Mahale Mountain National Park
Mahale Mountain
Nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park provides a unique and pristine wilderness environment. This remote park spans around 1,613 square kilometres and is named after the Mahale Mountain range that runs through its heart.
Known for its majestic beauty, the park presents an array of landscapes - rugged peaks cascading down to the lake's shoreline, forested gorges, and sandy beaches. This blend of beach and mountain terrain, marked by deep valleys and cliffs, offers an unparalleled experience for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Trip Detail
-
TanzaniaTanzania
-
Area1650 km²
-
Established1985
The real draw of Mahale Mountains National Park is its vibrant population of wild chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in the world to track these fascinating creatures. Apart from the chimps, the park is home to other diverse wildlife species. Key Mahale Mountain Wildlife sightings include:
- A large population of wild chimpanzees.
- Other primates such as baboons, red colobus, and blue monkeys.
- Many forest bird species are perfect for avid bird watchers.
- Hippos and crocodiles that inhabit Lake Tanganyika.
- Various woodland creatures like bushbucks, bush pigs, and porcupines.
While wildlife is a major attraction, Mahale Mountains National Park offers more in terms of scenic beauty and historical significance. Noteworthy Mahale Mountains National Park Attractions include:
- Mahale Mountains: The impressive mountain range offers opportunities for hiking and exploration.
- Chimpanzee families: The park's main attraction is the habituated groups of wild chimpanzees.
- Nkungwe Peak: At over 2,473 meters, it's the highest point in the park and offers amazing views.
Whether it's trekking in the mountains or swimming in the lake, Mahale Mountains National Park provides a variety of activities for all interests. Popular Mahale Mountains Activities include:
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Follow trails to see the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. It may happen that you do not spot any chimpanzee at the very first attempt. But within 2-3 days, you are definitely going to interact with these stars of Mahale.
- Hiking: Explore the scenic Mahale Mountains and enjoy panoramic views. Hike the imposing Mount Nkungwe and get rewarded with a wealth of animals and birds.
- Bird Watching: With an abundance of bird species, bird watching is a popular activity in the forested Mahale mountains and lake shorelines. Take short walks along the forest trails within the park boundaries to locate species such as hornbills, kingfishers, and guinea fowls.
- Swimming and Snorkelling: Enjoy the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika and soak in its white sands while enjoying its diverse aquatic life. You can also go swimming, kayaking, or engage in fishing activities along the lake and its shores.
The dry season from July to October is the Best Time to Visit Mahale Mountains National Park for chimpanzee trekking and hiking. During this period, chimpanzees are likely to be seen lower down the mountains, making them easier to find, and the lack of rain makes hiking conditions more comfortable.
Discover the tranquillity of nature and the thrill of unique wildlife encounters in Mahale Mountains National Park. Here, the serene landscapes and diverse fauna promise an unforgettable journey into one of Tanzania's hidden gems. Take the first step towards your Mahale adventure. Start planning your visit today!




