Chimpanzee tracking safaris in Mahale Mountains National Park: Mahale is located in Western Tanzania to the South of Kigoma town, it borders Lake Tanganyika-the World’s longest, second deepest, and least polluted freshwater lake-harbouring an estimated 1000 fish species. The national park is driven by its name from the mahale mountains range that is within its borders, the park has several unusual characteristics. Amazingly the national park is one of only two protected areas for chimpanzees in Tanzania, the other is nearby Gombe Stream National Park made famous by the researcher Jane Goodall. Mahale Mountains National Park harbors the largest known population of eastern chimpanzees and due to its size and remoteness, the chimpanzees flourish. More so the park is a destination where chimpanzees and lions co-exist. Another enhancing feature of the park is that it is one of the very few in Africa that must be experienced by foot. There are no roads or other infrastructure within the park boundaries, and the only way in and out of the park is via boat on the lake.
One of the main highlights of the Tanzania safari in Mahale Mountains National Park is the opportunity to trek the chimpanzees. guided by experienced guide, adventurous tourists have the chance to embark on the hike through the lush montane forest in search of these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. The trek requires a moderate level of fitness the terrains can be steep and challenging at times, but the reward is immersed. Observing wildlife chimpanzees in their natural environment is a memorable experience, offering insights into their complex social structure and behavior. Chimpanzee tracking in Mahale Mountains National Park usually starts early morning with a briefing at the park’s headquarters and a group of 6 people area allowed to trek these fascinating creatures in their habitat. During the morning hours, these primates are most active and the temperatures are alive with the sounds of the forest.
During a Tanzania chimpanzee tracking safari in Mahale Mountains National Park, you’ll also encounter other wildlife that dwell in the park such as red colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, giant squirrel, red-legged sun squirrel, brush-tailed porcupine, bushy-tailed mongoose, Angolan black-and-white colobus monkeys, animals like elephants, lion, wild dogs, roan antelopes, buffalos and giraffes as well as colorful birds. Once these fascinating primates are allocated, you will have the chance to observe these creatures grooming one another, playing, feeding, breastfeeding, and interacting, providing a rare glimpse into their intimate world.
Frequently asked questions about chimpanzee tracking safaris in Mahale Mountains National Park
1. How do I get to Mahale Mountains National Park?
Mahale Mountains National Park is located in western Tanzania, along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The nearest major city is Kigoma, which can be reached by air or by boat from Dar es Salaam. from Kigoma town. Visitors typically take a scenic boat ride across Lake Tanganyika, providing views of the park’s shoreline and the opportunity to see aquatic wildlife. The speedboats take between 4 and 5 hours to reach the park while timber boats can take up to 15 hours or more or charter a small plane to reach the park
- when is the best time to visit the Mahale Mountains National Park for chimpanzee tracking?
The best time to visit Mahale Mountains National Park for chimpanzee tracking is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is cooler and there is less rainfall, making it easier to navigate the park and track the chimpanzees.
- How physically demanding is chimpanzees tracking in Mahale Mountains National Park?
Chimpanzee tracking in Mahale Mountains National Park can be physically demanding, as it involves hiking through dense forests and rugged terrains in search of the chimpanzees. It is recommended that tourists be in good physical conditions and have a moderate level of fitness in order to fully enjoy the experience.
- How close can I get to the chimpanzees during the tracking?
Visitors to Mahale Mountains National Park are able to get relatively close to the chimpanzees during the tracking, as the primates are habituated to the presence of humans. However, it is important to maintain a safe distance of at least 10m from the chimps at all times and follow the guidelines set by park rangers to ensure the well-being of the chimpanzees.
- what are the safe distance chimpanzee tracking rules and regulations in Mahale Mountains National Park?
- Maintain a distance of at least 10m from the chimps at all times. This minimizes the risk of you transmitting bacteria and viruses to them
- Do not eat or drink while you are near the chimps – move at least 250m away.
- Do not leave personal belongings on the ground or where they are accessible to the chimps. They are curious animals and your belongings can transmit disease. If you need help carrying bags, your guide will be happy to assist you
- Only 6 individuals are allowed to track the chimps in their natural habitat
- Maximum viewing time is one hour. If the chimps are moving and viewing is interrupted, your time will be paused until they have been relocated, but tracking is not permitted for longer than 3hours after the initial chimp sighting, even if the one-hour total has not been reached. This is to minimize disturbance to the animals and to the forest.
- Do not disturb wild animals in any way. Do not make noise.
- how long does a typical tracing safari in Mahale Mountains National Park?
A typical chimpanzee tracking safari in Mahale Mountains National Park can last anywhere from a few hours to a duly day, depending on the location of the chimpanzee group and the difficulty of the terrain. visitors should be prepared for a full day of hiking and tracking in order to minimize their chances of sighting the chimpanzees
- are there any accommodations options in Mahale Mountains National Park?
Mahale Mountains National Park offers a variety of accommodations options for visitors, ranging from luxury tented camps to rustic campsites such as Mahale Mountains National Park includes Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, Greystoke Mahale Camp and Kungwe Beach Lodge among others. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, as the park can get busy during the peak seasons.
