Mahale Mountains

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari Combo

12 Days Birding Safari in Tanzania

10 Days Wildlife Kenya and Tanzania Safari

10 Days Safari in Uganda and Tanzania

10 Days Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route

The Mahale Mountains are famous for one animal above all others: the chimpanzee. About 1,000 chimpanzees live in the park, and one group, the Mimikere group, is fully habituated to human presence. On a Tanzania tour safari, you trek into the forest with a guide and armed rangers. The hike can take one hour or four hours, depending on where the chimps slept. When you find them, you sit and watch. You watch them groom each other. You watch the juveniles wrestle and play. You might see the alpha male display, charging through the undergrowth to assert his dominance. On a Tanzania tour safari, the experience is raw and intimate. The chimps are wild, but they are used to humans. They do not run away. They go about their lives as if you are not there. But Mahale is not just about chimpanzees. The forest is also home to red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Bush pigs and bushbucks are common. Leopards live here too, though they are rarely seen. The birdlife is spectacular, with over 200 species recorded.

Birders, Mahale is a hidden gem. The park's location on Lake Tanganyika and its pristine rainforest create ideal habitat for a wide range of species. On a Tanzania tour safari, the fish eagle is common along the lake shore, calling loudly as it hunts. You will also see palm nut vultures and crowned eagles soaring over the forest canopy. The lakeshore is home to African skimmers, kingfishers, and cormorants. In the forest, listen for the call of the Narina trogon, a stunning green and red bird that hides in the thick foliage. The great blue turaco is another highlight, with its blue, green, and red feathers. On a Tanzania tour safari, the best time for birding is the wet season from November to May, when migratory birds are present and resident birds are breeding. Early morning is best. Bring a spotting scope for the lake birds and a good pair of binoculars for the forest species.

The best time to visit the Mahale Mountains is during the dry season from May to October. On a Tanzania tour safari, the trails are much drier and easier to hike. The chimpanzees stay in larger groups, making them easier to find. Daytime temperatures are warm, from 25°C to 30°C, but the forest is humid. The wet season from November to April is best for birding. The forest turns lush and green, and migratory birds are present. However, the trails become muddy and slippery. The wettest months are March, April, and November. For most travelers, the sweet spot on a Tanzania tour safari is June through September. The weather is more reliable, and the chimpanzee trekking conditions are best. If you are a dedicated birder, aim for February or March. Pack for rain and bring sturdy hiking boots.

The weather in Mahale is tropical and humid. On a Tanzania tour safari, the park sits right on Lake Tanganyika, which moderates temperatures. Daytime temperatures are warm year round, from 25°C to 30°C. Nights are mild, around 18°C to 22°C. The humidity is high because of the lake and the dense forest. The park has two rainy seasons on a Tanzania tour safari. Short rains come from October to November, and long rains from March to May. The dry season runs from May to October. The biggest challenge on a Tanzania tour safari is not the heat, but the mud. The trails become very slippery during and after rain. The sun is strong out on the lake, so wear a hat and sunscreen. Mosquitoes are present year round on a Tanzania tour safari, so bring insect repellent. The lake breeze can make evenings cooler, so a light jacket is useful.

Getting to Mahale is an adventure in itself. The park has no roads. On a Tanzania tour safari, you must fly into a nearby airstrip. The closest airstrip is at Mahale itself, a small grass strip near the park headquarters. Most travelers fly from Arusha or Dar es Salaam on a light aircraft. The flight takes about 3 to 4 hours, often with a stop in Kigoma. On a Tanzania tour safari, you can also fly into Kigoma Airport, then take a motorboat to the park. The boat ride from Kigoma to Mahale takes about 3 to 4 hours. This is a scenic journey along Lake Tanganyika's eastern shore. Your tour operator will arrange the flights and boat transfers for you. On a Tanzania tour safari, once you arrive, you are dropped at the park headquarters. There are no cars inside Mahale. Everything is on foot. The terrain is very steep, with thick forest. You need a good level of fitness for a Tanzania tour safari here. Pack light because porters are limited. The journey is long, but the reward is worth it.

Mahale is very safe but very remote. On a Tanzania tour safari, the main dangers are the environment and the wildlife. The hiking is steep and slippery. You can fall easily. Wear good hiking boots with strong grip. Do not hike too fast. Stay close to your guide. The guide and armed rangers are trained to handle chimpanzees. On a Tanzania tour safari, the chimps are wild, and while they are used to humans, they can be unpredictable. Never approach a chimp directly. Listen to your guide at all times. Malaria is a high risk on a Tanzania tour safari because the park is in a tropical, humid area near water. Bring insect repellent with DEET. Wear long sleeves in the evening. Sleep under a mosquito net. Consult your doctor about malaria pills. In Kigoma town, avoid walking alone at night. Drink bottled water. The sun is strong on a Tanzania tour safari, so wear sunscreen and a hat.

Accommodation in Mahale is exclusive and special. There are only a few camps in the park. On a Tanzania tour safari, the most famous is Greystoke Mahale Camp, run by Nomad Tanzania. It sits on a white sand beach on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The camp has six bandas made of wood and thatch, each right on the beach. There is no electricity, just solar lanterns. Showers are bucket style with warm water. It is incredibly romantic and remote. On a Tanzania tour safari, the other main option is Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge. It has luxury bandas on the lakeshore with en suite bathrooms. Both camps offer chimp trekking, boating, snorkeling, and other activities. There are no budget options inside Mahale. You must stay at one of the lodges. On a Tanzania tour safari, booking well in advance is essential. The camps are tiny and fill up months ahead, especially for the dry season from June to October. Mahale is not cheap, but for the privilege of trekking chimpanzees in a pristine forest and swimming in Lake Tanganyika, it is worth every penny.

Booking your Tanzania tour safari with Dav Safaris ensures a safe, well organized, and unforgettable trip to the Mahale Mountains. Their expert travel designers know the best camps for your style and budget. On a Tanzania tour safari with Dav Safaris, they handle all logistics, including flights from Arusha to the remote Mahale airstrip, boat transfers, park fees, guides, rangers, and accommodation. You just show up with your hiking boots and camera. Their itineraries are flexible. Want to focus on chimpanzee trekking? They can do that. Want to combine Mahale with Katavi or Gombe for even more primate action and wilderness? They can arrange that too. Dav Safaris also supports local communities on a Tanzania tour safari by hiring Tanzanian guides and rangers. For a safe, stress free, unforgettable Tanzania tour safari to see wild chimpanzees in one of the most beautiful settings on earth, Dav Safaris is the best choice. You focus on the chimpanzees, the birds, and the crystal clear lake. They handle everything else on your Tanzania tour safari.