Mahale National Park

Named after the Mahale Mountain range, this national park covers an area of 1,613 sq km. Other than Gombe Stream, this national park is the only protected area where you can see the chimpanzees. Located in the western part of Tanzania in the remote wilderness, it was officially gazetted in 1985 to better protect the primates from poaching and increase their number in region which was constantly dwindling. It is one of the most picturesque parks in Tanzania with year around lush green vegetation. The Mahale Mountains are located in western Tanzania on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika atop Mount Nkungwe. At an elevation of 2,462 meters above sea level, the mountains are a perfect breeding and flourishing ground the for chimpanzee population. Chimpanzee trekking is the main attraction of the park where you traverse the area guided by a certified tour guide in search of chimpanzee families. Besides trekking tours, you can also go for snorkelling or swimming into the lake, or just stroll around the serene beaches for hours without being disturbed by the crowds. Other than the chimps, you can also spot hippos and crocodiles that are known to inhabit the Tanganyika Lake. Lion, leopards, antelopes, warthogs are also spotted here, but rather rare. Also a birding paradise, there are 355 species of birds found mostly around the lake. Mahale National Park even though not on the level of Serengeti or Ngorongoro, maintains a perfect balance between wildlife viewing (chimps in particular), relaxation, and adventure.