Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale combines two rare experiences: trekking wild chimpanzees in forested mountains and unwinding on a remote, white-sand beach beside Lake Tanganyika. With no roads inside the park and access only by air and boat, it is one of the most genuinely remote wildlife destinations in Africa.

Around 1,000 wild chimpanzees inhabit Mahale's forests. One community, known as the M-group or Mimikire clan, has been habituated to human presence through a research programme run continuously since 1965, making close, relaxed observation possible.

Researchers from Kyoto University began studying Mahale's chimpanzees in 1965, gradually habituating the M-group first through controlled feeding and later through sustained, respectful daily contact. This unbroken decades-long presence is why the group remains so relaxed around visitors today.

Habituated M-group chimpanzees show little concern for human observers and often pass or sit close by, sometimes within a few metres. Visitors are asked to keep roughly ten metres' distance, though the chimpanzees themselves do not always observe this rule.

Yes. Because chimpanzees are vulnerable to human respiratory illnesses, all visitors must wear a surgical mask during treks, avoid eating or drinking near the group, and stay away entirely if unwell.

Treks can involve several hours of steep, humid hiking through dense forest, sometimes off-trail and on hands and knees through vegetation. A reasonable level of fitness is essential, and the experience is best suited to travellers who enjoy an active, adventurous safari.

Mahale has no roads and cannot be reached overland. Access to the park's airstrip is by light aircraft, followed by a boat transfer along the Lake Tanganyika shoreline to the lakeside lodges.

The dry season from roughly June to October offers the most reliable chimpanzee trekking, with chimpanzees ranging closer to the lakeshore and clearer, more accessible forest trails. The wet season, from November to May, brings lush scenery but a much harder trek.

Yellow baboons, vervet, red-tailed and colobus monkeys share the forest with the chimpanzees. Beyond the mountains, a rarely visited savanna area supports lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and roan and sable antelope. There are almost 400 bird species.

Yes. Mahale's savanna hinterland stretches toward Katavi National Park, and chimpanzee treks here are commonly combined with a more traditional safari there or in Ruaha National Park.

Lake Tanganyika is the world's second-deepest and second-oldest freshwater lake, with warm, exceptionally clear water and hundreds of endemic cichlid fish species. Swimming and snorkelling directly off the beach at the lodges is a highlight of any stay, with crocodiles rarely seen near camp.

Two established lodges serve the park: Greystoke Mahale, an immersive, characterful beach lodge, and Mbali Mbali Mahale, a smarter lakeside lodge suited to travellers focused on comfortable access to the chimpanzees.

Given the remote access and the unpredictable nature of chimpanzee movements, four days allow for repeat trekking attempts and time to enjoy Lake Tanganyika. Mondays and Thursdays are typically rest days for the chimpanzees, coinciding with twice-weekly flights.

Our safaris typically cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level, time of year and activities. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, airport transfers, and 24/7 support from our team.