The main attraction of Mahale Mountains National Park is the opportunity to trek on foot to observe chimpanzees, our closest relatives. With a population of approximately 900 chimps, including a habituated community of about 75 individuals familiar with human presence, the park offers a unique chance to connect with these fascinating creatures. Experienced guides and trackers are available to lead visitors through hiking trails within the forest, providing an unforgettable experience in search of these captivating primates.
The park hosts a total of nine primate species, with the chimpanzee and the endangered Ugandan red colobus being the most notable. The latter is found in only four other locations across Tanzania and Uganda. Visitors are also likely to encounter yellow baboons, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys, with the possibility of hearing lesser and greater galagos during the night. The nocturnal bushpig is often heard foraging around lakeshore accommodations after dark. Additionally, Mahale’s remote eastern slopes are home to rarely sighted populations of elephants, lions, wild dogs, roan antelopes, buffaloes, and giraffes. An unnamed subspecies of Angola colobus is endemic to the forested upper slopes of Mount Nkungwe, typically spotted by those undertaking a day hike in the area.
Optimal conditions for chimpanzee trekking align with the Dry season, spanning from May to October. The likelihood of a successful sighting peaks from August onwards, as the chimps tend to remain near the lakeshore accommodations during this period. While the park remains open year-round, heavy rainfall can render trails challenging to navigate, with the chimps often venturing to the distant higher slopes in such conditions.
Bird enthusiasts will find that the park is teeming with avian activity throughout the year. However, the prime season for birdwatching spans from November to April. This period not only showcases local birds donning their breeding colors but also welcomes migrants from the Palearctic and other parts of Africa. Be mindful that from March to April, the onset of the rainy season may hinder birdwatching efforts as the forest paths become slick. On the other hand, the dry months from May to October, particularly starting in August, offer the best opportunities for chimpanzee tracking, as the chimps tend to be more visible.
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Nov to Apr
May marks the onset of the dry season, though early in the month, some rainfall can still occur. From June through September, the weather is characterized by clear, sunny days with afternoon temperatures averaging 26°C (79°F), and rainfall is minimal or non-existent during this period. The coolest nights, particularly in June, can see temperatures drop to around 14°C (57°F). By October, the dry season begins to wane, with increased chances of rain as the month progresses.
During November through April, the wet season brings marginally higher temperatures, yet the sensation of heat intensifies significantly owing to increased humidity levels. It is rare to experience all-day rainfall during this period; however, brief rain showers, often as afternoon thunderstorms, are a regular occurrence on many days.
Accessing Mahale Mountains National Park presents a challenge and is not particularly cost-effective. Visitors entering Tanzania typically do so via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located approximately 50km (31 miles) from Arusha, or through Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, the majority of travelers will be greeted and further assisted by their tour operator, who handles all subsequent travel plans.
The common route for exploring Mahale involves a comprehensive 3- or 4-night package, starting from Arusha, that includes round-trip airfare to the Kalilani airstrip near the park, exclusive accommodation at lakeside lodges, and a boat journey of about 90 minutes from the airstrip to the lodge. These travel packages are typically scheduled to coincide with the days charter flights operate, generally Mondays and Thursdays.
Additionally, the flight service from Arusha is designed to accommodate passengers from other locations in northern Tanzania, like Lake Manyara or Serengeti National Parks, often making a stop at Katavi National Park. This stopover is part of a longer, 7-night itinerary that combines a visit to Mahale.
For those coming from the south of Tanzania, Safari Air Link offers a bi-weekly flight connecting Ruaha, Katavi, and Mahale Mountains National Parks, available on Mondays and Thursdays as well.
For travelers on a tighter budget (though still requiring a significant investment), the journey starts from Kigoma. This town has connections to Dar es Salaam via Air Tanzania. The trip from Kigoma to the national park involves both road and boat travel to reach the park’s rest camp at Kasiha, necessitating a full day of travel.
To find flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), we recommend using Skyscanner to explore available airlines and compare ticket prices.
Tour packages typically include charter flights between parks, arranged by your tour operator for seamless travel. Safari Air Link is the go-to airline for those booking scheduled flights to Mahale.
For detailed information on passport, visa, vaccination, and other entry requirements for Tanzania, we invite you to visit our “Getting There” section on the Tanzania page.
In our view, journeying to Mahale Mountains National Park is exceptionally safe. Given its secluded location, most visitors arrive via a combination of plane and private boat as part of an organized safari tour, enhancing the safety of the destination. Furthermore, your guide will be dedicated to ensuring your well-being throughout your safari adventure.
It is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider or a travel health clinic for recommended vaccinations before traveling. Malaria is prevalent in the park, so taking preventive measures is strongly suggested. Effective strategies include taking antimalarial medications, applying mosquito repellent (preferably those with DEET), and wearing clothing that covers most of your skin during the evening hours.
Chimpanzee trekking is regarded as a safe activity. Typically, chimpanzees are indifferent to human presence, allowing you to observe their natural behaviors with ease. For your safety, you will receive a detailed briefing prior to embarking on your trek. It’s crucial to heed any instructions provided by your guide during your time among the chimpanzees. Additionally, paying close attention to the ‘Chimp Trekking Safety Precautions’ outlined below is important for a secure and enjoyable experience.
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