Mahale Mountains National Park, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Established in 1985, the park spans approximately 1,650 square kilometers and is one of the few African parks accessible solely by boat, offering a pristine and undisturbed environment.
The park’s diverse habitats include rainforest, woodland, bamboo forest, montane forest, and mountain grasslands, supporting a unique mix of flora and fauna.
It is home to the largest known population of eastern chimpanzees, providing exceptional opportunities for chimpanzee trekking. In addition to chimpanzees, visitors may encounter other primates such as yellow baboons, blue monkeys, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys.
The park’s mountainous terrain, with peaks like Mount Nkungwe reaching 2,462 meters, offers breathtaking views and challenging hiking trails.
The clear waters of Lake Tanganyika are ideal for snorkeling, fishing, and boat safaris, allowing visitors to explore the park’s aquatic ecosystems. Mahale Mountains National Park remains a remote and tranquil destination, attracting those seeking adventure and a connection with nature.
Travelers can drive from Arusha to Kigoma, a journey of approximately 1,020 kilometers (633 miles) that typically takes about 15 to 20 hours, depending on road conditions. The route passes through various towns and offers a glimpse into rural Tanzanian life. From Kigoma, the park is accessible by road, with a drive of about 128 kilometers (5 hours) south, running southeast along the shore of Lake Tanganyika.
For a more efficient journey, travelers can opt for domestic flights. Scheduled flights are available from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, operated by airlines such as Air Tanzania. From Kigoma, chartered flights can be arranged to the park’s airstrip, with companies like Safari Air Link, Coastal Aviation, Air Excel, and Zantas Air offering services.
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Track wild chimpanzees in their natural forest habitat for a unique wildlife experience.
Observe diverse bird species in the park’s varied ecosystems.
Visit local communities and learn about traditional fishing methods and lifestyle.
Refresh in the lake’s clear waters or kayak along its shoreline.
Spot diverse wildlife, including monkeys, antelopes, and exotic birds.
Capture stunning landscapes, wildlife, and chimpanzees in action.
Try fishing in Lake Tanganyika with local guides.
Discover our sample tour that can help you to get started. Each tour can be tailored based on your travel wishes.
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