Size
1,613km² (623mi²)
Founded
1985 (National Park)
Best time to visit
year-round
Nestled in the remote reaches of western Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park stands as one of the country’s most breathtaking destinations. This park, lush with verdant forests, rests on the shores of Lake Tanganyika — one of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes — offering pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Reaching Mahale is a true adventure in itself, accessible only by air and boat. There are no roads within the park, only winding forest trails that make it a dream destination for avid hikers.
Mahale is renowned for its rich primate population, particularly for chimpanzee trekking. It is home to around 800 chimpanzees, with the well-known Mimikere group habituated to human presence after decades of interaction with Japanese researchers, making them easier to spot.
The park’s natural beauty is unparalleled, with rivers and waterfalls flowing through its lush forested landscape. Along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, visitors can find some of the most untouched and stunning white sandy beaches in all of Tanzania.
Mahale Mountains National Park is a truly unique destination, offering an unparalleled combination of remote wilderness, exceptional primate trekking, hiking, snorkeling, and birdwatching experiences.
The park is home to nine primate species, including Yellow Baboons, Red Colobus, Blue Monkeys, and Red-tailed Monkeys, alongside 73 other mammal species. Chimpanzee trekking is a highlight, with sightings occurring anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours into a trek. Along the forest trails, hikers may also encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including Roan and Sable antelopes, mongoose, warthogs, and occasionally predators like lions, leopards, and crocodiles.
Lake Tanganyika, which borders the park, is another natural marvel where visitors may spot hippos in its pristine waters. While amphibians and reptiles at Mahale are still under-researched, it’s believed that around 20 amphibian and 26 reptile species inhabit the area.
For bird enthusiasts, Mahale is a paradise. With 355 recorded bird species, the park offers an incredible variety. Along the white sandy beaches, you can spot pelicans, storks, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, and African Fish Eagles. In the forested areas, sightings of vibrant species like Livingston’s Turacos, Narina Trogons, Crested Guinea Fowl, and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters are possible.
Snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika’s crystal-clear waters reveals a hidden world of over 250 endemic fish species, making it an unmissable experience for underwater explorers.
Out of the 14 groups of chimpanzees in the park, the Mimikere group, which is habituated to humans thanks to a long-running Japanese study, is the most likely to be seen.
The park was named after the Mahale Mountain range, which runs parallel to the lake. During a two to three-day trek, you can summit Mount Nkungwe (2,462 m), the highest peak in the park.
Discover one of Tanzania’s most beautiful yet secluded destinations. You can expect white unpopulated beaches, amazing snorkelling, unique wildlife, and dhow trips onto the lake to watch the sun go down on this getaway adventure.
While Mahale Mountains National Park is open year-round, the ideal time to visit is during the dry season, which spans from June to October. During this period, chimpanzee sightings are more frequent, as the primates descend to the lower slopes, making them easier to track. The dry weather also offers optimal trekking conditions for those looking to climb Mount Nkungwe.
Lake Tanganyika’s waters are particularly clear during the dry season, with visibility reaching up to 20 meters, perfect for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Despite being the peak season, the park remains wonderfully secluded due to its low visitor numbers, ensuring a peaceful and intimate experience in nature.
June to October
Ideal for spotting chimpanzees, trekking and snorkelling.
March to May
Best for seeing migratory birds and the waterfall roaring.
Mahale Mountains National Park is often regarded as Tanzania’s most stunning and secluded destination. Accessible only by light aircraft, the park feels like a hidden world, untouched by crowds. With no roads and just a few footpaths, this remote wilderness offers a sense of solitude year-round.
The park is a haven for wildlife lovers, boasting some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. Alongside its famous chimpanzees, visitors can spot nine different primate species, as well as lions, elephants, buffaloes, Sable antelopes, and even wild hunting dogs. Birdwatchers are also in for a treat, with 350 recorded bird species creating a paradise for avian enthusiasts.
For those seeking tranquility, Mahale’s pristine beaches offer a serene escape, making it the perfect place to unwind in nature’s beauty. This park offers the ultimate combination of adventure and relaxation, making it ideal for a secluded wilderness experience.
Mahale Mountains National Park offers the perfect balance of wildlife-viewing and relaxation. Things-to-do include:
Mahale Mountains National Park offers the perfect balance of wildlife-viewing and relaxation. Things-to-do include:
Mahale Mountains National Park is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. As the park is positioned off the beaten track, taking a small aircraft from Arusha or Dar es Salaam directly to the park’s airstrip is the best way to get there. Another option is to board a flight from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma and then take a three to four-hour boat ride from Kigoma to the park’s entrance. Inside the national park, no roads allow you to explore on foot and in peace. Finally, as Mahale Mountains National Park is on the Western Circuit, you can also visit Katavi National Park, another secluded park home to incredible wildlife populations.
Mahale Mountains National Park is located in western Tanzania, along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, which is the second-deepest lake in the world. The park is part of the Great Rift Valley and is characterized by rugged mountain landscapes and lush forests.
The park is famous for its thriving population of wild chimpanzees, estimated to be around 1,000 individuals. It offers one of the best opportunities in the world for chimpanzee trekking. Additionally, the stunning scenery, including pristine beaches and dense forests, makes it a paradise for nature lovers.
The dry season from June to October is the best time to visit, as the weather is warm and dry, making wildlife viewing more reliable. During this time, chimps are easier to track as they tend to stay in lower altitudes. The wet season (November to March) can bring lush vegetation and beautiful landscapes, but trekking can be more challenging.
Visitors can reach the park by charter flights from major cities like Dar es Salaam or Arusha to the nearby airstrip. From the airstrip, a scenic boat transfer on Lake Tanganyika takes you to the park headquarters. It’s important to book these transfers in advance, especially during peak season.
Apart from chimpanzee trekking, visitors can enjoy:
Yes, a qualified guide is essential for chimpanzee trekking. They not only ensure safety but also enhance the experience by providing valuable insights about the chimps’ behavior and ecology. Guides follow strict protocols to minimize human impact on the chimps.
Accommodations range from luxury lodges with stunning lake views and fine dining to more rustic tented camps that provide an authentic safari experience. Options include:
Yes, Mahale is home to various wildlife species besides chimpanzees, including:
Mahale has a tropical climate, characterized by:
Conservation initiatives include:
