Tanzania’s Wild Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Mahale Mountains National Park, located along the western shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is one of Africa’s most remote and spectacular wilderness areas. Surrounded by jungle-clad mountains rising up to 2,460 m, the park offers visitors a unique combination of pristine forest, towering peaks, and the world’s longest freshwater lake.

Wild Chimpanzees – The Star Attraction

Mahale Mountains is globally renowned for its population of wild chimpanzees, one of the last remaining in Africa. Roughly 800 chimpanzees inhabit the park, habituated to human visitors through decades of research by Japanese scientists since the 1960s.

Tracking these chimpanzees is an extraordinary adventure. Visitors follow guides who interpret signs such as nests, half-eaten fruits, and fresh dung, leading deep into the forest. Once found, the chimpanzees can be observed grooming, playing, and swinging effortlessly through the trees, an unforgettable glimpse into their daily lives.

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Diverse Wildlife and Birdwatching

While chimpanzees are the main draw, Mahale’s lush forests are home to a rich variety of other wildlife. Red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and the endemic Angola colobus monkeys are commonly seen. Birdwatchers are treated to colourful forest birds, including African paradise flycatchers, turacos, hornbills, and sunbirds, making Mahale a prime destination for birding tours in Tanzania.

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Exploring the Mahale Mountains

The park’s towering peaks, known as the Mahale Range, are sacred to the local Tongwe people, who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries. Visitors can hike through montane rainforests, bamboo-dotted alpine ridges, and open grasslands, discovering endemic plants and spotting wildlife along the way. Trails often lead to breath-taking viewpoints overlooking Lake Tanganyika, offering some of the most scenic landscapes in Tanzania.

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Lake Tanganyika – Swimming, Boating, and Relaxation

After trekking, visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest and longest freshwater lake. Its calm, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, canoeing, and relaxing after a day of wildlife adventures. The lake is also home to over 1,000 fish species, making it a hotspot for aquatic biodiversity enthusiasts.

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Highlights of Mahale Mountains National Park:

• Trekking and chimpanzee tracking
• Endangered primates: chimpanzees, red colobus, and Angola colobus monkeys
• Birdwatching in pristine montane rainforest
• Swimming and relaxation in Lake Tanganyika
• Scenic mountain and lake views

Getting There

The park is accessible by boat from Kigoma or via light aircraft charters. Its remote location ensures an intimate, unspoiled safari experience.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season from June to October is ideal for chimpanzee tracking, hiking, and boat activities.