Tourist activities to do in Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountain National Park was officially established as a national park in 1985 with the main purpose of protecting all wildlife species. This national park is located along the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in Kigoma region in Uvinza district in Tanzania. Mahale Mountain National Park is known to have been named after the Mahale mountains with are found within the borders of the park and it covers a total surface area of about 1,650 square kilometers being under the management of Tanzania National parks Authority which is known to be an organization that is responsible for conserving and protecting all the game parks in the country hence fighting against poaching activities. Mahale Mountain National Park, which is found within the western region of the country, is famously and commonly visited because it is known to be among the top destinations in Tanzania, which host large population of chimpanzees hence attracting many people to visit the park hence contributing a lot towards the tourism industry of the country.
Mahale Mountains National Park is perhaps best known for its population of wildlife chimpanzees, which inhabits the lush mountain forests. The park is one of the few places in the world where visitors can trek to obverse these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, over natural 1000 living in the forests. In addition to the chimpanzees, Mahale Mountain National Park is also hoe to other species including blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys’ yellow baboons and over 350 bird species such as African fish eagle, crested guinea fowl, blue cheeked bee-eater, giant kingfisher, palm nut vulture, crested malimbe, bamboo warbler, malachite king fisher, Livingstone turaco and trumpeter hornbill and many others. this park’s rich biodiversity aos includes a variety of mammals such as bushbucks, buffaloes, African elephants, cheetah, lions, wild dogs, waterbucks, giraffes, monitor lizards and many others.
Tourist activities to do in Mahale Mountains National Park
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is the main activity done in Mahale Mountains National Park, and tourists have the unique opportunity to trek through the lush forest in search of these fascinating primates. The park is home to several habituated chimpanzee groups, which means that the chimpanzees are accustomed to the presence of human and allow for close and intimate encounters. Chimpanzee trekking in the park begins with a briefing at the park’s headquarter about the chimps trekking prereductions and the expectation and thereafter you will be allocated with a specific chimp’s group and experienced guide how will take you through the lush terrains in search for these fascinating creatures. During the chimpanzee tracking, you will also have a chance to encounter with over wildlife such as, gorillas, elephants, roan antelopes, buffalos, bush bucks, waterbucks, yellow baboons, lions, wild dogs, yellow baboon, red colobus, blue, red-tailed, and vervet monkeys, as well as different colorful birds such as bamboo warbler, Livingston’s turaco, crested guinea fowl among others. once the chimpanzee is allocated, you’ll the chance the to observe them as they go about their daily activities including feeing, grooming and playing.
Birdwatching
Mahale Mountains National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 350 species of birds. During your birdwatching excursion, you will have the opportunity to spot a verity of bird such Bamboo warbler, Blue-cheeked bee-eater, Crested Guineafowl, Crested malimbe, Crowned eagle, Giant kingfisher, Livingstone’s turaco, Palm-nut vulture, Ross’s turaco, Scaly francolin, Stuhlmann’s starling, Trumpeter hornbill, Vieillot’s black weaver and many more
Boat trips
Boat trips in Mahale Mountains National Park are carried out along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, this tranquil Lake offers a unique boat trip experience that combines stunning lake scenery with opportunities to spot wildlife and learn about local culture. A boat trip on Lake Tanganyika is a must do-activity for any visitors to the park, offering a serena and peaceful way to connect with nature and the local community. During your boat trip safari, you will have the opportunity to stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and lake scenery as well as spotting other wildlife species such as fish, birds, and other aquatic wildlife as well as hippos and crocodiles. You will also get chance to learn about the local cultural and way of life by interacting with local fishermen and villagers.
Mountain hiking
Mahale mountain national park is an ideal Tanzania destination for mountain hiking safaris, this safari is one of the most adventurous and incredible safaris experience leading tourists to the highest peak of Mahale mountains standing at the altitude of 2460 meters (8,000 feet). Hiking in Mahale Mountain National Park offers a unique opportunity to experience wildlife beyond chimpanzees. The park is home to a rich array of flora ad fauna including endemic species, various reptiles and a wide range of plant life that varies with altitude. While on a mountain hiking at the park, hikers are advice to carry hiking items such a sturdy hiking shoes, lightweight clothing, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, enough water and snacks for energy and also visitors are encouraged to maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and more so the best time to climb this mountain is during the dry period which runs from May – October.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing at Mahale Mountain National Park is one of the most exciting activities that takes you to one of the African’s Great lakes, Lake Tanganyika is noted for its crystal-clear waters, deep depth and diverse fish species. The lake is a home to over 300 species of fish including cichlids, Nile perch, catfish and tilapia, making it an exciting destination for sport fishing enthusiasts. Sport fishing in Mahale Mountains National Park is done from 7: 00 am – 5 pm and tourist are advised to purchase sport fishing permits as allowance to participate in the experience and the best time to climb this mountain is during the dry period which runs from May – October. During the period, the weather is typically more stable, and fish tend to be more active.
Where to stay in Mahale Mountains National Park
Visitors planning to go for a safari in Mahale Mountains National Park shouldn’t worry about where to stay. The park a wide range of accommodation establishments that are lodges and camps offering accommodation to travelers visiting the park for a Tanzania safari such accommodations include; Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, Mahale Classic Lodge, Grey Stoke Mahale Camp, Mahale Mango Tree Bandas among others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about tourist activities to do in Mahale National Park and then Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Tanzania.
