Karibu Kigoma: Safari and Chimpanzees Experience in Kigoma
Karibu Kigoma Tour Operator is a new digital travel agency created to organise your stay on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and help you discover the natural beauty of this remote corner of western Tanzania. With us, you can explore the distinctive areas of the city of Kigoma, visit cultural sites and encounter the traditions of this region. Outside the city, we will take you to discover Gombe National Park: follow in Jane Goodall‘s footsteps and look wild chimpanzees in the eye in the rainforest.
Hike in the mountains of Mahale National Park and, of course, experience the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.
Discover Kigoma with those who live there every day
Authentic travel, nature and culture on the shores of Lake Tanganyika
The landscape
Nestled between Lake Tanganyika and lush green hills, Kigoma offers a wilder, more authentic side of Tanzania. Explore unspoiled landscapes and traditional villages where every scenic road becomes part of your adventure.
Local culture
Experience Kigoma’s authentic heart. Discover a culture of hospitality, vibrant markets, and traditional music. Here, life revolves around the lake, offering a genuine and peaceful escape from the modern rush.
Lake Tanganyika
One of the world’s oldest lakes, Tanganyika is a paradise for swimming, snorkeling, and boat excursions. Experience stunning sunsets and a calm atmosphere: your perfect retreat to relax and unplug in Kigoma.
National parks
Discover the incredible parks near Kigoma. Experience Jane Goodall’s legacy in Gombe or explore Mahale, where lush mountains meet the lake. Both offer Tanzania’s most authentic chimpanzee encounters.
If you are looking for an authentic destination away from mass tourism, Kigoma, Tanzania’s western gateway, is a surprising and fascinating choice.
Choose your excursion
Discover unique experiences and special events to enjoy the culture of Kigoma and its natural wonders.
Guided excursion to Gombe National Park
The Kigoma City tour
Tour of Lake Tanganyika
Cultural visit to the city of Kigoma
Our expert local guides will accompany you wherever you wish to go
Karibu Kigoma Host House
If you are looking for a practical solution for your stay, we have shared accommodation with three bedrooms for our guests.
Your home on Lake Tanganyika: comfort and tradition at Karibu Kigoma
Experience Tanzanian hospitality in a modern home. We offer two cozy double rooms with a shared guest bathroom, ensuring comfort and privacy. As on-site owners, we are available to organize your tours and share local stories while respecting your space. Enjoy our spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen, and Wi-Fi. At Karibu Kigoma, you’ll enjoy an authentic stay with the security of feeling at home.
Request information for your tour in Kigoma or to check availability for your accommodation
FAQ
Karibu Kigoma is an official tour operator and accommodation provider based in Kigoma, specializing in authentic and sustainable travel experiences in western Tanzania. Our core services include organizing chimpanzee trekking safaris in Gombe and Mahale, cultural and nature excursions, and hosting guests at our modern, locally managed Host House (B&B).
Gombe Stream National Park is accessible exclusively by boat departing from the town of Kigoma. Karibu Kigoma organizes daily excursions and comprehensive packages up to 3 days (2 nights), featuring private boat transfers, dedicated guides, and prices starting from 400 USD per adult. Park activities include guided rainforest trekking to spot wild chimpanzees, birdwatching, and snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika.
The Karibu Kigoma Host House provides cozy and modern B&B-style accommodation located on Burega Road (Buzebazeba, Kigoma). The property features two comfortable double rooms, a shared bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious communal living area, and free Wi-Fi. Additionally, the owners reside on-site to assist travelers with logistics and tour planning.
Beyond safaris in Gombe and Mahale, activities in Kigoma include boat trips on Lake Tanganyika for swimming and snorkeling, and historical-cultural tours in nearby Ujiji. Ujiji is highly famous as the exact site of the historic meeting between explorers David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley, offering an authentic glimpse into local markets and western Tanzanian culture far from mass tourism.
Yes, Karibu Kigoma is a fully registered tour operator in Tanzania under BRELA license number 631587. The project was developed in close partnership with the Italian non-profit organization Associazione FROM APS (Bergamo). The agency operates under strict ethical tourism principles, actively supporting local education and community welfare through collaboration with grassroots NGOs Learn N’Play and the Shayo Foundation.
The fastest and most common way to reach Kigoma is by scheduled domestic flights operated by Air Tanzania, which offers direct or connecting flights from Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Mwanza. Alternatively, adventurous travelers can reach Kigoma overland via the historic railway line (Tanzania Railways) departing from Dar es Salaam, or by long-distance public buses, although the road journey takes over 20 hours.
The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Gombe and Mahale is from May to October, during the dry season. During these months, the forest trails are less slippery, there are fewer mosquitoes, and the chimpanzees tend to forage closer to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, making them significantly easier and less strenuous to find compared to the rainy season (November to April).
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for traveling to Kigoma if you are arriving from a country with risk of transmission, and malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended. Financially, the local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US Dollars (USD) printed after 2013 are widely accepted for park fees and tours; credit cards are rarely accepted outside of major hotels, so withdrawing cash from ATMs upon arrival in Kigoma is strongly advised.