Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, with no roads in. Visitors fly by light aircraft and then travel by boat. The park’s chimpanzees have been studied since the 1960s, and trekking from lakeside camps offers intimate encounters. The dry season, roughly July to October, is usually best, when chimps feed lower on the slopes.
Key takeaways
- No roads: access by light aircraft and boat.
- Chimps studied since the 1960s.
- Lakeside camps on Lake Tanganyika.
- Best in the dry season, about July–October.
Mahale Mountains National Park is one of Africa’s most remote and beautiful parks: forested mountains rising straight from the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest lake. There are no roads; the only way in is by small plane and boat.
The chimpanzees
Mahale’s chimpanzees have been studied by Japanese researchers since the 1960s, making them one of the longest-studied chimp populations in the world. Habituated communities are visited from lakeside camps, and treks range from short walks to longer climbs on the forested slopes.
The experience
Days follow the chimps: trackers locate them, and you walk into the forest to spend time with them. Afterwards, you relax on white-sand beaches by the lake, swim in the clear water (in permitted areas), or take a dhow trip at sunset.
Getting there
Light-aircraft flights from Arusha or other Tanzanian hubs land at Mahale’s airstrip, followed by a boat trip along the lakeshore to the camps. Flights usually run on set days, so trips are planned around the schedule.
Mahale combines beautifully with Katavi National Park’s wild plains, linked by the same flight circuit.
Who it suits
Experienced safari-goers, primate enthusiasts and travellers seeking remote, exclusive wilderness. For a more accessible chimp experience, consider chimpanzee tracking in Kibale.
Learn more
Read our chimpanzee guide and Gombe Stream, Tanzania’s other famous chimp park. Contact us to plan a western Tanzania trip.
When to go
The dry season, roughly July to October, is usually best, when chimps feed lower on the slopes and trails are easier. Some camps close during the long rains, typically around March to May.
Good to know
- Flights to Mahale run on set days.
- Pack light: small aircraft have strict baggage limits.
- Treks can be steep and long.
- Bring swimwear for the lake beaches.
Combine it with
Mahale is usually combined with Katavi National Park’s wild plains on the same flight circuit, or added to a Serengeti or Zanzibar trip by charter flight for a truly remote finale.
About Mahale
Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. Forested mountains rise steeply from white beaches and clear water. There are no roads; visitors arrive by light aircraft and boat.
The chimps
Mahale is home to a large chimpanzee population. Researchers from Japan began studying the chimps here in the 1960s, and their long-term research is among the most important in the world. The habituated community, known as the M group, is visited by tourists.
Tracking
Trackers locate the chimps early in the morning and guide visitors to them. Treks can be short or long, depending on where the chimps are, and the terrain is steep. You have one hour with them.
Life at camp
Camps sit on the beach of Lake Tanganyika. Afternoons are for swimming, kayaking, fishing and dhow trips, and evenings for watching the sun set over the mountains of Congo across the lake.
Getting there
Charter or scheduled light aircraft flights link Mahale with Arusha, Katavi and other parks, followed by a boat ride along the lake shore.
When to go
The dry season, roughly July to October, is usually best, when chimps often feed lower on the slopes. Some camps close during the long rains around March to May.
Who it suits
Mahale suits experienced safari-goers, primate enthusiasts and anyone looking for a remote, exclusive experience.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Mahale?
By light aircraft to the park’s airstrip, then by boat to the lakeside camps.
When is the best time?
The dry season, roughly July to October, when chimps are often lower on the slopes.
Is Mahale expensive?
Yes, because of its remoteness and flights, but it offers an exclusive experience.
Can I combine Mahale with the Serengeti?
Yes, with flights, though it adds cost and time.
How many days should I spend at Mahale?
At least three to four nights, to allow for flight schedules and more than one chimp trek.
Is Mahale worth the cost?
For chimp lovers, yes: it is one of the most beautiful and remote chimp destinations in Africa.
Can I swim in Lake Tanganyika?
Many visitors swim near the camps; follow local advice.
What is the minimum age for chimp trekking at Mahale?
Tanzania National Parks sets a minimum age of about 15; check rules when booking.
How do I get to Mahale?
By light aircraft from Arusha or Katavi, followed by a boat ride along the lake.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
