Mahale Mountains National Park Travel Guide
Travel to Mahale Mountains National Park - Where Chimpanzees Flourish
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Mahale Mountains National Park is located in one of the most remote locations in Tanzania, on the western border with the Congo, against the dramatic shores of Lake Tanganyika. Accessible only by small aircraft, the park is the home of a large chimpanzee population that is well acclimatized to human contact. Although the nearby Gombe Stream National Park is more famous, the primate population in Mahale Mountains is more numerous and sightings more regular and prolonged.
Observing the chimpanzees in their natural habitat, one cannot help but be touched by their natural grace and anthropomorphic features. Although remote, a chimpanzee safari to Mahale Mountains National Park is well worth the effort. Hikes to their habitation areas are accessible and not strenuous, although being in good physical condition will ease the strain of walking through the jungle! Up close, observing the endangered primates is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A Japanese researcher, Dr. Toshisada, found the Mahale Mountains and the chimpanzees in 1965 whilst studying near Kigoma and he set up the first research camp. He got the region protected in order to learn about the chimpanzees and in 1985 full park status was granted to the Mahale Mountains.
Attractions in Mahale Mountains National Park
The main attraction that every visitor goes to this park to see is the chimpanzees of which there are an estimated seven hundred to a thousand in the park. However, also look out for other fascinating wildlife in the region such as warthog, bush pig, elephant, buffalo, yellow baboons, monkeys, roan and sable antelope, kudu, beautiful butterflies, lion and the elusive leopard. As well as forest birds including crested guinea fowl and Ross's turaco.
Activities in Mahale Mountains National Park
The ultimate activity in the Mahale Mountains National Park is the once in a lifetime experience of tracking wild chimpanzees. After tracking their trails through the forest in the company of an experienced guide you will have the incredible opportunity to see these fascinating creatures going about their life in their natural habitat.
Truly breathtaking! However, there are also other numerous walking trails to allow you to get close to nature and experience the wildlife and beauty of this region. Be sure to keep an eye out for the playful vervet, red colobus and white spot nose monkeys. To really make the most out of your jungle experience you can go on a camping safari.
You can also swim, fish and snorkel in the nearby dominating Lake Tanganyika.
Relaxing
Visitors come to the Mahale Mountains National Park to go trekking and to see chimpanzees but a short while away is Lake Tanganyika where you can relax on the sandy white beaches spotting the birdlife such as nesting speckled mousebirds and forest birds and eat freshly caught fish.
Getting Around
Mahale Mountains National Park must be explored by foot as there are no roads or other infrastructure. The only way into the park is by boat on Lake Tanganyika.
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