Experience Mahale Mountains National Park
Established in 1985 and covering 1,613 square kilometers, Mahale is defined by the dramatic Mahale Mountains range, which rises steeply from the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Explore on Map
Iconic Highlights
1
Chimpanzee Trekking: Home to nearly 1,000 chimpanzees, with the "M Group" being well-habituated to human presence.
2
Lake Tanganyika Beaches: Pristine, powdery white sand beaches that feel more like the Indian Ocean than a lakeside.
3
Kayaking & Snorkeling: Exploring the lake’s clear waters, which host over 250 species of colorful cichlid fish.
4
Mount Nkungwe Trek: A challenging 2- to 3-day hike to the summit for spectacular views across the lake toward the mountains of the Congo.
5
Sunset Dhow Cruises: Traditional wooden boats offering unparalleled sunset views over the world's longest freshwater lake.
Wildlife & Nature
Lion
Elephant
Leopard
Giraffe
Chimpanzee
Photo Gallery
Climate & When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Monthly Averages
| Month | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Aug | 30°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Dec | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Feb | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jan | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jul | 29°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jun | 28°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Mar | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| May | 28°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Nov | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Oct | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Sep | 29°C | --°C | -- mm |
Travel Requirements
Visa: Standard Tanzania Tourist Visa.
Access: Exclusively by boat or light aircraft. Scheduled charter flights run twice weekly from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to the Mahale airstrip.
Health: Yellow Fever certificate (if applicable) and Malaria prophylaxis.
Protocol: Like Gombe, surgical masks are often required when near chimps to prevent disease transmission, and a 10-meter distance must be maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Mahale and Gombe compare?
Mahale is much larger, more remote, and offers a wider variety of wildlife (including large mammals like elephants). Gombe is smaller and easier to access from Kigoma, but Mahale is often considered the more "premium" and diverse experience.
Are there crocodiles in the lake at Mahale?
Yes, there are crocodiles and hippos in Lake Tanganyika. However, the areas directly in front of the main lodges are generally monitored and considered safe for swimming—always ask your lodge manager before jumping in.
Can I reach Mahale by road?
No. There are no roads leading into the park. You must fly to the park’s airstrip and take a short boat ride, or take a multi-hour boat trip from Kigoma or Lagosa.
What is the age limit for chimp trekking?
The minimum age is 12 years (slightly lower than Gombe's 15 in some instances, but strictly enforced by TANAPA).
How long should I stay?
Because flights only operate on certain days (usually Mondays and Thursdays), most visitors stay for 3 or 4 nights. This ensures multiple opportunities to find the chimps.