Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. Named after the Mahale Mountains range that is within its borders, covers an area of 1 613 km² and is located about 128 km south of Kigoma town on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika.
Though it is well-known for chimpanzees and baboons, Mahale Mountains National Park has also savannah adapted species of East and South Africa, forest adapted species of West and Central Africa or Congo Basin animals. Among them are the giant squirrel, red-legged sun squirrel, brush-tailed porcupine, Angolan black and White-Colobus (which are regarded to be a new species in this area), Bushy-tailed mongoose, and sharp's grysbok. Besides the chimps, leopard, lion, kudu, eland, buffalo, roan and sable antelope, and a host of other game wander through this reserve. Best time to visit
The dry season (May -October) is the best period. During this period, chimpanzees are likely to be seen in big groups, the sunshine illuminates the fish in the Lake and the beach is an inviting place to relax. However, Mahale Mountains National Park is accessible all year round. A visit in the rainy season can also be a memorable experience, made remarkable by views of the neighboring country DR Congo across the water and by incredible lightning storms that light up the lake at night.
Tourist Attractions
The Chimpanzees.
Chain of Mountains (Mahale range).
Forest fauna and flora (Angola colobus, red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, forest birds, alpine bamboo and montane rain forest.
Beach along Lake Tanganyika.
Sun set on the Lake horizon.
What to do
Chimp tracking (allow two days)
Hiking to the Park’s highest point “Nkungwe” (8,069ft) held sacred by the local Tongwe people.
Camping safaris.
Snorkeling.
ports fishing.
Canoeing.
Park Accessibility
Accessible by air, road and boat