7-day safari itinerary in Tanzania Lake Eyasi and Gombe National Park

Q: 1. Is it possible to combine Gombe and Lake Eyasi in just 7 days?

Yes — but it requires internal flights because Gombe is in western Tanzania (near Kigoma) and Lake Eyasi is in the north. Flying saves two long days of driving.

Q: 2. Do I need a chimpanzee tracking permit for Gombe?

Yes. The permit is usually included in your safari package, and it allows one guided chimp-tracking session per day inside Gombe National Park.

Q: 3. When is the best time to visit Gombe and Lake Eyasi?

The dry season (June–October) offers easier hiking and better chimp visibility in Gombe. Lake Eyasi’s tribal activities run year-round, though roads are easier in the dry months.

Q: 4. How fit do I need to be for chimp tracking?

Moderate fitness is required. Expect 1–3 hours of walking on forested, sometimes steep terrain. Porters can help carry gear.

Q: 5. What type of vehicle is used for this safari?

A 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser or similar, with a pop-up roof for game viewing and reliable air conditioning. Flights connect the longer routes.

Q: Can I extend the trip?

Yes! Popular add-ons include Zanzibar Beach relaxation, Ruaha National Park, or an extra night in the Serengeti to reduce transit time.

Transportation
Safari Car
Accomodation
3 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude
985 Kilometers
Departure from
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Best season
Feb, June, July, Aug, Sept & Dec
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Adventure
Meals
All meals during the Safari
Language
English
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Group Size
2-15
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

7-day safari itinerary in Tanzania that includes both Lake Eyasi and Gombe National Park (chimp-tracking), along with a few other highlights. It will be a fairly full programme, so you’ll want to travel light and be ready for some road/time in transit. If you like it, I can pull together logistics, rough costs, lodges, and transport.

Highlights

Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
Travel through the Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Dingboche
Visit Tengboche the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania! After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, your guide will transfer you to your lodge or hotel in Arusha. This vibrant safari hub lies at the foot of Mount Meru and offers great views of the surrounding highlands. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing, visiting a local market, or preparing for your upcoming adventure.
Overnight: Arusha

Day 2 :

Arusha → Lake Eyasi

After breakfast, drive westward through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Eyasi, a shallow soda lake fringed by baobab trees. This area is home to the Hadzabe (hunter-gatherers) and Datoga (blacksmiths) tribes. You’ll spend the afternoon visiting these fascinating communities, learning about their traditions, hunting techniques, and daily life. The sunset over the lake is truly magical.
Overnight: Lake Eyasi area

Day 3 :

Lake Eyasi → Gombe National Park

Rise early for a domestic flight or scenic drive to Kigoma, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. From here, take a short boat ride along the forested shoreline to Gombe Stream National Park, one of Africa’s smallest yet most famous parks thanks to Dr. Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research. After arrival, enjoy a leisurely lakeside walk or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Tanganyika.
Overnight: Gombe National Park

Day 4 :

Full day — Gombe National Park (chimp-tracking)

Spend a full day exploring Gombe National Park, trekking through lush forests in search of wild chimpanzees. Your guide will lead you through the forest trails where you’ll likely encounter the Kasekela chimp community. You can also spot red-tailed monkeys, baboons, and diverse birdlife. After lunch, relax by the lakeshore or visit Kakombe Waterfall.
Overnight: Gombe National Park

Day 5 :

Gombe → Serengeti / Ngorongoro region

After breakfast, return by boat to Kigoma and fly or drive back toward northern Tanzania. Depending on your timing, continue to either the Serengeti Plains or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This long travel day transitions you from the tropical forests of western Tanzania to the open savannas and crater landscapes of the north.
Overnight: Serengeti or Ngorongoro area

Day 6 :

Game drive day in Serengeti (or Ngorongoro)

Wake up to the sounds of the African bush! Spend the day on a game drive in the Serengeti National Park (known for its lions, cheetahs, elephants, and endless plains) or descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch amid breathtaking scenery before returning to camp in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Safari lodge or tented camp

Day 7 :

Final Game Drive → Return to Arusha

Enjoy a final early-morning game drive, soaking up the golden light and last wildlife encounters. After breakfast, begin your return journey to Arusha, either by road or small plane. Depending on your schedule, you may have time to shop for souvenirs or enjoy a farewell dinner before your onward flight.
Overnight: End of tour / transfer to airport

FAQs

Expand all

1. Is it possible to combine Gombe and Lake Eyasi in just 7 days?

Yes — but it requires internal flights because Gombe is in western Tanzania (near Kigoma) and Lake Eyasi is in the north. Flying saves two long days of driving.

2. Do I need a chimpanzee tracking permit for Gombe?

Yes. The permit is usually included in your safari package, and it allows one guided chimp-tracking session per day inside Gombe National Park.

3. When is the best time to visit Gombe and Lake Eyasi?

The dry season (June–October) offers easier hiking and better chimp visibility in Gombe. Lake Eyasi’s tribal activities run year-round, though roads are easier in the dry months.

4. How fit do I need to be for chimp tracking?

Moderate fitness is required. Expect 1–3 hours of walking on forested, sometimes steep terrain. Porters can help carry gear.

5. What type of vehicle is used for this safari?

A 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser or similar, with a pop-up roof for game viewing and reliable air conditioning. Flights connect the longer routes.

6. Are vaccinations required?

Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended (and sometimes required if arriving from certain countries). Malaria prophylaxis is also strongly advised.

What should I pack?

Lightweight clothes in neutral colors, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy walking shoes, binoculars, and a camera. A light jacket is useful for cool mornings.

How much do guides and porters cost?

Lightweight clothes in neutral colors, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy walking shoes, binoculars, and a camera. A light jacket is useful for cool mornings.

Can I extend the trip?

Yes! Popular add-ons include Zanzibar Beach relaxation, Ruaha National Park, or an extra night in the Serengeti to reduce transit time.

7-day safari itinerary in Tanzania Lake Eyasi and Gombe National Park

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

FAQs

Map

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