MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Mahale mountain national park is found in the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in Uvinza of Kigoma region, Tanzania. Named after the Mahale Mountains range that is within its borders. It was named after the Mahale mountain range that is within its borders. this national park is so unique that it’s among the only two national parks where the Chimpanzees can be found. It’s also known to have a high number of Chimps, lions. The most unique thing in this national park is that there are no roads that all activities done here are done on foot, boats on the lakes.
Historically, this place was traditionally inhabited by the Batongwe and the Holoholo people, with populations in 198 7 and about 22000 and 12500 respectively.
The Mahale Mountain Wildlife Conservation Centre was formed in 1979 and the people were forcefully evicted from this place to make a way for this wonderful national park and it was later opened up in 1985.
Activities in Mahale National park.
Game viewing
In this national park you can get involved in game viewing which is best done in the eastern slopes of Mahale. The animal species here include, elephants, lions, wild dogs, giraffes, buffalos, bush backs, roan antelopes, waterbucks and many others. This activity is done on foot and sometimes on boat because the park has no big road around the national park.
Chimpanzee trekking.
This is an impressive destination for the chimp lovers, you have chances of seeing the friendly Chimps that share 98% of human DNA and it can be watched after your safari to Tanzania
Birding
The park recorded over 350 different bird species around the park and the most common are the forest birds and the common species include, African fish Eagle, Giant King fisher, crested guide fowl, Russ’s turaco, weaver birds and many others.
The birds can be watched throughout the year though the best time is from the month of November –April. During that period of the year, can be the easiest way to see resident birds in their breeding plumage and the migratory birds from north Africa and Europe are also present between March and April. During the rainy season this activity is hindered by the slippery forest roads
Fishing/Snorkeling.
The park is located on shores of Lake Tanganyika, the second fresh water Lake in Africa. The lake inhabits more than 100 different fish species and making fishing possible in this national park, the Kayaking, scuba diving, boat safaris, and snorkeling are present.
Hiking in Mahale mountain National park
Hiking can be arranged two days hiking up and one done while camping midway and again near the peak. You can also hike Mt Mahake one of the rewardable activities and can be done in the company of the protected game guides. the hiking trails have descent slopes and during the hike you must carry you own food and gear
Best time to visit this national park
Though the park is visited freely throughout year though there are some enjoyable time. the dry seasons that starts from July to October when the chimps are easily seen in the bigger groups and closer to the shoreline the wet season is also not bad though it needs real hiking into the jungle looking for the scattered chimps
How to get to this national park
By air
A domestic flight booting is required from the Charter flight Arusha and Dar es-Salaam. The flight may take until five hours to Mahale airstrip. Flights are more common between the month of October and out of season are less regular.
By road
The roads are rough and it can be tricky to be accessed mostly during the rainy season. You can drive from Arusha to Kigoma then from here you will take either a boat or a plane but it will take two to three days if used a car
ACCOMMODATION
Mahale National park is remote that give a chance to have a peaceful rest offered on the shores of the crystal clear Lake Tanganyika. Accommodation is luxurious and in tented camps on the beach, most with beautiful views across the lake. The forests behind offer wonderful walks to see the famous Mahale Chimpanzees.
