Known for its chimpanzees and exotic tropical fish in Lake Tanganyika, Mahale National Park remains one of the most secluded parks not only in Tanzania but throughout Africa.
Description
Deep in the Mahale National Park, you will experience the same paradise as Henry Morton Stanley upon approaching and exclaiming, “Doctor Livingstone, I Presume.” Located just 100 kilometers (60 miles) off-road is Lake Tanganyika where its blue waters are surrounded by white inlets. Above the shore by nearly two kilometers the Mahale Mountains loom with their lush jungle crests.
Similar to the Gombe Stream to the north, the Mahale Mountains boast groups of chimpanzees with a population of 800 individuals. These wild chimpanzees were introduced to people as a part of a Japanese research project in the 1960s. In order to find the chimpanzees lurking in the trees, visitors must be observant to the hints from nature, such as partially eaten fruit or droppings. Then, be sure to look up in the trees for chimpanzees or even butterflies floating by in the sunshine.
After spotting a chimpanzee, you will see them grooming each other in groups or bickering in the treetops rowdily. However, you may catch them in action as they swing between the trees using the vines near the Mahale National Park’s biggest mountain. This region, known as “Nkungwe” to native Tongwe people, stands at 2,460 meters (8,069 feet) and is the highest of the six major peaks in the Mahale Mountain range; thus, making it sacred to the Tongwe people.
Like the Tongwe people who have been trekking to the mountain spirits for ages through tall grassy regions with alpine bamboo to a lush rainforest, you will reach Lake Tanganyika. You can swim in the clear, fresh waters of the world’s longest and second deepest lake. In this unpolluted water, over 1,000 fish species thrive. This area is also rampant with the Angola colobus monkeys.
In addition to the chimpanzees, the Mahale National Park features diverse wildlife in its forest. These animals include red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, and visually vibrant forest birds.
About Mahale National Park
- Size: 1,613 sq km (623 sq miles).
- Location: Western Tanzania, bordering Lake Tanganyika.
When to go
While the dry season of May to October is ideal for forest walks, it is also possible in the light rains of October and November.
What to do
- Chimpanzee trekking
Hiking and walking
Snorkeling and fishing
Wildlife
- Monkeys and chimpanzees
