Mahale Mountain National Park
A Land of Chimpanzees and Mountains
Mahale Mountain National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park was established in 1985 and sprawls across 1,613 square kilometres. It is a pristine natural haven that is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Western Tanzania. Named for the majestic Mahale Mountains that cut through the centre, this park is celebrated for its rugged landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Home to about 800 wild chimpanzees, Mahale is one of the top spots on the planet for close-up encounters with these intelligent creatures. Other than chimpanzees, the park also hosts a variety of other primates including red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting species such as the African fish eagle and Ross’s turaco. With no roads in Mahale, all explorations are on foot or by boat, which adds a thrilling sense of adventure to every visit.
Activities in Mahale are as varied as the landscape. From challenging treks up Mount Nkungwe, the highest peak in the Mahale range, to fishing in the deep waters of Lake Tanganyika – you have plenty of options. Visitors can also enjoy snorkelling in clear waters, birdwatching, or cultural trips to nearby villages. Boat safaris provide a serene way to experience the park’s scenic beauty and tranquil waters, ensuring every moment is packed with discovery.
Best Time to Visit
The Best Time to Visit Mahale Mountains National Park is from August to October. This is when the chimpanzees come down to the lower slopes near the lakeshore, where it’s easier to see them.
- August to October is Best for watching chimps up close.
- May to October has great weather, with hardly any rain, perfect for exploring.
- November to April is the rainy season, so trails might be slippery and treks tougher.
So, visit between August and October to have the best shot at seeing the chimps and enjoying beautiful hikes in Mahale Mountains National Park.
How to Get to Mahale Mountains National Park
Starting your trip to Mahale Mountains National Park is exciting, whether you fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.
- From Arusha Many travellers opt for a 3 or 4-night all-inclusive Tanzania Safari Package. This includes flights to the nearby Kalilani airstrip. From the airstrip, a picturesque 90-minute boat ride takes you straight to your lakeside lodge. These flights typically line up with lodge availability, operating mostly on Mondays and Thursdays.
- From Northern Tanzania If you’re visiting from other northern parks like Lake Manyara or the Serengeti, you can hop on a flight that stops at Katavi National Park. This is often part of a longer adventure that includes Mahale.
- From Southern Tanzania There are flights from Ruaha and Katavi to Mahale twice a week—on Mondays and Thursdays—through Safari Air Link.
- From Kigoma For those on a budget, start in Kigoma. From there, you will travel by road and then by boat to the park’s camp at Kasiha. This journey takes about a full day.
Begin your adventure to the Mahale Mountains National Park and get ready to explore one of Tanzania’s hidden gems!
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