Mahale Mountains National Park

About Mahale Mountains National Park

Perched on the remote eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountains National Park is one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. Covering about 1,600 square kilometers, it is famed for its lush rainforests, crystal-clear waters, and wild chimpanzee populations.

Highlights

Mahale is home to around 1,000 chimpanzees, including the well-studied M-group, allowing unforgettable opportunities for chimp tracking in their natural habitat. The park’s landscapes combine tropical forests, mountain peaks, and white sandy beaches along Lake Tanganyika—the world’s second-deepest freshwater lake. Wildlife such as colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and colorful bird species add to its natural charm.

Getting There

Due to its remote location, Mahale is best accessed by flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, followed by a boat transfer (1–2 hours) to the park. Some visitors arrive via charter flights directly to Mahale Airstrip during the dry season.

What to Do

The highlight is chimpanzee trekking, often lasting several hours through lush forest. Visitors can also enjoy boat safaris, swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika’s clear waters. With no roads inside the park, Mahale offers a rare, untouched wilderness where nature reigns supreme.