Mahale Mountain National Park

Why visit the Mahale Mountains

Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the most remote and beautiful places in Tanzania. Forest-covered mountains rise steeply from the clear water and white-sand beaches of Lake Tanganyika, the longest freshwater lake in the world and the second deepest. There are no roads: visitors arrive by light aircraft and boat and explore on foot or by water.

Mahale is one of the best places in Africa to see wild chimpanzees. Researchers have studied the chimpanzees here since the 1960s, and one community is habituated to people, which allows small groups to spend time with them in the forest. Treks can be short or long and steep, depending on where the chimps are feeding, and guides follow their calls and signs through the forest. Between treks, guests swim in the lake, take boat trips along the shore, and watch for other primates such as red colobus and blue monkeys, and for the area's rich birdlife.

When to go

The dry season, from July to October, is the most popular time: trails are easier and the chimpanzees often come down to lower slopes. Camps usually close during the main rains, from around March to May.

Mahale is often combined with Katavi National Park for a western Tanzania journey that pairs primates and lake scenery with wild big-game safari. It suits travellers with time and an adventurous spirit. Ask us to plan a western Tanzania trip.