4-Day Mahale Mountains Chimpanzee Trekking from Kigoma

The journey begins with a scenic road transfer from Kigoma along the shores of Lake Tanganyika to Mahale National Park Headquarters at Mgambo Village. A boat transfer then takes you across the lake to Mahale Mango Tree Bandas inside the park. The afternoon is free for a short forest walk, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, or simply relaxing in one of Africa's most peaceful natural settings.

Distance: Road transfer from Kigoma to Mahale HQ; boat transfer into the park

Activity: Road and boat transfers; optional afternoon forest walk or lake swim

Accommodation: Mahale Mango Tree Bandas

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

After an early breakfast, experienced guides and trackers lead the first chimpanzee tracking expedition through the dense rainforest of the Mahale Mountains. The M-Group chimpanzees — one of the most extensively studied chimpanzee communities in the world — are located by tracking teams who monitor their movements daily. Trekking routes follow the chimps through forest valleys and ridges; the hike can last one to four hours depending on their location. Park regulations allow up to one hour of observation at a safe minimum distance of 8 metres. After returning to camp for lunch and rest, the afternoon is free for swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, or fishing on the lake.

Distance: Trekking within Mahale Mountains National Park; afternoon at the lakeside

Activity: Chimpanzee tracking expedition; afternoon lake activities

Accommodation: Mahale Mango Tree Bandas

Meals: Full Board

Distance: Activities within Mahale Mountains National Park or nearby lakeshore village

Activity: Choice of: second chimp trek, guided forest walk, or Tongwe village cultural visit

Accommodation: Mahale Mango Tree Bandas

Meals: Full Board

After a relaxed breakfast at the lakeshore, board the boat back to Mahale Park Headquarters at Mgambo Village. The road transfer to Kigoma arrives by early afternoon, in time to connect with an evening domestic flight to Dar es Salaam or to spend an extra night in Kigoma.

Distance: Boat transfer from bandas to Mahale HQ; road transfer to Kigoma

Activity: Boat and road transfers to Kigoma

Accommodation: N/A – return to Kigoma

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Extend your trip

For the 3-day version of this programme, see our 3-day Mahale chimpanzee trekking. For a combined Gombe and Mahale western Tanzania itinerary, contact us directly.