Mahale Mountains National Park
Plan My TripEnrich your incredible trip to Tanzania with the unbounding beauty of Mahale Mountains National Park, home to East Africa’s chimpanzees.
Cradled along Lake Tanganyika's eastern shore, the Mahale Mountains National Park unfolds across approximately 1,600 square kilometers, presenting a phenomenal natural canvas. The park weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of lush, forested mountains soaring above 2,000 meters, tumbling towards untouched white sand beaches. Here, swaying palms surround the world's longest freshwater lake, Lake Tanganyika, a jewel in the Great Rift Valley's crown which cradles an unparalleled diversity of endemic fish species within its ancient waters.
Mahale fosters incredible adventure vacations, with the lake's crystalline depths inviting kayaking, snorkeling, and serene swims. Meanwhile, it homes some of the most pristine Tanzania beaches which offer tranquil escapes from the modern world. Still, the heart of Mahale's allure lies in its dense forests, home to an enigmatic population of chimpanzees. The park's verdant expanse harbors between 700 to 1,000 of these primates, making Mahale Mountains National Park a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzania safari tour destination.
Embarking on guided treks through this untouched wilderness offers a profound connection with nature, tracing rugged mountain trails in search of the chimps. These journeys, ranging from a few hours to a full day's trek, culminate in an unparalleled experience: coming face-to-face with our closest relatives, sharing a moment of mutual curiosity amidst the forest's timeless beauty.
When to go to Mahale Mountains
Generally, there is no specific best time to visit Tanzania, but there are pros and cons to both the dry and wet season.
It’s possible to track chimpanzees all year round in Mahale Mountains National Park, however the best time to see them is the hot dry season between July and October. During these months, the chimps venture down to the lower slopes in search of fruits.
The green season (November to March) offers the best photography conditions with gushing waterfalls and beautiful clear views over the lake. There are scores of butterflies and migratory birds return home, making for excellent bird watching. However, the rainy season also makes the forest trails muddy and slippery, with the chimpanzees becoming more difficult to track. Many lodges close around April and May at the height of the wet season.
WEATHER CHART:
- Excellent
- GOOD
- POOR
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