Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the most remote and beautiful places in Tanzania. Forested mountains rise straight out of Lake Tanganyika, one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the world. The park is home to a large population of wild chimpanzees, some of which are used to people after decades of research. There are no roads. You arrive by plane and boat.
Mahale at a glance
| Location | Western Tanzania, on Lake Tanganyika |
| Best known for | Wild chimpanzees, mountain forest, lake beaches |
| Best time | July to October |
| Access | Light aircraft, then boat |
| Recommended stay | 3–4 nights |
The chimpanzees
Scientists have studied Mahale’s chimps since the 1960s, and one community, known as the M group, is habituated to human visitors. Watching them is very different from a game drive. You hear them before you see them: pant-hoots and drumming on tree roots. Then you watch them groom, feed, play and argue at close range.
How a chimp trek works
- Trackers go out early to find the chimps.
- You leave camp with a guide and ranger once they are located.
- The walk may take minutes or several hours on steep forest trails.
- Time with the chimps is limited, usually to about an hour.
- You return to camp for lunch, swimming or a rest.
Trekking rules
- Keep a set distance from the chimps and follow the guide’s instructions.
- Wear a face mask near the chimps to protect them from human diseases.
- Do not trek if you are unwell.
- No flash photography, eating or drinking near the chimps.
- A minimum age applies.
Chimpanzees share much of our DNA and catch many of our illnesses. These rules protect them.
Best time to visit
| Months | Conditions |
|---|---|
| July–October | Dry season; chimps often lower on the slopes, easier treks |
| November–February | Wetter; chimps may range higher |
| March–May | Long rains; many camps close |
Other things to do
- Swim in Lake Tanganyika from the beach, in marked areas.
- Kayak or take a boat trip along the shore.
- Snorkel to see the lake’s colourful cichlid fish.
- Look for red colobus, red-tailed monkeys and forest birds.
Getting there
Scheduled light-aircraft flights reach Mahale a few times a week in season, often combined with Katavi or Ruaha. From the airstrip, a boat takes you along the lakeshore to camp. Because flights are limited, Mahale trips follow fixed days, and we plan the rest of your itinerary around them.
Mahale or Gombe?
Both parks are on Lake Tanganyika. Mahale is larger, more remote and has a more complete wilderness feel. Gombe is smaller and easier to reach from Kigoma, and it is famous for Jane Goodall’s research. Read our guide to Gombe Stream National Park to compare.
Planning your trip
Our Mahale Chimpanzees itinerary gives you several days in the forest. It combines well with Ruaha or a beach finish on Zanzibar. Pack sturdy walking shoes, long trousers and a light rain jacket. Our packing list has the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Very likely with three or more nights. The chimps range widely, so treks vary from a short walk to several hours, and some days take longer to find them.
Yes, a minimum age applies. We confirm the current rule for your dates when you book.
By light aircraft to the Mahale airstrip, usually via Arusha, Ruaha or Katavi, followed by a boat along the lakeshore. There are no roads into the park.
