The Main Attraction – Chimpanzee Trekking
Mahale is famous for its chimpanzees – with around 1,000 living in the park. These incredible primates live free in the forest and can be seen up close on guided treks.

Up Close and Personal: You can spend an hour watching them in the wild—eating, playing, and grooming.

Trek with Experts: Rangers and researchers will guide you, share stories, and help you find the chimps.

Seasonal Tip: The best time to see chimps is August to October, when they come down the mountain and are easier to reach.

Important: Trekking can take from 1 hour to a full day, depending on where the chimps are. But every guest has seen them!

More Than Just Chimps
There’s so much more to enjoy in Mahale:

Spot other primates like red colobus monkeys and baboons

Go birdwatching – over 350 bird species call this park home

Keep an eye out for leopards, bushbuck, and mongoose

Snorkel in the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika with colorful fish

Relax on pristine white-sand beaches or go kayaking on the lake

Hike to waterfalls hidden deep in the jungle

When to Go
The best time to visit Mahale is during the dry season:
July to October

Easier trekking conditions

Chimps come down the mountain

Great weather for hiking, swimming, and photography
You can visit other times of the year, but be ready for longer walks and wetter trails.

How to Get There
Getting to Mahale takes a little effort – but it’s worth every step.

Fly from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Mahale's nearby airstrip (Kasunga).

Boat transfer to your lodge across the lake, with stunning views along the way (3–4 hours).

You can also take a ferry from Kigoma for a more scenic route.

Where to Stay

Greystoke Mahale – Top Luxury Choice: A beautiful, rustic lodge right on the beach. It offers “barefoot luxury” with wooden bandas, great food, and amazing views.

Nkungwe Lodge – Comfortable and More Affordable: Closer to nature, with simpler comforts but still cozy and improved in recent years.
Tip: Book early—Greystoke is popular and has limited space!

Top Tips for Your Trip

Pack comfortable clothes for hiking – breathable, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy shoes

Bring a good camera (with zoom) – chimp sightings are epic

Use insect repellent and wear sunscreen

Drink plenty of water, especially on hikes

Always follow your guide’s instructions – for your safety and the chimps’ well-being

Respect nature – leave no trace behind

Other Fun Activities

Kayak, fish, or take a boat ride on Lake Tanganyika

Enjoy birdwatching with sightings of fish eagles, kingfishers, and more

Hike through the forest to amazing viewpoints

Visit nearby villages to learn about local culture and support the community

Relax on the beach after your adventures

Is Mahale Right for You?
Mahale is perfect for:

Nature lovers who want a once-in-a-lifetime chimp experience

Travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure

Couples and photographers seeking stunning scenery and unique wildlife

Families with older kids who love the outdoors (children must be 12+ to join chimp treks)

Your Visit Supports Conservation
When you visit Mahale:

Your park fees help protect chimpanzees and their habitat

Your stay supports eco-lodges and local communities

You’re helping preserve one of Africa’s last untouched wildernesses

Start Your Journey to Mahale Mountains Today
If you’re dreaming of a safari that’s different from the rest—with forests instead of plains, beaches instead of dust, and chimps instead of lions—then Mahale is calling.
Plan your trip today and experience the wild magic of Tanzania’s best-kept secret.

Want help booking your Mahale adventure or choosing the right lodge? Contact us today – we’ll help you every step of the way!