With its significant population of Chimpanzees, Mahale Mountains National Park is, along with Gombe National Park, one of the few protected areas for primates.
Mahale National Park is rich in vegetation. Tropical forests flourish in areas with all kinds of trees, including alpine bamboo and laurel.
Safaris in the park are carried out on foot, along the trails that wind through the tropical forest.
These hikes in the heart of the African jungle can last from 20 minutes to several hours. You will have the chance to follow the trail left by the chimpanzees.
The animals of the Mahale Mountains
- Chimpanzees
- Yellow baboon
- Red-tailed and blue monkey
- Red colobus
- Lion
- Wild dog
- Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Forest birds
- Elephant
There are more than 50 species of mammals in the park, and more than 100 species of fish swim in the clear waters of the lake. The park is home to more than 200 species of birds, including African fish eagles, storks and a variety of migratory birds.
Safari in the Mahale Mountains
A visit to Mahale Mountains National Park takes at least two days, so you have every chance of seeing a chimpanzee. Access to the park is quite difficult and travellers often stay longer.
At the end of the day, sit on the shores of Lake Tanganyika and admire the idyllic scenery with an unforgettable sunset. You will have the opportunity to try scuba diving in the turquoise waters and see colourful fish.
Mahale National Park is a paradise for anglers and one of the best places to fish on Lake Tanganyika. Due to the tightly controlled park limits, there are plenty of fish in the area.
When to visit Mahale National Park?
Mahale National Park can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is from May to October. It is hot and dry during this period, making it an ideal place to visit. You can also easily find chimpanzees during this period.
How do I get to Mahale National Park?
Access to Mahale National Park is very difficult, but there are many ways to get there.
The easiest way to get to the park is by plane.
During the tourist season, accommodation providers arrange regular flights between Arusha and Mahale.
If you are on a limited budget, you can travel to Mahale by car or train via Kigoma.
Depending on your departure point, the journey can take several days, but you can also discover the country at the same time. When you arrive in Kigoma, you have to take a boat, so allow for a boat trip of at least 4-5 hours on Lake Tanganyika.
Where to stay in Mahale National Park?
Several options are available to you during your stay in Mahale National Park. From luxury lodge to camping, our advisors will find what suits you.
Rates and regulations of Mahale National Park
Mahale park entrance fee
- US$80 per adult
- US$20 per child aged 5 to 15
- Free for children under 5
Mahale park regulations
The regulations in Mahale park are among the strictest in Tanzania’s parks, along with Gombe.
As this is a protected park mainly dedicated to chimpanzee research, it is important to respect not only the primate population, but also the park’s flora and fauna. Your local guide will explain the safety measures directly on site.
