Western Circuit · National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

Chimpanzees in forested mountains above Lake Tanganyika.

July–October, when chimpanzees are often lower on the slopes
approx. 1,600 km²

Mahale Mountains National Park

Type: National Park
Region: Western Circuit
Area: approx. 1,600 km²
Established: 1985
Best time: July–October, when chimpanzees are often lower on the slopes
Access: Light-aircraft flight, then boat along Lake Tanganyika

Overview

Forested mountains rising straight from the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika — and one of the best places in Africa to track wild chimpanzees.

Mahale Mountains National Park is reached only by air or boat. Its forest-clad peaks rise from the white-sand shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake, and shelter a large population of habituated chimpanzees that can be tracked on foot with experienced guides.

Alongside chimpanzees, the forest is home to red colobus and other primates, and the lake offers swimming, kayaking and dhow trips at the end of the day.