Mahale Mountains National Park – Chimpanzee Safari Adventures
Mahale Mountains National Park, rising dramatically from the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is one of Africa’s most breathtaking and remote wilderness areas. Renowned for its thriving chimpanzee families, the park is centred around Mount Nkungwe, a sacred peak for the local Tongwe people.
Mahale is one of the few places on Earth where chimpanzees and lions coexist in the same habitat, making it a truly unique safari destination. This biodiversity hotspot is home to an extraordinary variety of plant and animal species, including yellow baboons, red colobus, vervet monkeys, and rare creatures found nowhere else in the world.
The park supports an estimated 600 chimpanzees living in 15 social groups, along with occasional sightings of roan antelope, western shore warthogs, and giraffes. Bird lovers will be captivated by the park’s rich avian life, from bamboo warblers to the elusive Stuhlman’s starling, while thousands of colourful butterflies add to the park’s vibrant ecosystem.
A visit to Mahale offers more than wildlife—it’s an intimate experience in a place where pristine forest meets crystal-clear lake waters. Trek through ancient rainforests, listen to the calls of chimpanzees echoing through the canopy, and discover why Mahale Mountains National Park is considered one of Tanzania’s hidden treasures.
Ready to encounter chimpanzees in the wild? Browse our handpicked Mahale Mountains safari packages to start planning your journey.
Mahale National Park rewards travellers year-round; the months our safari designers most often recommend are highlighted below. Share your dates and we'll fine-tune the timing for wildlife, weather and value.
Where, when and how you love to travel — as much or as little as you know.
A specialist who knows these places firsthand curates your itinerary.
Refine it together until every day feels right — then we handle the rest.