Mahale Mountains National Park: A Hidden Gem on Lake Tanganyika

Located 120 km south of Kigoma town, Mahale Mountains National Park stretches across a scenic peninsula on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. Covering 1,613 square kilometers, the park is defined by the Mahale Mountain Range, which runs from northwest to southeast. The highest peak, Mount Nkungwe, reaches 2,462 meters above sea level. The park’s western boundary protects 63 kilometers of lakeshore and an adjacent 1.6 km-wide stretch of coastal waters. The landscape is diverse, featuring Miombo woodlands, riverine forests, some rainforests, and savannahs, all of which provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife.

Mahale Mountains, like its northern neighbor Gombe Stream, is home to one of Africa’s last remaining populations of wild chimpanzees, with approximately 800 individuals. These chimpanzees live in the park’s rainforests alongside other species such as the Angolan colobus monkey and various other primates. The Miombo woodlands are home to species like roan antelope, sable antelope, and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, while the savannahs shelter warthogs, giraffes, Grant’s zebras, hyenas, and lions.

The park is remote and road-free, accessible only by boat or light aircraft, making it a true off-the-beaten-path destination. With more than 350 recorded bird species, Mahale is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. On the western border of the park lies Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest and second-deepest freshwater lake, home to around 250 unique fish species. Visitors to Mahale can enjoy activities like chimpanzee trekking, mountain climbing, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the pristine, sandy beaches of Lake Tanganyika.

About Mahale Mountains National Park

• Size: 1,613 sq km (623 sq miles)
• Location: 120 km south of Kigoma, on the western shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania

Getting There

• By Air: Fly from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport to Kigoma.
• By Boat: From Kigoma, take a scenic boat ride to Mahale, which takes about 4-5 hours, depending on weather conditions.

What to Do in Mahale Mountains National Park

• Chimpanzee Trekking: Spend time tracking the wild chimpanzees in the rainforests.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy hiking, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing in Lake Tanganyika.
• Explore Local History: Visit Ujiji, the site where Henry Stanley famously greeted Dr. Livingstone with “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”
• Relax: Unwind on the park’s pristine white sandy beaches.

Best Time to Visit Mahale Mountains National Park

• Wet Season (February-June, November-mid December): The chimpanzees tend to stay in more concentrated areas, making them easier to find.
• Dry Season (July-October, late December): Ideal for photography, with clearer weather and better visibility of the wildlife.