Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park : Chimpanzee tracking is one of the most adventurous activities and is a main highlight to a Tanzania safari in Mahale Mountains national park. The park is home to a large and well-studies population of the wild chimpanzees, providing tourists with a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. chimpanzee trekking in this park involves trekking through the park’s terrains on foot in search for these creatures habituated group. The thrill of encountering a troop of chimpanzees, witnessing their social interaction and observing their daily activities is both exciting and remarkable. Chimpanzee trekking begins start with briefing at the park’s headquarters and in a group of 6 people you while through the mountainous terrain of the park to meet the chimpanzees.

During a chimpanzee trekking, you’ll also have the chance to encounter with other creatures that calls the park home such as Red-tailed Monkeys, Yellow Baboon, Vervet Monkeys, Elephants, the elephants, Lion, Duikers, Bush pig, monitor lizards, snakes, frogs as well as different bird species and stunning flowering plants.

Once you have meet with these incredible creatures, you will have the chance to see them swinging through the trees, grooming each other, playing, breastfeeding and feeding among others, this is amazing experience that stays with you for long.  The trekking experience varies from easy stroll to more challenging hikes, making it situatable for different fitness levels.

About Mahale Mountains National Park 

Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in Uvinza District of Kigoma Region, Tanzania. Named after the Mahale Mountains range that is within its borders, the park has several unusual characteristics. Mahale Mountains National Park was gazetted in 1985 and covers an area of about 1,650 square kilometers.  This park is one of the two protected area in the country where you can see the rare chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Mahale Mountains National Park is home to over 900 wild chimpanzees, is renowned for its population of Africa’s remaining wild chimpanzees. The park is also a destination where chimpanzees and lions co-exist. More so, this incredible park is and fauna make it a paradise for both hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. the park is home to other primate species such as yellow baboons, red colobus, blue, red-tailed, and vervet monkeys can be spotted. Other wildlife includes leopards, lions, elephants, giraffes, blue duikers, and over 350 bird species.

Mahale mountains lie in the border to Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest lake, offers opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and wildlife viewing.

Other activities to combine with chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park 

birding excursions

Mahale Mountain National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Tanzania. The park’s diverse habitat including montane forest, swamps act as a refuge for over 350 species of birds. During your birding excursions here, you’ll have an opportunity to spot bird species such as crested Guinea fowl, scaly francolin, crested francolin, African olive pigeon, red-eyed dove, scarce swift, white-browed coucal, Schalow’s turaco, great white pelican, goliath heron, long-tailed cormorant, African jacana, osprey, African harrier hawk, Orange thrush, olive woodpecker, white-fronted bee-eater, broad-billed roller, African malachite kingfisher, red-necked falcon, mountain oriole, orange-breasted bush shrike, fork-tailed drongo,  white-browed robin chat, southern black flycatcher, browed scrub robin, sharpe’s robin, red-winged starling, wattled starling, mountain thrush babbler, African yellow white eye, African hill babbler, tawny eagle, common barn owl, southern ground hornbill and African paradise flycatcher among others

 Boat ride

Taking a boat ride on Lake Tanganyika is a fantastic way to see the amazing scenery around Mahale Mountain National Park. Lake Tanganyika is one of the largest lakes in Africa, stretching over 670 kilometers. It’s also really old and deep, holding a lot of water, and it’s the world’s longest freshwater lake, filled with lots of different plants and animals. On a boat trip, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the tall mountains all around. You can choose to go kayaking or take a motorboat to explore the pretty bays and secret beaches. You might even see animals like hippos, crocodiles, and many kinds of birds like herons and kingfishers, which is perfect for taking pictures. The lake is also home to some special fish, like colorful cichlids, giving you a peek at a unique underwater world.

Mountain hiking

For those seeking an amazing adventure in Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park is the perfect spot for hiking trips. The highlight of this trip is conquering Mount Nkungwe, the highest point in the Mahale Mountains, which reaches a height of 2,462 meters (8,077 feet). The hike up Mount Nkungwe is a three-day journey: two days to reach the top, and one day to come back down. You’ll camp overnight on the way up, and again near the summit. Climbers need to bring their own tents, sleeping bags, and food. The best time to plan your climb is between May and October.

What is the best time for a chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park?

The best time to visit Mahale Mountains National Park and spot chimpanzee trekking in their natural habitat is during the dry season, typically from may to October. This time of the year not only makes the trek easier, but its also when chimpanzees are most likely to be found in large groups. During your chimp tracking, your trek to find these incredible creatures becomes much more efficient. On the other hand, the park remains accessible throughout the year, and visiting during rainy season can also be a memorable experience, made remarkable by views of the neighboring country DR Congo across the water and by incredible lightning storms that light up the lake at night. So, its, essential pack items such as sturdy hiking shoes, lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts, backpack, tracking sticks, portable water filter, fits aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, camera, binocular, notebook bad pen among others

Where to stay while on a chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park

The park has a wide range of accommodation establishments that are lodges and camps offering accommodation to travelers visiting the park for a Tanzania safari, accommodation establishments in Mahale Mountains National Park are of various status that are luxury, midrange and budge such as; Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, Mahale Mango Tree Bandas, Mahele Classic Lodge, Greystoke Mahale Camp and Kungwe Beach Lodge among others.

How to get to Mahale Mountains National Park

Getting to Mahale Mountains National Park is simple, the park can easily be accessed by a scheduled or charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Mwanza or Arusha. You can as well use a slow train or fast train from Dar es Salaam to get to the park. You can as well access the park from the neighboring countries that is Burundi or Zambia by road.