Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in Uvinza District of Kigoma Region, Tanzania. Named after the Mahale Mountains range that is within its borders, the park has several unusual characteristics. First, it is one of only two protected areas for chimpanzees in the country. (The other is nearby Gombe Stream National Park made famous by the researcher Jane Goodall.) Mahale Mountains National Park harbours the largest known population of eastern chimpanzees and due to its size and remoteness, the chimpanzees flourish. It also a place where chimpanzees and lions co-exist. Another unusual feature of the park is that it is one of the very few in Africa that must be experienced by foot. There are no roads or other infrastructure within the park boundaries, and the only way in and out of the park is via boat on the lake.
The Mahale mountains national park were traditionally inhabited by the Batongwe and Holoholo peoples, with populations in 1987 of 22,000 and 12,500 respectively. When the Mahale Mountains Wildlife Research Center was established in 1979, the people were forcefully evicted from the mountains to make way for the park, which opened in 1985 despite the people had been highly attuned to the natural environment, living with virtually no impact on the ecology.
Landscapes of Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park boasts crystal-clear turquoise water, pristine white sandy beaches, and lush rainforest-cloaked mountains that majestically meet the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Renowned as the second deepest lake in the world, Lake Tanganyika delights visitors with its remarkably translucent waters. This remote sanctuary is devoid of any roadways or infrastructure, resulting in a tranquil haven where solitude prevails, and encounters with other explorers are exceptionally rare. Explore the untamed beauty of Mahale Mountains National Park, a hidden gem nestled within the Wilds of Africa.
Mahale Mountains Park Safari Experiences
Experience the wonders of Mahale Mountains National Park with our exciting tour activities.
Chimpanzee Trekking:
Mahale Mountains National Park offers a brilliant chimpanzee trekking experience which of course is the main highlight of its safari, Trekking in the forest accompanied by an armed ranger is the best opportunity to meet with these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. The chimpanzee trekking activity in Mahale mountains national park can be in about three days.
Snorkeling
Dive into the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika with our thrilling boat safari, where you can snorkel and discover the vibrant underwater world. Indulge in the excitement of fishing and catch your own dinner.
Game drives
Embark on captivating game drives to spot the park’s diverse wildlife. After a day of exploration, cool off with a refreshing swim in the pristine white sandy beaches. Discover the true essence of the wilds of Africa through our incredible tour activities in Mahale Mountains National Park.
Getting to Mahale
Getting to the park is an adventure as it is accessible only by air and boat. There is scheduled chartered flight which fly to Mahale twice a week (Monday and Thursday) from Arusha and Dar es Salaam. The flight takes about 5 hours from either of the two places.
Best Time to Visit Mahale
The optimal time to visit Mahale National Park is during the dry season (May to October), as it offers the most favorable conditions for chimpanzee trekking. The trails are not slippery, allowing for comfortable and safe trekking experiences. Combining a visit to Mahale with Katavi National Park is highly recommended during this time.