Tanzania attractions - Mahale Mountains National Park is home to some of the last remaining wild chimpanzees in Africa. Around 1,000 of these fascinating animals roam the isolated rainforest of Mahale, a chain of dramatic peaks draped in lush vegetation falling to Lake Tanganyika’s beaches far below.
Mahale Mountains National Park is located in one of the most remote locations in Tanzania, on the western border with the Congo. Although the nearby Gombe Stream National Park is more famous, the primate population in Mahale Mountains is more numerous and sightings more regular and prolonged.
Visitors are led on guided walks in search of the chimpanzees, following clues such as the previous night’s nests, shadowy clumps high in the trees, or scraps of half-eaten fruit and fresh dung. Once found, the chimpanzees preen each other’s glossy coats in concentrated huddles, squabble noisily or bound effortlessly into the trees, swinging nonchalantly through the vines.
In addition to a hike on the trail of the chimpanzees, visitors can trace the Tongwe people’s ancient pilgrimage to the mountain spirits, trekking through enclaves of rain forest to grassy ridges checkered with alpine bamboo. After a hot walk in the forest, the clear waters of the lake, home to 250 species of fish, beckon for a refreshing swim.
The best time for forest walks in Mahale is during the dry season, from May to October. The light rains of October and November present no real obstacle to visitors.
In addition to a hike on the trail of the chimpanzees, visitors can trace the Tongwe people’s ancient pilgrimage to the mountain spirits, trekking through enclaves of rain forest to grassy ridges checkered with alpine bamboo. After a hot walk in the forest, the clear waters of the lake, home to 250 species of fish, beckon for a refreshing swim.
The best time for forest walks in Mahale is during the dry season, from May to October. The light rains of October and November present no real obstacle to visitors.
Birding is also highly recommended in this area.