About Mahale National Park

Mahale National Park is one of Tanzania’s most remote and beautiful safari destinations, where forested mountains meet the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika. Best known for its wild chimpanzees, Mahale offers a unique combination of chimpanzee trekking, rainforest walks, lakeside relaxation and adventure far from the usual safari crowds.

A pristine wilderness where around 800 chimpanzees roam forested mountain slopes. With no roads and access only by boat or charter flight, Mahale offers one of Africa’s most exclusive and magical wildlife experiences.

Location

On the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, about 120 km south of Kigoma.

Best Time to Visit

May–October (dry season) for best trekking conditions. July–October is peak. Closed February–May in some years.

How to Reach

Charter flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to the park airstrip, then boat transfer. Alternatively, scheduled flights to Kigoma then 5–6 hour boat ride.

The Great Migration

The migration follows a clockwise route: calving in the southern plains (Jan–Mar), moving northwest toward Grumeti River (May–Jul), crossing the Mara River into Kenya (Jul–Oct), and returning south (Nov–Dec).

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