MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Due to its extreme remoteness, Mahale Mountains National Park receives relatively few visitors compared with Tanzania’s other National Parks. It is only accessible by speed-boat, ferry steamer from Kigoma, or by small aircraft. Mahale protects an area of 1613 sq km that includes steep mountains cloaked in tropical forest and woodland. The park also has an aquatic zone extending 1.6 km into Lake Tanganyika, providing protecting for endemic fish that breed in the shallows waters near rocky shores.

Mahale's principle attraction are the populations of chimpanzee that live in the forest, saved by the lack of roads and the protection of the National Park and habituated to human presence by the most devoted succession of Japanese primatologists. There are thought to be over 1000 chimps in Mahale, but guests will visit the M group, whose territory extends closest to the areas accessible to guests. A trek through the rainforest takes you to Mahale's chimpanzees and offers you the opportunity to sit and quietly watch chimpanzee daily life.

Numerous pathways and tracks allow visitors to enjoy truly beautiful forest walks and chance an encounter with some of the many different inhabitants of the lowland forests and higher brachystesia woodlands and savannahs. Hundreds of coloured butterflies (over 30 species) and forest birds dart across the sunlit paths, and the odd otter may be met near the lake. The paths are also foraged by warthog and bush pig, and while elephant, buffalo, yellow baboons and monkeys favour the cover of the northern regions, the lower, southern reaches are the terrain of rare roan and sable antelope, kudu and eland in the shadow of leopard and lion. Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing in the clear waters of the lake are relaxing pursuits as one takes advantage of the sparkling waters with over 250 species of tropical fish.

Size: 1,613 sq km

Location: Western Tanzania, 120 kilometres south of Kigoma at Ujiji on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

How to get there: There are charter flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Kigoma available - the Park has an airstrip for light aircraft. It is also possible to charter a private or national park motorboat from Kigoma (three to four hours).

What to do: Chimpanzee tracking, but allow yourselves enough time, as the chimps are not always easy to locate, climbing, walking safaris, photography, fishing, bird watching and snorkelling are the other activities on offer.
When to visit: The dry season is from May to October and is the best time to visit and for forest walks. However the short rains in November –December do not impose a problem for visiting.

Accommodation ::

Nkungwe Luxury Tented Camp;
Situated on an idyllic stretch of golden beach overlooked by the mighty Nkungwe Mountain from which it gets its name. The eight tents are raised on wooden platforms overlooking lake, and each has twin or double beds, a shower (with hot water), a flush toilet and a veranda with uninterrupted views of the lake and its breathtaking sunsets. The communal areas consist of a lounge, dining area, curio shop, library, and beach hut complete with chunky cushioned lounge beds.

Greystoke Luxury Camp;
Greystoke is a unique and stylish camp consisting of 6 thatched chalets stretched out along a pristine palm-lined beach. Individually decorated with local fabrics and colourful driftwood, the chalets all have plenty of space, broad views straight onto the lake and a separate private bathroom. Holiday activities include chimp tracking, snorkelling, fishing, swimming and hiking on the many forest trails leading up the 2,500m peaks overlooking the camp.