Mahale-National-Park – Off2Tanzania Safaris

Mahale National Park

Where Chimpanzees Roam Free

Overview

Mahale Mountains National Park, located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is one of the country’s most remote and pristine national parks. Covering approximately 1,613 square kilometers, the park is famous for its dense forests, rugged mountains, and unique primate populations, particularly the endangered chimpanzees.

Mahale is one of Tanzania’s least visited parks, offering adventurous travelers an exclusive wilderness experience with breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Why Visit Mahale National Park

Mahale is ideal for travelers seeking something truly unique a remote wilderness where you can walk with chimpanzees, swim in Africa’s clearest lake, and relax on untouched beaches surrounded by mountains and rainforest. Its beauty, tranquility, and extraordinary wildlife experiences make Mahale one of Tanzania’s most magical and unforgettable destinations.

Wildlife Experience

Mahale is world-renowned for its large community of wild chimpanzees, which roam freely through the forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains. Tracking these chimps in their natural habitat is the park’s signature experience. Beyond the chimps, visitors may encounter red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, bushbuck, and a variety of forest mammals. Lake Tanganyika adds another layer of biodiversity, with colorful fish species, otters, and excellent opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking. Birdlife is diverse, especially in the forest canopy and along the lakeshore.

Safari Activities

Chimpanzee trekking is the highlight of Mahale, led by experienced guides who know the chimp communities and their daily movements. Visitors can also enjoy guided forest walks, birdwatching, scenic hikes, and cultural visits to nearby local communities. Lake Tanganyika offers activities such as snorkeling, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and peaceful boat trips along the shoreline. The combination of forest adventure and lakeside relaxation creates a safari experience that is both exciting and serene.

Landscape & Scenery

The park’s scenery is breathtaking—towering forested mountains rise sharply from the turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika, creating one of Africa’s most dramatic natural backdrops. Dense tropical rainforest, woodland valleys, hidden waterfalls, and white sandy beaches give Mahale a unique blend of jungle and island-like beauty. The sunsets over the lake are spectacular, casting brilliant colors across the water and the rugged mountain silhouettes.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mahale is from July to October, when chimpanzee trekking is at its best. During this period, the trails are drier, and the chimps spend more time on the lower slopes, making tracking easier and more predictable. The green season from November to May brings lush forests, beautiful scenery, and calmer lakes, but trekking can be more challenging due to rainfall. Regardless of the season, Mahale remains rich, peaceful, and extremely scenic year-round.

Accommodation

Mahale offers a small number of exclusive, eco-friendly camps and luxury tented lodges positioned along the lakeshore. These properties blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, providing intimate stays with private beaches, stunning views, and direct access to trekking trails. Because of the park’s remoteness, visitor numbers are low, ensuring privacy and a deep connection with the environment.

Contact Us

Nairobi road, Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa

Phone :+255 677 612 788

info@off2tanzaniasafaris.com