Mahale Mountains National Park spans approximately 1600 square kilometers along the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, south of Kigoma District. The national park got its name from the Mahale ranges and mountains that border the park. The area is also known as Nkungwe, named after the highest peak of the Mahale Mountains, which holds sacred significance for the local Tongwe people. At 2,460 meters, it is the tallest of the six notable points forming the Mahale Range.
Chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park
The Mahale Mountains National Park is home to about 800 of Africa’s wild chimpanzees, which have been habituated to human presence through a Japanese research project initiated in the 1960s. Other wildlife you will find in this park include giant squirrels, porcupines, colobus monkeys, giraffes, mongooses, grysboks, lions, African wild dogs, leopards, kudus, sable antelopes, elephants, and buffalos. The park also features an array of butterflies fluttering around.
The foothills of the ranges also support diverse flora, with over 500 plant species. Notably, more than 100 of these plants are consumed by chimpanzees and other animals. Hike through the montane rainforest, elevated grassy ridges, and alpine forest vegetation. The park also documents a variety of wild birds common to Tanzania safaris.
The lakeshore is a vital habitat for water birds, while the reed swamps, plains, and smaller swamps also host several bird species. Some of these include red-collared widowbirds, crowned eagles, mousebirds, bee-eaters, rollers, guinea fowls, parrots, and turacos.
The world’s best, deepest, and also least-polluted lake has a projected many fish variety.
How to get to Mahale Mountains National Park
Getting to Mahale Mountains National Park can be a bit challenging due to its remote location, but it’s worth the effort due to the amazing attractions and nature wonder the park has! Here are the main options:
By Air: This is the most common and convenient method to reach the park. You can fly from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Arusha or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. From there, you’ll take a scheduled or charter flight to Kalilani Airstrip, just outside the park. Most travel agents in Tanzania arrange these flights as part of a tour package.
By Road and Boat: If you’re coming from the south, you can fly to Kigoma Airport (TKQ) and then take a combination of road and boat to reach the park.
By Boat: Once you get near the park, the only way to access it is by boat on Lake Tanganyika.
There are scheduled boat services from Kigoma, and some lodges offer private boat transfers from the airstrip to the lodge. You can also arrange for a fishing boat or schedule transfers from the park headquarters before you arrive.
Things to do
Hiking in Mahale Mountains National Park
Chimpanzee tracking is always within a couple of days. Guides identify nests and indistinct clumps in the jungle. Leftovers from half-eaten fruit and fresh dung become valuable evidence, leading deeper into the forest. The experience is simply memorable.
Walk through the low-lying forest to find different birds and wildlife.
Climbing to the peak of Mt. Nkugwe offers another thrilling adventure, which takes 2 to 3 days. Night camping on the mountain is always available during the dry season.
Lake Tanganyika offers options for diving in the vast inland sea. The fresh lake waters are often ideal for swimming and sport fishing, although a license is required. Popular catches include big tiger fish.
Cultural visits to the nearby village towns of Kigoma and Ujiji add to the experience.
When to Visit Mahale Mountains National Park
The best time to visit Mahale Mountains National Park is during the dry season from May to October. The weather is dry during this period, making it easier to track chimpanzees and enjoy other activities.
The chances of seeing chimpanzees in the park are particularly high from August to October, as they tend to stay closer to the lakeshore. This makes these months perfect for primate lovers to visit the park. Additionally, the park is less crowded during this time, offering a more memorable experience.
Where to stay in the park
Accommodation in Mahale Mountains National Park ranges from luxurious lodges to comfortable tented camps, all offering stunning views of Lake Tanganyika and the surrounding mountains.
Here are some of the accommodation options in the Mahale Mountains National Park:
Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge in Mahale National Park
Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge: A 4-star lodge known for its excellent service and beautiful location. It also offers spacious, airy bandas camouflaged in palm groves.
Greystoke Mahale, Nomad Tanzania: Another top-tier lodge with spacious bandas set on the edge of a mini-lagoon with silver sand beaches. It’s also renowned for its high standards of service and tour guiding.
Tented Camps: These are typically canvas-walled rooms on raised platforms with thatched shading.
They offer a more rustic experience while still providing comfort and excellent views
