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Safari Place

Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale brings forested mountains, Lake Tanganyika, and wild chimpanzees together in a park reached primarily by air and boat.

Wildlife highlights

Chimpanzee Signature Red Colobus Common Red-tailed Monkey Common Hippopotamus Possible
Mahale Mountains National Park and nearby Safari geography Canonical route legs show how this destination connects to its Safari Journey. The current location is gold. Select another marker to explore its Safari information.

BoatSafari PlaceGateway Home Base

Why safari here?

It changes the Western Circuit from Katavi's vehicle-based big-game Safari to guided primate trekking on foot.

Wildlife & landscape

Montane and sub-montane forest, steep valleys, streams, beaches, and clear lake shallows support chimpanzees, red colobus and other primates, forest mammals, birds, reptiles, and endemic fish.

When to go

June to October is generally the easiest time for trekking and transfers. The park remains open through greener, wetter months.

Gateway & getting there

Arranged flights can land at Mahale Airstrip, followed by a boat transfer along the shore. Kigoma also provides longer road-and-boat or lake approaches.

Typical visit

Several nights allow for more than one possible trekking morning and time to experience both forest and lakeshore.

Nearby Safari geography

Explore the gateway town and related Safari Places around this destination.

Related Safari Circuits

Follow Safari Circuits that visit this destination or use it as a gateway.