MAHALE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK- THE HOME TO SOME OF THE AFRICA'S LAST REMAINING WILD CHIMPANZEES










Set deep in the heart of African interior,
inaccessible by road and only 128km (80miles) south of where Stanley uttered that immortal greeting ‘‘Dr Livingstone, I presume’’, is a scene reminiscent of an Indian Ocean island beach idyll.
Mahale Mountains National Park is home to some of the Africa’s last remaining wild chimpanzees; a population of roughly 800 (only 60 individual forming what is known as ‘‘M group’’) habituated to human visitors by a Japanese researchers in the 1960s.Tracking the chimps of Mahale is a magical experience.

GETTING THERE
Charter; Charter flights from Kigoma, Mwanza, Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Mostly Zantas air and Tanganyika flights have weekly scheduled flights to Mahale airstrip
Water Vessel; Twice per month Mv. Liemba ferry from Kigoma (9-10hrs) then hire or arrange with Park HQ for a boat pick up at Lagosa point (30minutes cruise to the park).
Road; Alternatively, 2 hrs car drive south of Kigoma via Simbo Village (160km ) crossing Malagarasi river to Herembe (Dry season) or 122km to Sigunga Village upon arrangement with Park HQ for boat transfer to the Park maximum 1 or 2 hrs boat cruise respectively.
By Air:  several airlines offer regular services to National park airstrip (Not tarmac) but suitable for landing aircraft. Aircraft type: caravan 6-12 seeters.
Airstrip facilities: outdoor bathroom facilities

WHAT TO DO

  • Chimpanzees trekking  ( 3 groups of maximum 6 visitors per day)
  • Forests walks and mountain hiking ( Nkungwe peak takes 7- 9 hours and is 2462m a.s.l)
  • Camping safaris (wilderness & fly camping along the beaches)
  • Snorkeling
  • Kayaking
  • Sport fishing
  • Bird watching

WHEN TO VISIT

Dry season (may- October) best for forest walks although no problem in the light rains of October /November.  During this period chimpanzees are likely to be seen in big groups and one may enjoy learning about their various behaviours such as hunting of other primates or mammals.
Note: Chimp viewing regulations applies (Maximum three groups per day with maximum of 6 people for 1 hour each group after sighting)


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