What is Western Tanzania?
Western Tanzania is the country’s least-visited yet most rewarding safari region, stretching along the wild shores of Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria. Here, you’ll discover a unique blend of remote national parks, rare wildlife, and rich cultures far from the tourist trail.
National Parks & Wildlife
- Gombe Stream National Park – legendary for chimpanzee trekking and Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking research.
- Katavi National Park – vast plains, massive buffalo herds, and some of Tanzania’s largest hippo pods.
- Rubondo Island National Park – Lake Victoria’s wildlife haven, home to chimpanzees, forest elephants, sitatunga antelope, and incredible birdlife.
- Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park – lush wetlands, hippos, antelope, and rare bird species.
Culture & People
Meet the Haya, Waha, and Sukuma communities, known for their vibrant music, traditional dances, fishing heritage, and handcrafts. Life here flows with the rhythm of the lakes and the land.
Why It’s Special
Western Tanzania offers unmatched privacy, wilderness, and authenticity — perfect for travellers who seek intimate wildlife encounters, pristine landscapes, and cultural depth without the crowds of the northern or southern safari circuits.
Katavi National Park
Remote savannahs with elephants, hippos, and the rare leopard tortoise.
Rubondo Island National Park
Lake Victoria’s wild island — chimpanzees, birdlife, and forest elephants.
Gombe Stream National Park
Famous for wild chimpanzees and Jane Goodall’s pioneering research.
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park
Wetlands filled with hippos, antelope, and rich birdlife.
Tribes & Culture
Experience the traditions of the Haya, Waha, and Sukuma people.