Mahale National Park Safaris

Leave the crowds behind and embark on a unique journey in Mahale Mountains National Park. Trek through lush rainforests, discover pristine shores along Lake Tanganyika, and encounter chimpanzees in their wild haven, forging a profound connection with this unspoiled wilderness.

Covering around 1,600 square kilometres of dense, mountainous rainforest rising from the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountains National Park is one of Africa’s most beautiful and least visited parks. This breathtaking scenery is complemented by the opportunity to see chimpanzees up close. The park is home to a large group of habituated chimps, meaning they are accustomed to human presence, allowing for meaningful and memorable encounters.

A visit to Mahale is not a traditional safari. Instead, it involves trekking through the lush vegetation, following leaf-strewn trails, crossing rivers, and discovering hidden waterfalls. While you may encounter various species of antelope and occasionally hear leopards, the primary focus is on chimp trekking and primate sightings. After a morning spent exploring the forested slopes, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear lake and sunbathe on the beach in the afternoon.

Getting to Mahale National Park is an experience in itself, accessible only by boat or air, which helps keep the park free from large numbers of tourists. Wildlife viewing here is less about the Big Five and more about the diverse species and exceptional plant and insect life in the dense forests.

A true Mahale safari experience is about the remarkable scenery, sandy lake shores, and forest explorations. It pairs perfectly with visits to southern Tanzania’s other safari reserves, such as Selous Game Reserve, Katavi, and Ruaha National Park.