Untouched Beauty of Mahale Chimpanzee Trekking on the Shores of Lake Tanganyika
Nestled on the pristine shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Remote, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful, Mahale offers the ultimate off-the-beaten-path safari—where the forest meets the beach and chimpanzees roam free.
If you're seeking a truly immersive and soul-stirring wildlife experience, Mahale is the place to be.
Meet the Wild Chimpanzees of Mahale
Mahale is home to over 1,000 wild chimpanzees, including the habituated Mimikere group, made famous through decades of Japanese primate research. Here, you don’t just watch wildlife—you walk with it. Guided treks take you deep into the forest, where you can observe these intelligent creatures up close as they play, feed, groom, and communicate.
Trekking can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on where the chimps are, and once located, you’ll spend a magical hour with them.
Best time to visit: June to October (dry season) when chimp sightings are most reliable.
Why Mahale is Unlike Any Other Safari
- Pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Lake Tanganyika
- No roads—access only by boat from Kigoma
- Lush rainforest rising into the Mahale Mountains
- A chance to combine beach, forest, and primate safari in one trip
- Zero crowds—Mahale is truly exclusive
It’s the kind of place where you can go days without seeing another traveler.
Where to Stay in Mahale / learn More about Accommodation in Mahale
1. Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge
This luxury eco-lodge is set right on the lakefront with private beachfront villas, incredible views, and easy access to chimp trekking trails.
- All-inclusive experience
- Guided treks and cultural tours included
- Solar-powered and eco-friendly
2. Greystoke Mahale (Nomad Tanzania)
Renowned for its barefoot luxury and Robinson Crusoe charm, this high-end lodge offers one of Africa’s most unique stays.
- Canvas bandas with thatched roofs
- Award-winning service and private guides
- Rustic-luxury, remote paradise
Note: All accommodations include boat transfers and full-board service due to the park’s remote location.
How to Get to Mahale Mountains National Park
Getting to Mahale is part of the adventure:
Fly to Kigoma
- Air Tanzania offers daily flights from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma.
- From Kigoma, transfer by private boat or scheduled dhow (7–10 hours) to Mahale.
SafariBando can organize charter flights or boats for faster, more private access depending on your schedule.
What Else to Do in Mahale?
Aside from chimpanzee tracking, Mahale offers plenty of magical moments:
- Sunset dhow cruises on Lake Tanganyika
- Birdwatching – Over 350 species in the park
- Swimming and kayaking in one of the world’s cleanest lakes
- Fishing and cultural visits to local villages
What to Pack for Mahale
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Lightweight, long-sleeve clothing
- Insect repellent and a reusable water bottle
- A good camera with zoom lens
- Waterproof dry bag for boat transfers
Why Choose SafariBando for Your Mahale Safari?
At SafariBando, we specialize in tailor-made experiences to Tanzania’s untouched destinations. Our expert team ensures:
- Seamless flights and boat transfers
- Best lodge recommendations based on your style and budget
- Expert guides for chimp trekking
- Personalized care and support from start to finish
Let us help you discover the raw beauty of Mahale, where the forest whispers, the chimps chatter, and the lake sparkles like a dream.
Book Your Mahale Safari Now
Don’t just visit Tanzania. Explore the untouched side.
Start planning your chimpanzee trekking adventure in Mahale Mountains National Park today.
