Mahale Mountains National Park
Wild chimpanzees in forested mountains above the clear water of Lake Tanganyika.
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Lake Tanganyika
- Forest walks
- Kayaking
- Remote beaches
- Mountains
Our view
Mahale is one of the most beautiful places I know in Africa. Forest-covered mountains rise straight out of Lake Tanganyika, the beaches are white and empty, and there are no roads: you arrive by plane and boat.
The reason most people come is the chimpanzees. A community of wild chimps here has been studied for decades and is used to people, so you can spend time close to them in the forest, watching them feed, groom and squabble. Treks can be short or long depending on where the chimps are, and time with them is limited to an hour to protect them.
The rest of the day is spent at the lake: swimming, kayaking, fishing or simply sitting on the beach as the sun goes down over the mountains of Congo on the far shore.
Mahale combines naturally with Katavi, which shares its flights and offers the big-game safari to go with the chimpanzees.
Areas within the park
The forest
Lowland and mountain forest on the lake side of the range, home to the habituated chimpanzee community.
Lake Tanganyika shore
Clear water, white beaches and rocky coves, explored by boat, kayak or on foot.
The high peaks
The Mahale range rises to more than 2,400 m, with bamboo and grassland on the higher slopes.
When to go
Camps are seasonal. Chimps can be seen whenever the camps are open, but treks are often shorter later in the dry season.
Where to stay
Mahale, Tanzania
Greystoke Mahale
$2,170 – $2,365
Safaris that go here
7 Nights Serengeti and Mahale
Serengeti › Mahale
2027 rates on request
Starting and ending in Arusha, combine the famous Serengeti National Park with the pristine and wild Mahale National Park – home to one of the largest concentrations of wild Chimpanzees…
21 Nights – Ultimate Tanzania
Tarangire › Ngorongoro › Serengeti › Katavi › Mahale › Ruaha › Nyerere
2027 rates on request
This comprehensive Tanzania safari takes you to the most renowned parks in Northern, Western, and Southern Tanzania. It is a captivating three-week drive and fly safari, ideal for the period…
7 Nights Western Tanzania
Katavi › Mahale
2027 rates on request
Visit Western Tanzania and go wild! These are some of the most remote parks in this amazing wildlife country! Katavi is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in all…
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Questions
How likely am I to see chimpanzees in Mahale?
The chances are very good when the camps are open, as guides track the chimps daily. Treks vary from a short walk to several hours, depending on where the chimps are.
How fit do I need to be for chimp trekking?
Reasonably fit. The forest is steep and humid, and you may walk for several hours. Your guide sets a pace that suits the group.
How do I get to Mahale?
By light aircraft to the Mahale airstrip, usually on set days of the week together with Katavi, then by boat along the lake shore to the camp.
Can I swim in Lake Tanganyika at Mahale?
Many visitors swim from the beach in front of the camp. Ask your guide about local conditions on the day.
Plan a safari to Mahale Mountains
Tell us roughly when and how you would like to travel, and we will reply with ideas and a detailed quote within one working day.