Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park takes you to Tanzania’s remote national park but scenic national parks. Mahale Mountains National Park is located along the Albertine Rift on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, central western Tanzania. The park covers an area of 1,650 square kilometers and sits on a high altitude of 2,462 meters. The park was gazetted in 1985, this park represents the western limit of the ‘Greater Mahale Ecosystem. The Mahale Mountains are part of the Albertine Rift Biodiversity Hotspot and of particular importance for the conservation of primates.
This stunning park is home to over 1,000 chimpanzees with one most significant group of the Mimikire clan which has been habituated by researchers since 1965 this group is known to have around 56 chimps. Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the top spots in East Africa, specifically Tanzania, to see chimpanzees. Chimpanzee Trekking in the Mahale Mountains National Park usually starts early in the morning with the with briefing at the park’s headquarters and in a group of 6 people when the chimpanzees are most active, and the atmosphere is alive with the sounds of the forest. When you trek through this park, you have the chance to observe and capture footage of large groups of these amazing apes. You’ll find that sightings here are more frequent and last longer compared to Gombe National Park. The park is diverse, featuring different types of habitats like miombo forest, lowland Kasoge forest, and montane rainforest, all filled with a variety of plant and animal life.
In addition to the many chimpanzees found in Mahale National Park, the park is also a habitat for several other interesting primates native to East Africa. These include, red colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, giant squirrel, red-legged sun squirrel, brush-tailed porcupine, bushy-tailed mongoose, Angolan black-and-white colobus monkeys. The best time to capture these animals on film is during the wet season and when fruit is plentiful, making it easier to track and hike to see them.
What is the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park
The ideal time for trekking chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park is during the rainy season, from November to mid-May. During this time, the lush greenery creates a beautiful backdrop while the chimps are more active. The dry season, from May to October, is also a good time to visit because it’s perfect for taking great photos and offers both short and long hiking options. During the dry months, chimpanzees have plenty of fruits available, making it easier to spot and follow them. It’s worth noting that you can encounter these amazing primates throughout the year in Tanzania.
How to get Mahale Mountains National Park for chimpanzee trekking
To visit Mahale Mountains National Park and trek with chimpanzees, you can take a scheduled or charter flight from Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, or Arusha. Another option is to travel by train from Dar es Salaam, either on a slow or fast train. You can also reach the park by road if you’re coming from nearby countries, like Burundi or Zambia.
Other activities to do while on a chimpanzee trekking in Mahale
Mahale Mountains National Park is not just about chimpanzee tours, the park is also home to other notable Primates of East Africa which include red colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, giant squirrel, red-legged sun squirrel, brush-tailed porcupine, bushy-tailed mongoose, Angolan black-and-white colobus. the Hiking to Mount Nkungwe which is the park’s brooding peak and a place of the spiritual significance of the Tongwe people who once lived in the mountain. Let’s look at these activities in more detail: –
Bird watching
The forested Mahale Mountains and lake shorelines attribute to opportunities for bird watching which is also among the attractive Activities to embark on after or during a chimpanzee trekking tour in Mahale Mountains National Park. Bird watching is done especially in the forests nearby the main lodge area which are usually full of birds such as red-collared widowbird, speckled mousebird, crowned eagle, bee-eater, roller, crested guineafowl, Ross’ turaco, white-browed robin-chat, red-winged starling, violet-backed starling and parrots.
Hiking
Mahale Mountains National Park is an exciting destination in Tanzania for hiking adventures, featuring outstanding trails and the chance to scale the impressive Mount Nkungwe. The mountain holds cultural importance to the Tongwe people who once lived in the mountain, rewards intrepid hiking lovers with a wealth of animals and birdlife with amazing scenic views. Hiking Nkungwe takes about 2 – 3 days to complete a hike. During tour hiking tour, you’ll have the chance to hike through high grass and brush to the top is accompanied by an armed park ranger with enroute camping that adds a mind-blowing experience to the whole adventure.
Primate walk
besides the chimpanzee, Mahale Mountains National Park offers visitors a chance to trek see the playful primates. The park is home to notable primates in east Africa such as red colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, giant squirrel, red-legged sun squirrel, brush-tailed porcupine, bushy-tailed mongoose, Angolan black-and-white colobus monkeys. during your primate walk tour, you’ll have the chance to spot these playful primates swaging, playing and grooming their young ones. These are best seen during the wet and fruit seasons which makes tracking them easy.
Cultural visit
Mahale Mountains National Park is surrounded by various community groups leaving in harmony with the large chimpanzee communities. You will have an opportunity to learn how the local communities get to survive along with the chimpanzees in close proximity.
Where to stay in Mahale Mountains National Park
In Mahale Mountains national park there is a wide range of accommodation establishments that are lodges and camps offering accommodation to travelers visiting the park for a Tanzania safari. You will choose what to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Lodge options in Mahale Mountains National Park include Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, Greystoke Mahale Camp and Kungwe Beach Lodge among others.
