tented lodge, depending on your preferences.

A Journey of Contrasts and Wonder

This safari package combines the raw, untamed wilderness of Ugalla River National Park with the world-class primate encounters of Gombe National Park, offering an adventure that is as diverse as it is exhilarating.

  • Ugalla: Explore vast savannas, lush woodlands, and riverbanks teeming with iconic African wildlife.
  • Gombe: Immerse yourself in pristine forests and encounter chimpanzees in one of the most intimate wildlife experiences on the planet.

Whether you're tracking predators in Ugalla or sitting quietly as chimpanzees play around you in Gombe, this safari promises unforgettable memories at every turn.

Book Your Ultimate Tanzania Safari Today!

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Tanzania’s hidden treasures. The Ugalla River & Gombe National Parks Safari is more than a journey—it’s an adventure of discovery, wonder, and connection to the natural world. Perfect for those seeking the extraordinary, this package offers the chance to create lifelong memories.

Contact us today to book your safari and embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Tanzania’s wild heart is waiting for you.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day1
Arrival in Kigoma & Transfer to Gombe National Park
Day 2
Chimpanzee Tracking in Gombe National Park
Day 3:
Transfer to Ugalla River National Park
Day 4:
Game Drives Along the Ugalla River
Day 5:
Birdwatching & Wetland Adventures
Day 6:
Full-Day Safari & Moyowosi Swamps Exploration
Day 7:
Return to Kigoma & Departure
Itinerary at a Glance
Day1
Arrival in Kigoma & Transfer to Gombe National Park

• Morning: Arrive at Kigoma Airport, where you’ll be welcomed by your safari guide. Enjoy a scenic boat transfer across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika to Gombe National Park.
• Afternoon: Settle into your accommodation. Relax by the lakeside, soak in the serene surroundings, and prepare for your adventure.
• Evening: Dinner at the camp or lodge, followed by a brief orientation about the park and its wildlife.
• Overnight: Park rests house or private tented lodge in Gombe.

Fly Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2
Chimpanzee Tracking in Gombe National Park

• Morning: After breakfast, embark on a guided hike into the dense, mountainous forests of Gombe. Track the iconic chimpanzees and observe their fascinating behaviors up close. Learn about their social structures and interactions, as originally studied by Dr. Jane Goodall.
• Afternoon: Return to camp for lunch. Later, explore Lake Tanganyika through a guided snorkeling or boat excursion to witness its vibrant aquatic life, including colorful cichlid fish.
• Evening: Relax by the lakeside, sharing stories of your chimpanzee encounters.
• Overnight: Park rest house or private tented lodge in Gombe.

Fly Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3:
Transfer to Ugalla River National Park

• Morning: After an early breakfast, return by boat to Kigoma.
• Afternoon: Take a private charter flight or a 4WD journey to Ugalla River National Park, an untouched paradise of Tanzania. Arrive at your private campsite, located near the Ugalla River.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner under the stars, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the African wilderness.
• Overnight: Private campsite near Ugalla River.

Fly Camping
Day 4:
Game Drives Along the Ugalla River

• Morning: Begin your day with an exciting game drive along the meandering Ugalla River. Spot elephants, lions, leopards, and herds of buffalo, along with the rare sable and roan antelope.
• Afternoon: Break for a picnic lunch under the shade of towering trees. Continue exploring the diverse landscapes of miombo woodlands and golden savannas.
• Evening: Return to camp for dinner and unwind by the campfire.
• Overnight: Private campsite near Ugalla River.

Fly Camping
Day 5:
Birdwatching & Wetland Adventures

• Morning: Venture into the park’s swamps and wetlands. Keep an eye out for elusive species like sitatunga antelope, cape clawless otters, and vibrant water birds, including shoebill storks and wattled cranes.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely riverside lunch while observing hippos and crocodiles basking along the riverbanks.
• Evening: Relax at camp, reflecting on the day’s sightings.
• Overnight: Private campsite near Ugalla River.

Fly Camping
Day 6:
Full-Day Safari & Moyowosi Swamps Exploration

• Morning: Continue your safari along the Ugalla River, focusing on areas where wildlife congregates during the dry season. Observe thrilling scenes of predator-prey interactions and large crocodiles, some over 21 feet long.
• Afternoon: Visit the Moyowosi Swamps, where the river merges into a network of waterways and wetlands. Marvel at the unspoiled beauty of this vast ecosystem.
• Evening: Return to camp for a farewell dinner under the starry sky.
• Overnight: Private campsite near Ugalla River.

Fly Camping
Day 7:
Return to Kigoma & Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at camp before beginning your return journey.
• Afternoon: Travel back to Kigoma via private charter flight or 4WD. Upon arrival, transfer to Kigoma Airport for your onward flight or extended Tanzanian adventure.
________________________________________
This detailed itinerary ensures an immersive and unforgettable experience in two of Tanzania's hidden gems.

Hotel of your Choice
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
People     Green Season (1st April To 31st May) Should Season (1st Nov – 14th Dec & March) Peak Season (1st June – 30 Oct & 15th Dec-28th Feb)
2 Pax
Per Person
US$ 2200
US$ 2400
US$ 2800

The Calabash team would be delighted to work with you to help you and your family, friends or organization build the best possible safari to match your interests and budget. We can organize custom safaris for professional photographers, honeymoon couples and families. Simply ask us! need help? click here

YES! Calabash Adventures has a personal understanding and deep commitment to meeting the special needs of families. Our trips are well suited for children. We have designed our unique family safari programs to allow you and your children to experience the wonders of Africa together. Please outline your particular family’s interests, so that we can incorporate them. You and your family will have a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of cultural diversity, discover the many miracles of nature, and at the same time play, laugh, and enjoy the pleasure of one another.

Our safaris offer a wide array of safari styles to suit your interests and budget. Please scroll the website for a description of the different types of accommodation available or click here.

Small. Our scheduled safaris vary in size depending on the nature of the safari. In general, we keep our groups small (minimum 1 to 7 people, and occasionally up to an absolute maximum of 25). We feel strongly that the small size allows a more intimate connection with the African wilderness.

Pack lightweight, washable clothes, plus a sweater for early morning game drives; a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are strongly advised as well. Long sleeves and trousers in light-colored fabrics help discourage insect bites. Modest length shorts for women are perfectly acceptable, but women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in rural villages and towns since clothes that are too revealing can cause offense especially in Zanzibar and in Muslim dominated areas. On the beach and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear (but not nudity) is acceptable.

Safari dress is basically comfortable and casual - layers are recommended. Keep it simple and bring things you don`t mind getting dusty. We have included several web links to guide you in your preparation.

You will be pleasantly surprised by both the quality and the variety of them available on safari. In most lodges, meals are served buffet-style, so you can choose what you like. The food is generally prepared according to western tastes, with some curries and local cuisine included. If you choose a camping safari, fresh meat and produce is prepared to the highest sanitary standards by our team’s expert chefs. Indeed, most returning guests rave about our camp food! Request for local food is certainly welcome. Your guide and chef will generally purchase all the food before the safari starts, so get your orders in on time!

Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic meals can easily be arranged with advance notice. If you are vegetarian or vegan you may wish to bring along some alternative protein sources. If you have multiple food allergies, you will definitely want to bring along supplemental snacks. It is important we know of any possible dietary restrictions as soon as possible.

We provide two liters of bottled water per day for each client, and you can purchase more bottled water at all the lodges and camps or before the Safari. Overall, we recommend you consume only bottled water.

For medical Travel tip, it is always best to consult your doctor or travel clinic well in advance of your departure. The minimum requirements for entry into Tanzania are proof of a yellow fever vaccination and an anti-malarial medication. Bear in mind that you will be staying in camps and lodges oriented to meet the needs of North American and European guests.

Calabash Adventures is responsible for sending a rescue vehicle(s) within 4 to 5 hours (depending on your location) upon receiving notification of a vehicle breakdown. The vehicle shall be replaced and compensation awarded by way of additional time allotment (extra half day or full day), or a refund of up to 30% of a full day tour deducted from the total daily tour cost.

If necessary, an emergency evacuation can be arranged by “flying doctors” (included in the trip package, on your request), or a simple transfer to nearby Hotel or lodge for accommodation and catering services.

Overall Rating
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