Western Circuit Guide

The Western Circuit, near Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika, is the most remote and least-visited safari region in Tanzania. The wildlife and scenery are superb, but getting there takes planning and effort.

What You'll Find

Burigi-Chato National Park, created in 2019, has freshwater lakes, papyrus swamps and rolling savanna near Lake Victoria. Gombe Stream, on Lake Tanganyika, offers chimpanzee trekking in the forests where Jane Goodall started her research in 1960.

Why So Few Visitors

Both parks need dedicated travel, usually flights and boat transfers rather than a simple drive from Arusha, which keeps numbers far below those of the north.

Who It Suits

Experienced safari-goers looking for somewhere new and quiet, and anyone planning a trip around chimpanzees rather than the Big Five.

How to Get There

Fly to Mwanza for Burigi-Chato or to Kigoma for Gombe Stream. Driving from the north is not practical.