Welcome To Mahale National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park is one of Tanzania’s most stunning and unique national parks, renowned for its extraordinary beauty, lush forests, and being one of the last natural habitats of chimpanzees. Here’s an overview to help tourists get acquainted with this beautiful destination:

Location:

Mahale Mountains National Park is located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. It is only accessible by boat or plane, adding to its remote and untouched charm.

Highlights:

1. Chimpanzee Trekking:

• The park is home to one of the largest populations of wild chimpanzees in Africa. Tourists have the rare opportunity to trek through the forest and observe these primates in their natural habitat. The Mimikere group, or “M group,” of chimpanzees is particularly habituated to human presence, allowing for closer encounters.

1. Scenic Beauty:

• The park is known for its dramatic landscapes, featuring lush tropical forests, mountains, waterfalls, and pristine beaches along Lake Tanganyika. The clear, blue waters of the lake are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

1. Diverse Wildlife:

• Besides chimpanzees, Mahale hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including other primates like red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. It’s also home to a rich diversity of bird species and other animals like bushbucks and warthogs.

1. Lake Tanganyika:

• Being the world’s second-deepest and second-oldest freshwater lake, Lake Tanganyika offers an incredible experience with its crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful cichlid fish. It’s an ideal spot for snorkeling and fishing.

1. Remote and Untouched Experience:

• Mahale is one of the most remote parks in Tanzania, with no roads inside the park, and all exploration done on foot. This seclusion provides an unparalleled wilderness experience, far from crowds and commercialized tourism.

Best Time to Visit:

• The dry season from June to October is the best time for chimpanzee trekking, as the forest trails are more accessible, and the chimps are easier to find.
• The wet season, from November to May, is lush and green, with excellent birdwatching opportunities, but chimp sightings may be more challenging.

Accommodation:

• The park offers a few exclusive lodges and tented camps, ranging from luxury to basic. These accommodations provide stunning views of the lake and mountains and offer guided activities like chimp trekking and boat trips.

How to Get There:

• The park is accessible by charter flights from major Tanzanian cities like Arusha or Dar es Salaam to nearby airstrips. From there, visitors typically take a boat ride to the park.

Tips for Tourists:

• Fitness Level: Be prepared for trekking on steep and rugged terrain; a good level of fitness is recommended.
• Permits: Chimpanzee trekking requires permits, which should be arranged in advance due to limited availability.
• Health Precautions: Visitors should consider vaccinations and prophylactics for malaria, and be prepared with insect repellent due to the forested environment.

Heaven On Earth

Mahale Mountains National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience with its captivating wildlife, stunning scenery, and sense of true wilderness adventure