MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Tanzania's Chimpanzee Kingdom

Set on the remote shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountains National Park is one of Africa's most magical wildernesses. Covering 1,600 square kilometers, it is world-renowned for its wild chimpanzee population and breathtaking scenery where forested peaks meet the crystal-clear waters of the world's longest lake.

Why Visit?

Mahale offers a safari unlike any other. Here, the focus shifts from savannah game drives to intimate encounters with primates and pristine nature. It is a place of adventure, tranquility, and rare wildlife experiences.

 

Why Mahale Captivates the World

  • Chimpanzee Tracking Home to over 1,000 wild chimpanzees, Mahale is one of the best places on Earth to observe them in their natural habitat.

  • Pristine Wilderness Remote and untouched, the park is accessible only by boat, ensuring a true escape from the modern world.

  • Scenic Splendor Towering mountains cloaked in rainforest rise dramatically above the turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika.

  • Aquatic Paradise The lake offers swimming, snorkeling, and fishing in one of the clearest freshwater bodies on the planet.

  • Biodiversity Beyond chimpanzees, Mahale hosts colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, leopards, and over 350 bird species.

Wildlife Highlights

  • Chimpanzees: The park's signature residents, studied by researchers for decades.

  • Primates: Colobus, red-tailed, and vervet monkeys.

  • Other Notables: Leopards, bushbucks, warthogs, and hippos along the lake.

  • Birdlife: Kingfishers, hornbills, fish eagles, and colorful forest species.

 

Experiences You'll Never Forget

  • Chimpanzee Trekking Guided hikes through lush forests to observe chimpanzees in their natural environment.

  • Lake Adventures Swim, snorkel, or kayak in Lake Tanganyika's crystal-clear waters.

  • Photography Capture chimpanzees in the forest, dramatic mountain backdrops, and stunning lake vistas.

  • Walking Safaris Explore forest trails alive with birds, butterflies, and smaller wildlife.

WHEN TO GO

  • June – October Dry season: best time for chimpanzee tracking and clear lake conditions.

  • November – May Green season: lush forests, vibrant birdlife, and fewer visitors.

GETTING HERE

  • By Air Charter flights connect Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar to Kigoma, followed by a boat transfer to the park.

  • By Road & Boat From Kigoma, a scenic boat journey along Lake Tanganyika leads to Mahale's remote lodges and camps.

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