Mahale Mountains National Park sits on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake. There are no roads: visitors fly in and continue by boat. Its forests are home to around 1,000 chimpanzees, one group of which has been studied by researchers since the 1960s and is habituated to people.
Days combine chimpanzee treks through the forest with swimming, kayaking and dhow trips on the lake, making it one of the most magical and exclusive safari experiences in Africa.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Lake Tanganyika beaches
- Kayaking and dhow trips
Wildlife & what you'll see
- Chimpanzee
- Red colobus and red-tailed monkeys
- Cichlid fish in the lake
Things to do
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Swimming and kayaking
- Forest walks
Best time to visit
July to October, when chimpanzees are often lower on the slopes.
Getting there
Charter or scheduled flights (often combined with Katavi), then a boat transfer along the lake.
Experiences in Mahale Mountains
FAQs about Mahale Mountains
How close can you get to the chimpanzees?
Visitors keep at least 8 metres away and wear masks to protect the chimps from human illness. Time with them is limited to one hour.
