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- Arusha, Tanzania
- Visit Germany website: www.africanheartsafaris.de
Deep in the heart of western Tanzania, where lush mountains meet the sparkling waters of Lake Tanganyika, lies one of Africa’s most remote and magical wildlife sanctuaries—Mahale Mountains National Park. This off-the-beaten-path treasure is known for its thriving population of wild chimpanzees, dramatic landscapes, and untouched natural beauty.
Home to the largest known community of wild chimpanzees in Africa, Mahale offers a pristine, exclusive safari experience where you trek on foot through ancient rainforests, camp on white-sand beaches, and share space with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
Mahale is located on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika not far from Gombe, in a remote corner of western Tanzania. It sits south of Kigoma and directly opposite the mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with no roads leading into the park. Access is only by boat or small aircraft—making the journey itself part of the adventure.
Mahale is famous for its Mimikire chimpanzee group, which has been habituated to human presence for decades. These chimps are descendants of individuals studied by Japanese researchers since the 1960s. Today, they roam free through the park’s mist-shrouded hills, and guided treks give you a chance to observe their behavior in the wild—from grooming and feeding to playing and territorial displays.
There are around 700-800 chimpanzees in Mahale, with a richly preserved natural environment that makes every trek feel like stepping into a forgotten world.
The park’s backdrop is the Mahale Mountains, a majestic range cloaked in misty rainforest. These mountains plunge directly into the turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika, creating one of the most stunning landscapes in East Africa.
Imagine waking up in a tent on a deserted beach, with jungle-covered peaks behind you and the clear, deep lake stretching out to the horizon in front of you. The contrast between forest, mountain, and water gives Mahale a dreamlike quality that’s unlike any other safari destination.
The highlight of any trip to Mahale. Guided treks (often lasting 2–6 hours) lead you into the forest to find chimpanzee groups. Once located, visitors can spend up to one magical hour observing them—a deeply personal and humbling experience.
Explore Mahale’s trail system with local guides. Walks vary from easy lakeside strolls to steep hikes in the highlands with breathtaking views. Birdwatching, butterfly spotting, and forest bathing are all part of the experience.
Mahale is a year-round destination, but note that March to May may see lodge closures due to heavy rains.
Accommodations in Mahale are limited and exclusive—adding to the feeling of wilderness and seclusion:
Lodges typically offer all-inclusive packages, including meals, guides, and boat transport.
Mahale’s remoteness means a bit more planning, but the journey is part of the allure:
By Air
By Boat
Mahale is ideal for:
Mahale is not a traditional safari—there are no roads, no game drives, and no crowds. Instead, it’s raw, wild, and deeply moving. Sitting on a forest floor, surrounded by the calls of chimpanzees in the canopy, is an experience that stays with you forever.
Coupled with the pristine beauty of Lake Tanganyika and the untamed forest of the Mahale Mountains, this park offers something truly rare: a chance to reconnect with nature, with silence, and with wonder.
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