Mahale Mountains National Park | Tanzania

Mahale Mountains National Park Location, Facts and History

Mahale Mountains National Park is located in the western parts of Tanzania, along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika. Note that Lake Tanganyika is a top tourist attraction in Mahale NP since it’s the deepest lake in Africa. In addition, Mahale is found in the Uvinza District of the Kigoma Region. This park covers approximately 1,613 square kilometers and is famous for its remote and unspoiled beauty.

Mahale Mountains National Park was established in 1985. This was with an aim of protecting its chimpanzee population in Tanzania and the surrounding ecosystem. Amongst all Tanzania National Parks, Mahale is famous for mostly chimpanzees. Mahale Mountains National Park has the world’s largest protected population (approx. 700-1000) of the eastern subspecies of Chimpanzee. And with the years that have passed, Mahale Mountains National Park has been a great Tanzania safari destination.

Furthermore, this national park is made up of an unblemished forest-lake ecosystem. Also, it gains its name Mahale from the Mahale Mountain Range. It’s the major influence of the Mahale’s landscape with steep ridges and misty peaks gaining the park a sense of beauty for all visitors.

In this sense, there is a lot about Mahale National Park to be discovered mostly while at the destination physically. Use the information below as you plan your Mahale safari in Tanzania.

How to Get to Mahale Mountains National Park: A Detailed Guide & Map

Want to get to Mahale Mountains National Park? There are various transport means available, including: Air, Boat, and Road. Hence, making it easy to access this park for all those who wish to visit it in Tanzania.

  • By Air –  This is the quickest means of access to this park for your Mahale safari. Fly from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Kigoma, followed by a boat or charter flight to Mahale National Park. Or, use charter flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Kigoma to Mahale airstrip. If you want to use air transport, it’s best to book in advance. This is essential due to limited schedules and passenger loads.

  • By Road + Boat (From Kigoma): Go for a road trip to Mahale National Park, which is about ~128 km, spending ~5 hrs from Kigoma. Reach at Katumbi village or Mgambo Bay on the lakeshore. Then, have a Boat Transfer across Lake Tanganyika using either a speedboat, taking about ~4–5 hrs or a  Timber boat, spending ~10 hrs. Once inside the park, travel is only by foot.
Mahale Mountains National Park Map

Google Map for Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania

Climate of Mahale National Park Tanzania

Mahale National Park has a tropical climate just like Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania. So, this tropical climate is characterised by warm and humid conditions throughout the year. Be aware of the information below if you’re planning to go on a Mahale safari in Tanzania.

Mahale National Park experiences two seasons: the wet and dry seasons. The dry season in Mahale Tanzania, from May to October clear skies, lower humidity, and cooler nights. Also, it’s the best time for hiking and chimpanzee trekking, plus other Tanzania safari things to do in Mahale. The wet season from November to April experiences higher humidity and regular afternoon showers.

Hence, making Mahale National Park Tanzania contain lush green landscapes which are fit for photography and birdwatching tours in Tanzania. However, travelling for a safari to Mahale Park is more difficult during this time. Additionally, some lodges may close during heavy rains, unlike Greystoke Mahale.

Temperatures of Mahale National Park typically stay around 27 °C (81 °F) most especially during day. Nights commonly cool down to between 14–18 °C (57–64 °F). Although, these temperatures in Mahale are not consistent as they tend to vary depending on the season.

Wildlife in Mahale National Park

Mahale national park is mostly known for its high population of chimpanzees in Africa. Despite of this, this park is also home to numerous wildlife such as;

  • Primates – Red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys, Chimpanzees.
  • Mammals – Leopards, warthogs, bushbucks, and small antelope species.
  • Aquatic Life in Mahale National Park– Hippos and crocodiles along Lake Tanganyika’s shoreline in Tanzania.
  • Birdlife – Over 350 bird species in this game park, making it a birdwatcher’s haven.

Worst and Best Time to Visit Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale National Park is known to have a tropical climate with two main seasons in Tanzania. These are Dry Season (June – October): Cool and dry and best time to visit Mahale National Park. Secondly, the wet Season (November – May): Warm and humid therefore the worst time to visit Mahale Mountains National Park. This is because of minimal animal sightings. Both of these seasons are great to explore this Tanzania National park because they all offer various experiences.

Top Attractions and activities in this Park

Visitors to Mahale National Park can enjoy a variety of Tanzania safari tour activities, including:

  • Chimpanzee Trekking
  • Boat Safaris
  • Hiking & Nature Walks
  • Snorkeling & Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Birdwatching.
  • Scenic Sunsets – Witness breathtaking views over Lake Tanganyika.

Where to Stay in Mahale National Park

Accommodation options in Mahale National Park are limited but offer exclusive and immersive experiences. Some of these accommodations  in this park include;

  • Greystoke Mahale
  • Kungwe Beach Lodge
  • Budget Camping Options

Hence making staying at the Mahale Mountains national park easy, comfortable and affordable for all classes of people that is luxury/private, mid-range and budget tourists.