Mahale Mountains National Park
Forested mountains rising straight out of Lake Tanganyika, home to around 1,000 chimpanzees. There are no roads: you arrive by boat, and explore on foot.
At a glance
- Size
- About 1,610 km²
- Getting there
- An early Air Tanzania flight from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma (about 2 hours), then a boat south along the lake
- Best for
- Chimpanzee trekking, remote beaches, the lake
- Best time
- June to October is usually best for trekking
- Minimum age
- Ask us when you enquire
Why go
Mahale is one of the most remote and beautiful places in Tanzania. Japanese researchers have studied its chimpanzees since the 1960s, and one community is used to people, so you can follow them with a park guide through the forest. Between treks there are white-sand beaches, clear water for swimming and kayaking, and the Mahale peaks, rising to Mount Nkungwe at about 2,460 m.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking in mountain forest
- Beaches and clear water on Lake Tanganyika
- Walks towards Mount Nkungwe
- Red colobus and other forest monkeys
- No roads, no crowds
The conservation story
Mahale protects one of the largest populations of eastern chimpanzees in Tanzania, together with the forests and the lake shore they depend on. Because the park is so remote, every visitor’s fees matter, and the strict rules on group sizes, distance and face masks exist to keep the chimps healthy.
How your visit helps. Your park and chimpanzee trekking fees go to Tanzania National Parks, which protects Mahale. We hire local guides and boat crews and use locally owned suppliers wherever we can.
Trips that visit Mahale
From US$7,980 per person
Private trip
When to go
June to October is usually best, as the chimps often come lower down the slopes and trails are drier. Some lodges close during the long rains, around March to May.
Where to stay
We choose your lodges and camps to suit your budget and travel style, from simple tented camps to luxury lodges, and name them in your personal itinerary and quote.
Combine with: Gombe Stream · Katavi
Ready to plan your visit to Mahale?
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel, and we will send you a personal itinerary and quote. No obligation to book.
Adventure That Gives Back
Private safaris, treks and beach holidays across Tanzania, planned by a Tanzanian team.
Forest Hill, Kihimbwa St, Morogoro, Tanzania
Talk to us
WhatsApp +255 622 191 154
ecolegacy@ecolegacy-africa.com
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Tourism licence No. 035908
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