MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

 

LOCATION

Tanzania’s most remote park in the far west on Lake Tanganyika. Arrive by boat from Kigoma or fly from Dar es Salaam (via Ruaha) or Arusha. Combine with Katavi, Serengeti or Ruaha.

 

ABOUT THE PARK

The Mahale Mountains National Park is Tanzania’s most important refuge for chimpanzees. The park is on the shore of the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika. Guided chimpanzee tracking is the primary reason to visit, although other primates also populate the park and birding is wonderful. When not hiking activities on offer include snorkelling, kayaking, fishing trips or some lake-shore downtime.

 

WHAT TO DO

Hiking to see chimpanzees, lodge safaris, snorkelling, fishing.

 

WHEN TO GO

Ideal chimp viewing: JUNE - OCTOBER. Can be inaccessible between March and June.

Stay 3-4 nights.

 

NOTABLE WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

There are several habituated troupes of wild chimpanzees which the guides will take you to see. Other primates include yellow baboon, vervet monkeys and blue sykes monkeys. You may also see hippopotamus, warthog, bushbuck and waterbuck.