The Mahale Mountains National park

Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Kigoma Region, Tanzania. Named after the Mahale Mountains range that is within its borders, the park has several unusual characteristics. First, it is one of only two protected areas for chimpanzees in the country. The chimpanzee population in Mahale Mountains National Park is the largest, known due to its size and remoteness. It also the only place where chimpanzees and lions co-exist. Another unusual feature of the park is that it is one of the very few in Africa that must be experienced by foot. There are no roads or other infrastructure within the park boundaries and the only way in and out of the park is via boat on the lake.

The Mahale Mountains were traditionally inhabited by the Batongwe and Holoholo people, with populations in 1987 of 22,000 and 12,500 respectively. When the Mahale Mountains Wildlife Research Center was established in 1979 these people were expelled from the mountains to make way for the park which opened in 1985.

Activities in mahale mountains national park

The main activity in mahale is chimpanzee-trekking, it also offers the perfect balance of wildlife viewing as well as relaxing at the lake. Kayaking, snorkeling and fishing on the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika. For those looking to spend more time in the forests, hiking is an option. Climb to the peak of the Mahale Mountains for 2 to 3 days, Mt. Nkungwe which is 2,462 meters