Stunning facts about Mahale Mountains National Park : The luckiest visitors will discover a park that is less popular with tourists along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, climbing into the western slopes of the Mahale Mountains in the Kigoma Region of West Tanzania. Beautiful beaches beside lakes, luxuriant jungle, and mountain views may all be found at Mahale Mountains National Park. Chimp trekking and walking safaris are popular activities when travelling to this amazing location, which is home to one of the largest and last remaining populations of wild chimpanzees in the world.
Mahale Mountains National Park, frequently referred to as “one of the most beautiful parks in Africa,” should not be missed. Visitors to the park, which is only reachable by boat, can explore this beautiful, tropical paradise on foot while seeing chimp settlements and taking in the variety of fauna and plants that are thriving along the lush green slopes of the Mahale Mountains.
Let’s discover more about what makes Mahale Mountains National Park stand out among the many spectacular parks of Tanzania. Holoholo and Batongwe tribes were the original inhabitants of the Mahale Mountains National Park, which is situated in the distant west of Tanzania and covers a land area of more than 1,650 km2. To make way for the 1985 opening of the national park, these tribes were forcibly relocated in 1979 with the creation of the Mahale Mountains Wildlife Research Centre.
Today, Mahale Mountains National Park and the Gombe Stream National Park, which are both located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika to the north, provide a safe haven for some of Tanzania’s most numerous primates, including vervet monkeys, red colobus monkeys, yellow baboons, and over 1000 chimpanzees, including the Mimikere (M-group) chimps.
Around 80 chimpanzees make up this group, which was part of a Japanese study operation in the 1960s and 1970s (the same time that Jane Goodall was conducting research at Gombe Stream National Park). Chimpanzees are the animals that visitors are most likely to see when exploring the park because of their habituated nature to human presence. Moreover, the chimpanzee populations are growing as a result of the little human interference with the nature of the park.
Stunning facts Mahale Mountains National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking.
Chimpanzee trekking safari in Mahale Mountains National Park is guaranteed to be a memorable, action-packed experience. Humans and chimpanzees have 98% of the same DNA, which is seen in their mannerisms and vigilant, perceptive eyes. With their long arms, short legs, flat, round features, and large eyes, chimpanzees are one of the most recognizable primates. Since Mahale Mountains National Park is home to one of the greatest habituated chimpanzee populations, tourists may anticipate very simple and regular sightings. Lions and chimpanzees coexist in this national park, which makes it special. Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and antelope are also seen in the park, but they are harder to see because they live mostly on the eastern slope.
Hiking trails wind up and over gently sloping hills, getting tougher in the park’s northwest and southwest sections. The length of the trek will vary based on the location of the chimpanzees and the time of year, with groups being limited to a maximum of six persons. Chimpanzee trekking safari can be challenging and calls for hikers to be in good physical condition, just like any other wilderness journey. To see chimpanzees, hikers might have to walk farther or backtrack than they had originally planned. A qualified guide will point out additional wildlife that you might miss on your own and assist you locate the chimp troops.
Bird-Watching.
Mahale Mountains National Park is popular safari destination with bird enthusiasts as well as those who just like chimpanzees. Mahale Mountains National Park is a well-liked spot for birdwatching because it is home to over 350 bird species, including migratory, aquatic, and forest birds.
From November to April, when resident birds are in their breeding plumage and migratory birds are arriving from northern Africa and Europe, is the greatest time to go bird watching in Mahale. Most bird-savvy park visitors can expect to see the Crested Guinea Fowl, Giant Kingfisher, Palm Nut Vulture, and Scaly Francolin, among many other species of birds.
Sport Fishing.
On a lovely bright day when the water is quiet, the sport fishing safari on Lake Tanganyika is at its best. You must obtain a fishing licence and permit from Mahale Mountains National Park headquarters if you want to spend the day fishing on this deep, historic lake that is home to more than 400 different species of fish. You can get assistance with the specifics from an expert guide. Sport fishing is only permitted daily from 7 am to 5 pm, so for the best experience, we suggest joining the boat excursion.
Hiking In Mahale National Park.
At 2462 metres, Mount Nkungwe is the Mahale Mountains’ highest point. An experienced hiker normally needs two days to complete the hike to the peak and back. Hikers set up camp on their first night halfway up and spend their second night at the summit. Armed ranger guides walk with the group to ensure their safety.
A different well-liked excursion is to the “fishing fire.” Kerosene lamps are used by the fishing boats to light their way at night, and this spectacular display is known as the ‘fishing fire’. Witnessing it is a magical safari experience. The dry season, which runs from June to October, is the ideal time to go on this walk. The mountain’s slope becomes too wet and hazardous to ascend during the rainy season.
Cultural Tours.
Tanzania is a favorite safari destination for individuals who want to learn more about local village life and the varied customs and traditions of the various ethnic tribes residing throughout the nation because of its long history and cultural variety. Visitors to Mahale Mountains National Park can encounter Holoholo and Batongwe in the surrounding communities, two Bantu subgroups. Kigoma is particularly worthwhile to visit for its historical significance. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Kigoma served as a major centre for the trafficking in slaves and ivory before becoming a major transit hub and railway station for Dar-es-Salaam. It’s interesting to note that in the late 1800s, reporter Stanley discovered Dr. Livingstone there, who was thought to be lost in Africa.
Mahale National Park, kayaking and snorkeling are other popular safari activities. In Lake Tanganyika, there are more than 400 different fish species. Another well-liked pastime in this area is taking nature hikes throughout the national park.
When is the best time to visit Mahale Mountains National Park?
The dry season, from June through October, when temperatures range from 64 to 86 F, is the ideal time to explore this beautiful national park. During the dry season, the lower slopes offer the best chances to see chimpanzees. From November through April, Mahale has its wet season, which is characterized by increased humidity. But the greatest period to see butterflies and migratory birds is from November to April.
Mahale Mountains National Park is far less visited by tourists than other national parks in Tanzania, making it a lot more upscale, tranquil, alluring, and mystical location.
How to Reach Mahale Mountains National Park.
Yes, compared to other Tanzanian tourist locations, Mahale Mountains National Park is more expensive to visit. Visitors can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. There are charter flight alternatives from Kigoma, Mwanza, and Arusha to the Mahale airstrip as well.
It will take around 1.5 hours to travel by boat from the airstrip to the park. If you’re driving, you’ll need to pass through Simbo Junction to go to the closest communities before taking a ferry to the park’s administrative centre.
