Mahale Mountains National Park

Experience the ultimate adventure with a tailor-made safari to the remote Mahale Mountains National Park, located on the tranquil shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. This 1,613 km² park is one of the best places in Africa to track chimpanzees and offers a unique opportunity for an intimate encounter with these intriguing primates. Mahale Mountains National Park is one of two protected areas for chimpanzees in Tanzania, and historically, the park has played a crucial role in understanding our closest relatives.

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More About the Mahale Mountains

Apart from chimpanzees, the park boasts of thick tropical rainforest that bursts from the ground and rises up the slopes of the imposing mountainside. The Mahale Mountains are one of the only places in the world where chimpanzees, elephants, and lions can be found living side by side. As a result, visitors can enjoy thrilling wildlife sightings that are truly unique to this park. Moreover, the aesthetic of the park is that of a paradise island with pristine beaches that skirt the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Access to the park is only achievable by boat, which adds to the sense of adventure and remoteness. There are no roads within the park, which means that all land-based activities are done on foot. This exclusive experience is perfect for those looking to step well and truly off the beaten track and immerse themselves in the beauty of Africa. A tailor-made safari to Mahale Mountains National Park can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby Katavi National Park, making for a truly unforgettable safari holiday in Tanzania.

Wildlife in the Mahale Mountains

Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park is a thrilling experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with the chimps in their natural habitat. The trek can take several hours, but the experience is well worth it. Visitors are accompanied by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the chimps and the park. The guides ensure that visitors maintain a safe distance from the chimps while still being able to observe them up close.

Aside from chimpanzee trekking, visitors can also spot other wildlife species in the park, such as leopards, bushbucks, and warthogs. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the endemic yellow-throated greenbul and the African paradise flycatcher. The park's location on the shores of Lake Tanganyika adds to its unique wildlife experience, as visitors can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters while admiring the breathtaking scenery.

Best Time to Visit

To make the most out of your safari experience, it's important to know the best time to visit Mahale Mountains National Park.

The best time to visit Mahale Mountains National Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the weather is dry and sunny, and it is easier to spot wildlife as they gather around water sources. The park's chimpanzee population is also more active during this time, making it easier to spot them in their natural habitat.

The wet season, which runs from November to April, can be a challenging time to visit the park due to the heavy rainfall, which can make the roads impassable. However, this season offers its unique attractions, such as lush greenery, impressive waterfalls, and rare bird species.

It is important to note that the park is only accessible by boat, and the lake is often rough during the wet season. As such, it is advisable to visit during the dry season when boating is easier and more reliable.

Month-by-Month Guide to Weather

January:

The park experiences its highest rainfall of the year in January, with an average of 280mm of rainfall and 22 rainy days. The average high temperature is around 28°C (82°F) and the average low temperature is around 22°C (72°F).

February:

February is also a rainy month in Mahale Mountains National Park, with an average of 250mm of rainfall and 21 rainy days. The average high temperature is around 28°C (82°F) and the average low temperature is around 22°C (72°F).

March:

The rainfall begins to decrease in March, with an average of 180mm of rainfall and 18 rainy days. The average high temperature is around 28°C (82°F) and the average low temperature is around 22°C (72°F).

April:

April is one of the drier months in the park, with an average of 90mm of rainfall and 12 rainy days. The average high temperature is around 28°C (82°F) and the average low temperature is around 22°C (72°F).

May:

May is also a relatively dry month, with an average of 60mm of rainfall and 9 rainy days. The average high temperature is around 27°C (81°F) and the average low temperature is around 21°C (70°F).

June:

June marks the beginning of the dry season in Mahale Mountains National Park, with an average of 30mm of rainfall and 5 rainy days. The average high temperature is around 26°C (79°F) and the average low temperature is around 19°C (66°F).

July:

July is a dry month in the park, with an average of 20mm of rainfall and 4 rainy days. The average high temperature is around 26°C (79°F) and the average low temperature is around 18°C (64°F).

August:

August is another dry month in the park, with an average of 20mm of rainfall and 4 rainy days. The average high temperature is around 26°C (79°F) and the average low temperature is around 18°C (64°F).

September:

The temperatures continue to increase with average highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F) in September. The average rainfall is around 30mm.

October:

October is the hottest month in Mahale Mountains National Park with average highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F). The average rainfall is around 70mm.

November:

November is the beginning of the short rainy season with an average rainfall of 140mm. Temperatures during the day average around 28°C (82°F) and around 19°C (66°F) at night.

December:

The rainfall in December increases to an average of 280mm, and the temperatures range from 26°C (79°F) during the day to 18°C (64°F) at night.

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