Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park: A Hidden Gem in Western Tanzania

Location: Situated in the far reaches of western Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park is nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Known for its pristine beauty, the park covers approximately 1,613 sq km in the Kigoma region.

Highlights:

Home to around 900 wild chimpanzees, Mahale Mountains National Park is renowned for its population of Africa’s remaining wild chimpanzees.
The park’s rich flora and fauna make it a paradise for both hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest lake, offers opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and wildlife viewing.

Tourist Activities:

Safaris:
- A variety of animals and plants make the park ideal for safaris.
- Habituated Mahale Chimpanzees, yellow baboons, red colobus, blue, red-tailed, and vervet monkeys can be spotted.
- Other wildlife includes leopards, lions, elephants, giraffes, blue duikers, and over 350 bird species.
Chimpanzee Trekking:
- The main attraction, experienced park rangers guide visitors to the best spots for chimpanzee sightings.
- Trekking may take a few days, but encounters with these unique animals are highly likely.
Hiking:
- Mahale offers brilliant hiking adventures, including the opportunity to climb Mount Nkungwe, the park’s highest peak.
- Mount Nkungwe, at 2,462 meters (8,077 feet), is climbable and adds a unique experience to the adventure.
Lakeshore Activities:
- Stroll along the pristine shores of Lake Tanganyika.
- Engage in activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing.
- Enjoy the white sand beaches and stunning views of the Congo Mountains.
Bird Watching:
- The forested Mahale Mountains and lake shorelines provide excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Bird species include guinea fowl, hornbills, kingfishers, and more among the 350 different species.

Best Time to Visit:

Dry season (June – October): Ideal for wildlife observation and chimpanzee trekking.
The trails are less muddy, and chimpanzees are more likely to be seen in large groups.

How to Access:

Accessible from Kigoma, about 130 km away, via speedboat along Lake Tanganyika or by road along the lakeshore.
Flights from Dar Es Salaam or Arusha to Mahale airstrip are available.

Accommodation:

Comfortable tented camps, bandas, and lodges along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Recommended accommodations include Grey Stoke Mahale Camp, Mbali Mbali Mahale Camp, Flycatcher Mahale Camp, Mahale Mango Tree Bandas, and Nkungwe Tented Camp.

Combining Experiences:

Combine chimpanzee trekking in Mahale with game adventures in famous northern national parks or nearby Katavi National Park.

Mahale Mountains National Park offers a unique blend of adventure, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.