Mahale Mountains National Park Holidays

Chimpanzee safaris aside, there’s lots for you to get up to during a Mahale Mountains National Park holiday. A guided nature walk is a great way to dive deeper into the area’s flora and fauna. Take things slow as you venture through the forest, stopping to take a dip in one of the cool mountain pools. 

If you want more of a challenge, there’s also the option to climb to the park’s highest point, ‘Nkungwe’. It’ll take two to three days, with camping stops in between, but you won’t beat that sense of achievement once you reach the summit. 

Alternatively, you can choose to take a guided tour to one of the neighbouring villages. Meet the locals and learn about their culture before tucking into a traditional meal.  

If you’ve made the journey to Mahale Mountains National Park, you’re likely looking to see some chimpanzees out in the wild. And while no two safaris are the same, your chances of seeing these black-coated creatures are actually very high. 

The group of chimpanzees you’ll be following will probably be the Mimikire clan – over 50 members strong. They’re fairly comfortable around humans, so you’ll be able to get in close proximity, often witnessing mothers feeding their young as others swing playfully through the trees.

Throughout the safari, you’ll be led by an expert guide, who’ll give you a detailed briefing before you set out. They’ll also point out other wildlife for you to spot, such as baboons, monkeys, antelope and warthogs.

With Lake Tanganyika just on your doorstep, it’s only right that you take some time to explore in and around the water during your trip. One way you can do this is by going on a boat cruise. Relax and enjoy the immaculate scenery, looking up towards the emerald mountains. And be sure to keep an eye out below in case of passing water birds, crocodiles and hippos. 

Although these creatures occupy some sections of Lake Tanganyika, there are plenty of safe snorkelling sports for you to discover. Your guide can show you where’s crocodile-free, leaving you to enjoy the wonderful marine life. Alternatively, you can stay aboard your boat and do some catch-and-release fishing.

Over in this part of Tanzania, the dry season runs between July and October. And, while the spectacular-looking thunderstorms during the wet season might be a pull for lovers of the dramatic, the dry season really is the best time to go. 

During this period, the chimpanzees tend to gather in larger groups, making them easier to track, with less intense mountain hiking required in order to see them. 

Travelling in the dry season will be easier in terms of transportation, too, as boats and planes run more frequently in comparison to the rest of the year. And even though this is technically peak season, you don’t have to worry about crowds. Put simply, Mahale Mountains National Park never has them!