Mahale Mountains National Park
1,613km² (623mi²)
1985 (National Park)
All year-round
A remote paradise
Forested peaks rising from the white-beached shoreline of Lake Tanganyika makes for a magical destination. Made famous by the resident chimpanzee, there is even more to discover: As a remote-fly-in destination, very-few-people visit Mahale Mountains. Expect the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. No roads mean the park can only be accessed on foot. Forest treks to spot the chimpanzee pass spectacular waterfalls, birds and butterflies. Snorkel in pristine fresh-water with hundreds of brightly-coloured cichlids; lie on white-sandy-beaches, or take a dhow onto the lake to watch the sun-go-down.
Mahale Mountains National Park: One of Africa’s most unique destinations
Located in remote western Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Tanzania. The forested park borders Lake Tanganyika, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world, with its white-sandy beaches and crystal-clear water.
Getting to Mahale Mountains National Park is an adventure, as it is only accessible by air and boat. There are no roads in the park, only forest paths through the lush vegetation. Making this park a hiker’s paradise.
Mahale National Park is a haven for primates, with chimpanzee trekking being one of the prime reasons to visit. Home to roughly 800 chimpanzees, the Mimikere group are habituated to humans and easier to spot, thanks to companionship from Japanese researchers for the last five-decades.
Added to that, the park is absolutely stunning. The forests have beautiful rivers and waterfalls. Along the lake’s shoreline are some of the most unspoilt white-sandy-beaches anyone could imagine.
Highlights of Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountain National Park is unique thanks to its remoteness and the incredible primate-trekking, hiking, snorkelling and bird watching on offer.
The park is home to nine species of primates, including the Yellow Baboon, Red Colobus, Blue Monkeys and the Red-tailed Monkey, and 73 other mammals.
During treks into the forest, chimpanzee sightings can happen at any time between 30 minutes for the first sightings, to up-to 3 hours into a trek. Hikers also have the chance to spot other incredible animals, such as Roan and Sable antelope, mongoose, warthog and sometimes even lion, leopard and crocodiles.
In Lake Tanganyika, hippos are sometimes sighted swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Although the amphibian and reptile life at Mahale Mountains National Park has still not been thoroughly researched, there are believed to be a minimum of 20 amphibian and 26 reptile species residing here.
Home to 355 bird species, a visit to this park is a must for both amateur and serious birders. From the white-sandy-beaches pelicans, storks, Malachite Kingfishers, Pied Kingfishers and Fish Eagles can be seen. Whilst in the forests, it is possible to see the spectacular Livingston’s Turacos, Narina Trogons, Crested Guinea Fowls and Blue Cheeked Bee-eaters.
Snorkelling in the clear shallow waters of Lake Tanganyika gives you the opportunity of seeing over 250 endemic fish species.
Chimpanzees
Out of the 14 groups of chimpanzees in the park the Mimikere group, who are habituated to humans thanks to a long-running Japanese study, are the most likely to be seen.
The Mahale Mountain Range
The park was named after the Mahale Mountain range that runs parallel to the lake. During a 2-to-3-day trek, you can summit Mount Nkungwe (2,462 m), the highest peak in the park.
A remote fly-in paradise
Discover one of Tanzania’s most beautiful, yet secluded destinations. White-unpopulated beaches, amazing snorkelling, unique-wildlife and dhow trips onto the lake to watch the sun-go-down are what you can expect on this get-away-adventure.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to go to the Mahale Mountains National Park
Whilst possible to visit the park all-year-round, the best time to go to Mahale Mountains National Park is the dry season, from June to October. The chance of seeing the chimpanzee is much greater, as they tend to move down to the lower-slopes in this season. Dry weather and good track conditions, means that this is also the best time to trek-up Mount Nkungwe. What’s more, visibility in Lake Tanganyika can be as good as 20 meters, creating exception diving and snorkelling conditions. Low visitor numbers guarantee a secluded experience, even during this peak period.
Dry Season
June to OctoberIdeal for spotting chimpanzee, trekking and snorkelling.
Green Season
March to MayBest for to seeing migratory birds and the waterfall roaring.
Why to go
A unique paradise getaway
The Mahale Mountains National Park is arguably Tanzania’s most beautiful and remote destination. It can only be accessed by light-air-craft. Once there you will notice no roads and a handful of footpaths to explore the park. Consequently, this remote park makes you feel that, no-matter the season, you have it to yourself. Some of the world’s best game-viewing, with 9 types of primates (including chimpanzee), lion, elephant, buffalo, Sable-antelope and wild hunting dogs, can be seen here. The birdlife, with 350 recorded species, is spectacular. Plus, it is a perfect place to relax with its beautiful beaches. For those looking for a secluded experience, this park has everything and more.
Where to stay in the Mahale Mountains National Park
Location
Mahale National Park is in Western Tanzania, right on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. It’s off the beaten track and the best mode to reach it is by small aircraft from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. You then need go by boat from Kigoma Town to reach the national park. There are no roads inside the national park; you will explore it on foot. Mahale Mountains National Park is on the Western safari circuit; you can combine it with a visit to Katavi National Park.
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