TANZANIA GREAT MIGRATION SAFARI AND CHIMPANZEE TREK
February 5 – 18, 2027
Welcome to the Wild Soul of Tanzania -
A Sisterhood Travels Exclusive Journey
This isn’t just a safari—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure crafted exclusively for Sisterhood Travels. Nowhere else will you find this itinerary. From witnessing the awe-inspiring Great Migration during calving season to trekking remote jungle paths in search of wild chimpanzees, this journey takes you deeper into Tanzania’s wildest and most sacred places – off the tourist trail, and into the heart of something truly rare.
You’ll stand in the Southern Serengeti as thousands of wildebeest calves are born on the open plains each day, a powerful moment of new life, resilience, and instinct. Then we venture far west to Katavi National Park, a hidden gem where elephants roam freely, lions hunt without an audience, and you’ll often feel like the only humans for miles. Finally, on the untouched shores of Lake Tanganyika, we trek into the Mahale Mountains for emotional, unforgettable encounters with wild chimpanzees, our closest animal relatives.
This is more than a safari. It’s a deeply moving experience shared with just eight extraordinary women. It’s a circle of Sisterhood that grows stronger with every story told around the fire, every quiet sunrise, and every connection with the people and wildlife of Tanzania. Very few will ever see this version of Africa. Even fewer will feel it like you will.
Ready to claim your place in this intimate adventure? Reserve your spot now, as space is extremely limited.
Trip Highlights
- Witness the Great Migration during calving season in the Southern Serengeti
- Experience daily game drives with expert guides
- Enjoy walking safaris, night drives, and fly camping in Katavi National Park
- Spend meaningful time with members of local communities
- Experience chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains
- An exclusive Sisterhood Travels experience with just 8 women
OUR DESTINATIONS
Southern Serengeti
The Heart of Calving Season
From December to March, the Southern Serengeti bursts with life during the Great Migration calving season. On the vast plains of Ndutu, thousands of wildebeest give birth each day, creating a moving scene of tenderness and survival. Predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs follow close behind, making this one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife moments. It’s more than a safari—it’s an unforgettable glimpse into the raw beauty and rhythm of life in the wild.
Katavi National Park
Tanzania’s Best-Kept Secret
Remote and rarely visited, Katavi National Park in western Tanzania is one of Africa’s last untouched wildernesses. Reached by only two flights a week, it offers a true sense of solitude. Staying at Chada Katavi feels like having the park to yourself, where lions roam the plains, buffalo herds thunder across the horizon, and hippos crowd shrinking pools in the dry season. This is safari at its purest; wild, quiet, and utterly unforgettable.
Mahale Mountains
Where Chimpanzees and Soul-Searching Collide
Between the lush Mahale Mountains and the crystal waters of Lake Tanganyika, this remote paradise offers one of Africa’s most moving experiences: trekking with wild chimpanzees. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll spend time with the legendary “M Group”, a semi-habituated troop of about 60 chimps. It’s not just observation—it’s connection, emotion, and an encounter you’ll never forget.
YOUR SAFARI SANCTUARIES
Each of our lodges and camps has been hand-selected for its authenticity, sustainability, and spirit of place. These are more than accommodations: they’re unforgettable immersive experiences, chosen to deepen your connection to the land, the people, and the wildlife of Tanzania.
Rivertrees Country Inn, Arusha
Just outside Arusha, with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Rivertrees Country Inn offers rustic elegance on a former coffee estate. Set amid lush gardens and towering trees along the Usa River, this serene retreat features cozy cottages, abundant birdlife, and a warm, homestead charm. It’s the ideal gateway to nearby reserves and cultural adventures. After a day of exploring, savor garden-fresh meals, wood-fired pizzas, and locally brewed coffee by the fire, or beneath a star-filled African sky.
Kusini Serengeti
Hidden in the remote southern plains of the Serengeti, Nomad’s Kusini Camp delivers an intimate, off-the-beaten-path safari with unmatched views of Tanzania’s wild beauty. Set on a rocky outcrop overlooking predator-rich woodlands and endless plains, guests enjoy daily game drives and guided walks led by expert Nomad guides. With just six spacious, open-air tents, each with a private veranda and en-suite bath, Kusini blends comfort with raw wilderness. From sundowners among ancient kopjes to stargazing beneath vast African skies, every moment feels like a private connection to the wild.
Chada Katavi
At Chada Katavi, wilderness still reigns: untouched, untamed, and wonderfully remote. Nestled beneath acacia and tamarind trees in the heart of Katavi National Park, this intimate camp overlooks the game-rich Chada Plain, where elephants, vast buffalo herds, and prowling predators roam. During the dry season, hippos crowd into shrinking pools while crocodiles hide in riverside caves, creating unforgettable scenes. With only a few guests and endless open space, every safari feels deeply personal. For the truly adventurous, Nomad offers fly-camping under the stars in one of Tanzania’s wildest frontiers.
Greystoke Mahale
Greystoke Mahale is a one-of-a-kind escape set between the emerald forests of the Mahale Mountains and the turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika. Built from reclaimed dhows and resting on a soft white beach, this iconic lodge offers one of the world’s most magical experiences: trekking through the jungle to encounter wild chimpanzees in their natural home. With only a few guests, every moment feels intimate, whether you’re exploring forest trails with expert guides, spotting rare primates and plants, or kayaking across the glassy lake at sunrise. End the day with a sunset swim and a drink at the open-air bar as hippos surface and stars fill the sky.
OUR ITINERARY
February 5, 2027
Karibu Tanzania! After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll breeze through immigration and customs before being warmly welcomed by our friendly driver in the Arrivals Hall. From there, you’ll head to our tranquil retreat just outside of Arusha, a peaceful hideaway surrounded by lush gardens and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Settle in, take a breath, and exhale because your journey of connection, adventure, and discovery begins now. (Dinner)
February 6, 2027
After your long journey, today is all about unwinding, settling in, and connecting with the incredible women who will be sharing this unforgettable experience with you. Sip Tanzanian coffee on the veranda, take a walk through the gardens, or simply relax with a book while listening to the birdsong around you. This day is a gentle invitation to ground yourself in the present moment and in the joy of being here. Tonight, we’ll gather for our first Sisterhood dinner, getting to know one another under the stars. (Breakfast and Dinner)
February 7, 2027
This morning, we’ll visit the remarkable KafikaHouse, a community-based rehabilitation home for children receiving life-changing surgery for correctible disabilities like cleft palate, clubfoot, and burn contractures. It’s an emotional and uplifting experience to witness the strength and spirit of these children, and the compassion of the staff who care for them. You may find yourself forever changed by the smiles you’ll see here.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Maasai Market, a vibrant celebration of Tanzanian craftsmanship and culture. Here, you’ll have the chance to support local mamas by shopping for handmade jewelry, textiles, baskets, and art. Every purchase has a purpose and you’ll be going home with more than souvenirs. (Breakfast and Dinner)
February 8–11, 2027
Welcome to one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles on Earth. As we journey into the Southern Serengeti, we enter a land pulsing with life, where the Great Migration pauses for its most tender and dramatic chapter—calving season. Here, in the vast, emerald plains of Ndutu, over 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day, and the air is filled with the cries of new life and the thrum of survival.
But it’s not just wildebeest. Zebras, gazelles, and their adorable young fill the landscape, while predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas lurk nearby, reminders of nature’s delicate balance. Expect the unexpected: a leopard draped over an acacia branch, a tower of giraffes silhouetted against the rising sun, elephants gently leading their calves through the grass, and flashes of color from lilac-breasted rollers swooping past.
From dazzling sunrises to starlit dinners in the bush, every day in the Serengeti is an invitation to be fully present. We’ll be based at our wilderness camp, tucked away in the heart of it all, where each moment brings you closer to the raw beauty of Africa. Get ready, Sister. The wild is calling—and it’s more alive than you ever imagined.
February 11–15, 2027
Today, we leave the familiar behind and fly west to Katavi National Park, a place so remote, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a forgotten corner of the world. With just a handful of visitors at any given time, Katavi is Tanzania’s best-kept secret, and for the next few days, it will be our private wilderness.
We’ll settle into our beautifully rustic-chic safari camp, exclusively reserved for our Sisterhood, surrounded by nothing but open plains, whispering acacia trees, and the sounds of the wild. This is where elephants casually wander past your tent and massive herds of buffalo, hundreds strong, roam the landscape like something out of a dream. Lions stalk the grasses, hippos gather in drying riverbeds, and rare antelope like sable and roan peek out from the shadows.
Each day brings the thrill of game drives and walking safaris, guided by experts who know every inch of this incredible terrain. And for the truly adventurous? You’ll have the option to spend a night fly camping under the stars, falling asleep to the crackle of the fire and the distant call of hyenas.
Katavi is raw, wild, and soul-stirring—a place to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with the rhythm of nature, and with yourself. (All meals included)
February 15–18, 2027
As we board our small bush flight from Katavi to Greystoke Mahale, the landscape shifts once again – this time to a place that feels truly otherworldly. Tucked between the mahogany-cloaked Mahale Mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, this remote corner of Tanzania is a sacred space. It’s not just about seeing wild chimpanzees—it’s about feeling everything.
At Greystoke Mahale, our open-air bandas invite the sounds and spirit of the forest in. You’ll fall asleep to the rhythm of waves lapping the shore and wake to the calls of colobus monkeys overhead. Our days will be spent trekking through the forest, following expert trackers in search of the legendary M Group chimpanzees. The hikes are challenging and sweaty, exhilarating and humbling – but the reward is immeasurable. To sit just feet from a chimpanzee in its natural home is to witness emotion, intelligence, and wild beauty at its purest.
But the experience doesn’t stop with wildlife. We’ll also visit Katumbi village, where Nomad’s community projects have brought vital support to the region. You’ll meet the hearts behind the work—students learning in solar-powered classrooms, midwives offering essential care, and locals sharing stories of life along the lake. It’s a deeply moving reminder that conservation is as much about people as it is about place. (All meals included)
February 18, 2027
This morning, we say our soft goodbyes to Mahale and fly back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for our international departures later this evening. As we part ways, we carry home more than photos—we carry memories, new friendships, and a deepened sense of self.
Kwaheri ya kuonana – goodbye, until we meet again.
Trip Inclusions
- 13 nights/14 days in authentic, sustainable, safari lodge and camp accommodations
- All meals at our safari lodges and camps (River Trees Country Inn in Arusha includes breakfast and dinner)
- 4 group flights in economy class: Arusha to Southern Serengeti; Serengeti to Katavi National Park; Katavi to Mahale Mountains; and Mahale to Kilimanjaro Airport
- Roundtrip airport transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Porterage at lodges
- Daily game drives
- National Park fees in Tanzania
- Chimpanzee Treks, including permits
- Laundry service throughout our safari
- Beverages, including soft drinks, house wine, and beer at our safari lodges and camps
- Bottled water and soft drinks with snacks when driving in the parks
- All sightseeing tours, exclusive experiences, and excursions as listed within this itinerary
- Private luxury transportation throughout the itinerary
- Private Tour Guides and Rangers
- Sisterhood Travels Group Leader
- Sisterhood Travels Swag
The Reality of a Chimpanzee Trek in Mahale
Is this trip Right for You?
If you’re dreaming of trekking with wild chimpanzees in Tanzania, here’s the honest truth: it’s not a walk in the park—but it is one of the most soul-stirring adventures you’ll ever have.
The Mahale Mountains are remote, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful. Greystoke Mahale, our base camp, sits at about 2,200 feet, while the highest points of the trek can reach up to 8,000 feet. Depending on where the chimps are that day, you could be hiking through dense jungle for 2 to 6 hours roundtrip, sometimes longer. The chimps don’t follow a schedule—they’re free, just as they should be—and that’s part of what makes this experience so profound. One day they’re near the lakeshore, the next, high up in the misty peaks.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to be reasonably fit, ready to break a sweat, and open to the adventure. The terrain can be steep, the air humid, and the forest thick—but the moment you hear that first chimp call echo through the trees, every step will be worth it. Getting up close to these intelligent, emotionally expressive animals is nothing short of life-changing.
Each morning, expert trackers head out early to locate the chimps. Once they’re found, you’ll be called to begin your trek. On rare days when the chimps stay hidden—maybe due to rain or because they’ve wandered too far uphill—Greystoke Mahale offers plenty of other unforgettable experiences: swimming in Lake Tanganyika, kayaking at sunset, spotting hippos offshore, or simply relaxing with a good book on the beach.
At the heart of this journey is the element of the unknown. This isn’t a zoo or a scheduled show—this is real, raw, wild Africa, and being invited into the world of the Mahale chimps, even for an hour, is an emotional and unforgettable privilege.
DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS
- Non-refundable deposit due at time of booking: $4700 per person
- 2nd Non-refundable payment due on or before March 7, 2026: $4700 per person
- 3rd Non-refundable payment due on or before August 7, 2026: $4700 per person
- Final payment due on or before October 7, 2026
PRICING
Double Occupancy-
TANZANIA GREAT MIGRATION SAFARI AND CHIMPANZEE TREK
PRICING
Single Occupancy-
TANZANIA GREAT MIGRATION SAFARI AND CHIMPANZEE TREK
important information
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY
- There will be a maximum of 8 Sisters, including your Sisterhood Travels Group Leader. Roommate matching is available.
- International airfare is not included in your pricing. You will fly round-trip Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- You can arrive at any time on February 5, 2027. You can depart at any time after 9:00 pm on February 18, 2027.
- Check-in time at our arrival hotel is at 2:00 pm.
- All international flight arrangements must be submitted to Sisterhood Travels on or before October 7, 2026. If you need help making flight arrangements or to submit your independent flight arrangements, please click here for Airfare Information.
- There are four group flights in economy class included in your pricing as follows: Arusha to Southern Serengeti; Serengeti to Katavi National Park; Katavi to Mahale Mountains; and Mahale to Kilimanjaro Airport. There is no opportunity for upgrades, nor can seating requests be accommodated. Luggage style and weight limits apply.
- Arrival transfers are provided only on February 5, 2027, from the Kilimanjaro Airport to our hotel. Departure transfers are not provided as we will fly into Kilimanjaro Airport for return flights home. If you arrive or depart outside these days and times, or you’re needing transfers or hotels elsewhere, you are responsible for making your own arrangements at your own expense.
- Complete valid passport information is required on or before August 7, 2026. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of your travel. It is imperative that we have this information by the deadline in order to secure your group air tickets. If we do not have a copy of your passport by this date, we cannot guarantee your flights, and you will be responsible for any penalties or expenses incurred.
- You will be required to obtain a visa to enter Tanzania at an approximate cost of $100. You can obtain this before departure or on arrival at the airport. We will provide you with all of the details at the appropriate time prior to departure.
- Please don’t schedule any optional excursions on your own for this trip, as we cannot promise that you will arrive in time at any location to make your independent excursion. Sisterhood Travels won’t be liable for any expense you incur because of this.
- Individual gratuities for your drivers, guides, waiters, bar staff, porter, and staff at the lodges are not included in your pricing. We will provide you with tipping guidelines for your trip.
- Travel Insurance is required for this trip and must include a minimum of $500,000 repatriation coverage. This is not included in your pricing. We will send you a quote via email.
- We cannot accommodate wheelchairs, assistive devices, scooters, walkers or rollators, or Zimmer-frames. You must be able to ambulate independently with no assistance from devices or others on the trip. It is imperative that you read the activity level description below.
- There are no refunds for unused portions of this tour.
- Dates and times of itinerary as well as hotels listed are subject to change without notice due to operational, weather, or logistical reasons.
- Any optional expenses or expenses related to anything not specifically listed in this itinerary are not included.
- You will receive an invitation soon after you book your trip for our travel app, “Trip Plans”. You will need to download this app to your smartphone as this is where you will find the most up-to-date, accurate information regarding your itinerary, in addition to all of the critical information you need to know.
Need a Roommate?
Cancellation & Refunds
Activity Level:
Active
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 5 Active
This once-in-a-lifetime journey through Tanzania is designed for women who are comfortable with moderate to active physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain, participating in full days of immersive wildlife experiences, and trekking through mountainous rainforest. From witnessing the Great Migration during calving season to exploring the wilds of Katavi and trekking alongside chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains, this itinerary offers deep connection with nature, wildlife, and Sisterhood.
Walking & Standing
Expect moderate to strenuous walking on multiple days of the trip. Daily game drives involve standing for wildlife viewing and climbing in and out of safari vehicles several times per day. You’ll enjoy guided walks in Katavi National Park and spend up to two days chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains. These treks may last between 2 and 6 hours roundtrip, depending on the chimps’ location, and take place through steep, humid, and sometimes muddy rainforest terrain. Trails can be uneven or slippery, and the hikes require stamina, sure-footedness, and comfort with uphill walking. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be fit enough to manage longer walks and varying terrain with breaks as needed.
Terrain, Transport & Accommodations
You’ll encounter a wide range of natural terrain throughout this journey, from open savannahs and grassy plains to dense jungle paths and sandy lake shores. Game drives take place in open 4×4 safari vehicles, and rides can be bumpy on unpaved roads. Multiple short bush flights connect remote parks and reserves, providing spectacular aerial views but involving limited luggage and short walks across airstrips. Our lodges and camps are hand-selected for authenticity, sustainability, and comfort. Accommodations range from a charming country inn to luxury tented safari camps and open-air beachfront bandas. Pathways may include dirt trails and steps, and lighting can be limited at night. Each property provides private en-suite bathrooms, attentive service, and locally inspired cuisine. Power and Wi-Fi may be limited in some remote locations.
Wildlife Encounters & Cultural Participation
This journey centers around extraordinary wildlife experiences, including daily safari game drives, guided bush walks, and chimpanzee trekking. Activities are not technically difficult but do require stamina, flexibility, and a willingness to engage fully in the adventure. In Mahale, chimpanzee trekking offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe one of our closest relatives in their natural habitat. Cultural visits with Maasai communities and conservation initiatives round out the experience, providing meaningful connection with local people and places.
Pacing & Free Time
This itinerary is exhilarating and active, with most days beginning early to take advantage of prime wildlife viewing hours. Days in the Serengeti and Katavi blend early morning and late afternoon game drives with rest periods during the heat of the day. Chimpanzee trekking days in Mahale begin with early tracker briefings and conclude with relaxed afternoons at the lake, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or quiet reflection. While the journey is full and adventurous, it’s thoughtfully paced with opportunities for journaling, conversation, rest, and connection. Participation requires an adventurous spirit, an open heart, and readiness for the unexpected beauty of wild Africa.
Altitude Considerations
This journey includes travel through regions of varying elevation. While these altitudes are moderate, you may notice mild shortness of breath or fatigue during the chimpanzee treks, especially in humid or uphill sections. Staying hydrated, pacing yourself, and allowing for rest breaks will help minimize discomfort. If you have any health or altitude concerns, we recommend consulting your physician prior to booking.