Mahale Mountains National Park

Overview

Mahale, located in the far west of the country on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and home to the best chimp viewing in Africa, would stake its claim as one of the continent’s most exceptional and unique safari destinations. The park, like its northern neighbor Gombe, is home to some of Africa’s last remaining wild chimpanzees, with a population of more than 800.

A Japanese research study started in the 1960s has helped these chimpanzees become accustomed to human visitors. Mahale is a town in Western Tanzania, south of the town of Kigoma. It borders Lake Tanganyika, the longest, second-deepest, and least polluted freshwater lake in the world, which is home to an estimated 1,000 different fish species.

Best time to visit the park

The ideal time is during the dry season (May to October). Chimpanzees are frequently spotted in large groups around this time, the sun shines on the lake’s fish, and the beach is a relaxing place to be. Mahale Mountains National Park, on the other hand, is open all year long. A trip during the rainy season might also be an unforgettable one because of the magnificent lightning storms that light up the lake at night and the views of the neighboring DR Congo across the water.

Tourist attractions

The chimpanzees
Chain of the mountain (Mahale range)
Forest fauna and flora (Angola colobus, red colobus, red and blue-tailed monkey, forest birds, alpine bamboo, and montane rain forest)
Beaches along Lake Tanganyika
Local fishermen
Sunset on the Lake horizon

What to do

Chimp tracking
Hiking to the park’s highest point
Camping safaris
Snorkeling
Sports fishing and many more sports

Parks accessibility

Mahale is reachable by road, air, and sea. Most travelers and chimp lovers can find a flight, automobile, or boat that suits them.

Direct flights to Mahale

This is the most direct route to Mahale. The three tour companies with camps in Mahale plan frequent flights between the park and Arusha town during the busiest travel season (June to October). Twice weekly flights come and depart from October through March. There are no planned flights between March, April, and the first half of May due to camp closures.

However, travelers also have the option of booking their charter flights. Tanzania is home to numerous charter flight providers, including, but not limited to, Air Excel, Northern Air, and Regional Air. Private charters can be scheduled from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, or Zanzibar, which are all important cities.

Only light aircraft with a maximum carrying capacity of 12 passengers should use Mahale’s airstrip.

More Destinations

Tarangire National Park

is a lovely, quiet park located slightly off the main safari route. It is best known for its elephant migration, birding, and safari atmosphere.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtakingly beautiful setting and the best place to see the Big Five in East Africa. It is an excellent way to begin your African safari adventure.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is a free-standing, snow-covered dormant volcano. It can be seen from as far as Kenya and Amboseli National Park in northeast Tanzania.