Mahale Mountains National Park is another primate destination where visitors can meet the unique chimpanzees during tours in the western safari circuit of Tanzania. Tourists can visit the chimpanzees of Mahale National Park during safaris and interact with the habituated chimpanzee groups found at the destination. The national park consists of rainforests and is also found along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Many other primate species can be encountered around Mahale Mountains National Park, and they include vervet monkeys, baboons, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys among others as well as different bird and butterfly species. Other wildlife species found in the national park include; antelopes, giraffes, elephants, lions, and warthogs among others which can be spotted around the eastern slopes of the destination.
Activities to do around Mahale Mountains National Park
Different activities can be carried out during tours around Mahale Mountains National Park and they include the following;
- Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking in Mahale Mountains National Park is a unique experience that involves visiting the chimpanzees and spending time with them in their natural habitat. Watching them feed, laugh and play is a rewarding experience.
The chimpanzees can be encountered in the lush jungle vegetation in Mahale Mountains National Park where habituated groups such as the Mimikere group are found.
- Bird watching
Tourists visiting Mahale Mountains National Park enjoy sights of different bird species while exploring the national park.
Bird watching in Mahale Mountains National Park can be conducted in areas around the park such as forests where bird species such as Hornbills, Kingfishers, and Guinea fowls among others can be spotted during tours.
- Boat safaris
Boat safaris can be arranged around Mahale Mountains National Park on Lake Tanganyika where visitors enjoy activities like canoeing and fishing.
Tourists can also enjoy captivating views around Mahale Mountains National Park during the boat safaris.
- Guided nature walks
Another activity that one can engage in during safaris around Mahale Mountains National Park is guided nature walks which can be carried out around the forested slopes where various primate and bird species can be encountered during tours.
These guided walks are organized with ranger guides who lead the way through Mahale Mountains National Park.
- Hiking
Hiking tours can also be undertaken in Mahale Mountains National Park and tourists can hike to the top of the mountain, which takes about two to three days.
Park rangers accompany tourists during their treks around Mahale Mountains National Park.
Best time to visit Mahale Mountains National Park
The best time to visit Mahale Mountains National Park is during the dry season around July to October which is a time when chimpanzees can be spotted easily around the forests and the trails are easier to see during tours around the destination.
However, throughout the year, tourists can visit the Mahale Mountains National Park for safari.
How to access Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park can be accessed by boat or by flight during tours around Tanzania.
The fastest and most convenient way to access Mahale Mountains National Park during Tanzania safaris is by flying.