Located deep within the Great Rift Valley, in the isolated and difficult-to-reach western part of Tanzania found the Mahale Mountains. This region acts as a habitat for numerous chimpanzees. These mountains are very impressive and are well-known for their remarkable sunsets over the gorgeous Lake Tanganyika as well as Eastern Zaire.
The environment comprises rainforests on the steeper mountain slopes, in addition to woodland, alpine-bamboo, and grasslands. The most excellent times to visit this area are starting the month of May all through to October.
Chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park
This somewhat small park is found on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika and just below Gombe-Stream National Park. The park is supposedly one of the least visited national parks in Tanzania because there are no roads and other infrastructures within the park boundaries and the only way it can be accessed is by boat on the lake, even though it is small as compared to the other Tanzania parks a visit to Mahale Mountains National Park is an amazing and a lifetime adventure.
Lake Tanganyika is grand for snorkeling and in addition to pride in ninety cichlid species, there is also a chance to enjoy the community/village walking plus photography safari opportunities. Other than the chimpanzee plus the yellow baboon additionally there are several other animals found in this area among which are numerous monkeys like the red-tailed, Sykes monkeys. Furthermore, colobus monkeys both black and white, plus the red, are commonly seen as they often swing from one tree to another, move around the trees, and hear evocative echoing out to each other through the verdant forest. Oh, what a memorable experience!
The Rail services across the country towards the lake region are not very dependable and yet they are quite slow. Accommodation offered is basic with counted usually expensive alternatives for those searching for something more luxurious. Fortunately, a number of tour operators in Tanzania handle tours in this area and possess their private tented camps.
Even though it’s close to Gombe Stream National Park and is more well-known than Mahale, the Mahale Mountains offer more spectacular views of chimpanzees as they normally tend to spend more time within the Mahale.
Witnessing the chimpanzees in their natural habitat is such an amazing experience. Even if this region is isolated, taking a chimpanzee safari to the Mahale Mountains National Park is very worth the effort. Taking a hike to the chimpanzees’ habitation areas is very accessible and yet not exhausting. However, being in very good physical condition will actually make it very simple for you to walk through the verdant jungle. This encounter will offer you a lifetime experience. The Mahale Mountains although isolated will certainly be an African destination that you definitely not forget.
How to Get to Mahale Mountains National Park
First of all, you can catch a charter flight from one of the following towns, Arusha, Kigoma, or Dar Es Salaam, You can also travel privately using the motorboat from the town of Kigoma, and this will run for 3 to 4 hours.
There is a Weekly steamer that runs from Kigoma, and it goes for 7 hours, from there you can hire a traditional fishing boat or alternatively organize with park Headquarters to be picked up in a park boat, and this will go for one to two hours.
What to do Mahale Mountains
Enjoy Chimp tracking best done in two days, hiking, camping safaris, snorkeling, or sport fishing.
When to go to the Mahale Mountains
the best time to visit is in the Dry season from May to October and this time is ideal for forest walks. However, during October and November, the area experiences some slight rains.
Accommodation in Mahale Mountains
There are 3 seasonal luxury-tented camps, large campsite plus two small rest-houses.
