Mahale Mountain National park is a lushly forested mountain which is straight out of Lake Tanganyika. It also has world’s most intriguing wildlife.

The rainforest is on the western half and it is notable for chimpanzee sanctuary. There are around 14 groups of primates residing with leopards, blue duikers, red-tailed monkeys and many more animals with most of the rift valley bird species which are not found elsewhere in Tanzania.

The only way to get around the Mahale Mountain national park is by walking and boating along the shoreline. The main reason you will need to visit Mahale is to watch chimpanzees. Mahale is regarded as one of the best places in the world to see wild chimpanzees.

The main attractions of Mahale Mountains National Park are :

• Remoteness
• Primate trekking
• Hiking
• Snorkelling
• Bird watching

Mahale’s highest peak is Mt Nkungwe and it should be climbed only with an armed ranger. The climb requires a reasonable level of fitness but the trail is in decent shape. A two day option requires a willingness to scramble and hack your way through the bush.

The main activities of Mahale Mountain National Park are :

• Chimpanzee trekking
• Game viewing
• Bird watching
• Kayaking
• Snorkelling
• Fishing on clear water of Lake Tanganyika. 

Why to visit Mahale Mountain National Park :

You can spot the up-close encounters with chimpanzees; beautiful and stunning scenery with mountains rising up from the lakeshore.

When to visit Mahale Mountain National Park :

You can visit the park year around, but March to mid May is too wet to enjoy it. June through October is the easiest months for hiking up in steep slopes.

How to get to Mahale Mountain National Park :

By air - During season from June to October, regular scheduled flights from Arusha and Dar es Salaam (three to five hours) to the Mahale Airstrip are available. Out of season, flights are less regular. Charter flights can also be arranged.

By road - From Arusha to Kigoma, it takes about two to three days by car.

By boat - From Kigoma, there are speedboats (four to six hours) and timber boats (up to 15 hours) to Mahale.