Mountain ranges, solitary lakes, and outlying areas characterize the western circuit. While the southern circuit offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the western circuit puts you in the middle of nature. On the western circuit, in the eastern part of Tanzania, dense forests cover the landscape.
One of the world’s rarest places to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat is western Tanzania, which is the region’s main attraction. Jane Goodall conducted her seminal research on monkeys in their native environment in this region. Tanganyika, the second-deepest lake in the world, is located in western Tanzania as well.
Kigoma
The capital of western Tanzania is Kigoma. Kigoma gives off the vibe of a lively coastal port as it clings to the edge of the massive Lake Tanganyika. Kigoma, which borders Burundi and the DRC, has long served as a trading post for Tanzania and other inner African nations linked by the Lake.
Kigoma is also the last bastion of civilization before venturing out into the wilderness of western Tanzania. If you’re visiting Kigoma, be sure to take in the awe-inspiring sights of the world’s second oldest lake, or take a history lesson by visiting the historic town of Ujiji
Gombe Stream National Park
Tourists, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts of all stripes flock to Gombe Stream National Park, even if it isn’t as easily accessible as Serengeti or as iconic as Kilimanjaro. Among Gombe’s most famous inhabitants are the chimpanzees, whom anthropologist Jane Goodall helped bring to worldwide fame in the 1960s.
Katavi National Park
Would you like a more personal safari experience? In lieu of feeling “off the beaten path,” would you want to feel like you’re forging your own unique route? Do you desire to experience life as a true wilderness dweller? You could find what you’re looking for at Katavi National Park.
The fact that Katavi National Park can only be reached by plane from Arusha doesn’t take away from the breathtaking beauty of the landscape it surrounds. There are less automobiles in Katavi, which makes it easier to observe wildlife due to the relative calm.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park is a breathtaking location on the edge of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest and second-oldest lake. The Mahale mountain range seems to have frozen the passage of time as it rises from the old lakebed.
Despite the indigenous Holoholo people’s long history of harmony with the nature, Mahale National Park remains largely untouched by humans. This National Park is home to the world’s biggest population of wild chimpanzees, and it is both remote and heavily wooded.