Mahale Mountains National Park

Welcome to Mahale Mountains National Park, a stunning and secluded wilderness area located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika. Known worldwide for its wild chimpanzees and breathtaking landscapes, Mahale offers an unforgettable blend of primate trekking, mountain hiking, and pristine lake experiences.

Covering about 1,600 square kilometers (618 square miles), Mahale is one of Tanzania’s most remote and least visited national parks — a true paradise for adventurers seeking untouched beauty and extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Why Visit Mahale Mountains National Park?

Mahale is ideal for travelers who want:

  • Intimate chimpanzee trekking in one of Africa’s best habitats

  • Hiking scenic mountain trails with panoramic views of Lake Tanganyika

  • Exploring lush forests, waterfalls, and hidden beaches

  • Swimming and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika

  • A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path safari experience far from crowds

Mahale perfectly combines wildlife, nature, and adventure for the discerning traveler.

Exploring Mahale – Activities and Trails

Mahale offers a range of activities tailored for nature lovers:

  • Guided chimpanzee trekking — track chimps through dense forests

  • Kayaking and swimming in Lake Tanganyika’s clear waters

  • Hiking to mountain viewpoints and waterfalls

  • Birdwatching tours for tropical species

  • Relaxing on secluded sandy beaches

Best Time to Visit Mahale Mountains National Park

  • Dry Season (June to October) – Best for trekking, hiking, and boat activities

  • Wet Season (November to May) – Lush scenery but trails can be slippery and some areas harder to access

How to Get to Mahale Mountains National Park

By Air:

  • Fly to Kigoma Airport from Dar es Salaam or Arusha (about 1.5 hours)

  • Take a boat or light aircraft transfer to Mahale’s lodges (boat takes about 4 hours)

By Road:

  • Road travel to Kigoma is possible but long (24+ hours), followed by boat transfer

Where to Stay in Mahale Mountains National Park

Accommodation in Mahale is exclusive and eco-friendly, blending luxury with wilderness immersion.

Recommended Lodges:

  • Greystoke Mahale – Upscale tented camps with stunning lake views and excellent chimp trekking access

  • Nomad Mahale – Exclusive eco-camps offering intimate wilderness experiences

  • Mahale Mountains Tented Camp – Comfortable, close to chimp tracking zones

Unique Activities in Mahale Mountains National Park

  • Chimpanzee trekking and observation
  • Kayaking and swimming in Lake Tanganyika
  • Guided forest hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints
  • Birdwatching and photography
  • Relaxing on pristine beaches

Suggested Safari Duration

3 to 5 days is ideal to fully experience chimp trekking, lake activities, and forest exploration.

Why Include Mahale Mountains National Park in Your Tanzania Safari?

Mahale offers a unique primate trekking experience combined with stunning mountain and lake scenery — perfect for wildlife lovers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Combine Mahale with:

  • Gombe Stream National Park for extended chimpanzee exploration

  • Selous or Ruaha National Park for classic wildlife safaris

  • Zanzibar for a relaxing beach finale

Ready to Explore Tanzania’s Primate Wilderness?

Let’s create your dream Mahale Mountains National Park itinerary with expert guidance and tailored experiences.

📩 Contact us now for personalized safari planning and quotes.

Most common animals

  • Wild Chimpanzees – Watch their fascinating social groups during guided treks

  • Sitatunga Antelope – Rare swamp-dwelling antelope, shy and elusive

  • Red Colobus Monkeys – Unique primates endemic to this region

  • Leopards – Occasionally spotted in the forests

  • Birdlife – Over 200 species including kingfishers, hornbills, and fish eagles

  • Crocodiles and Hippos – In Lake Tanganyika’s waters

  • Mahale’s chimpanzees are famous for their tool use, social complexity, and playful behavior, making each trekking encounter truly special.

Facts about Mahale Mountains National Park

  • Mahale is one of the last great wildernesses of East Africa, largely untouched by mass tourism

  • Jane Goodall conducted pioneering chimpanzee research here in the 1960s and 70s

  • The park’s forests are a mix of montane and lowland tropical rainforest, home to rare plants

  • Visitors can kayak on Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second deepest lake

  • Mahale’s chimpanzees are known to fish for termites with sticks, showcasing remarkable intelligence