Stunning lake-side wildlife
The famous Mahale Mountains sit beside one of the longest fresh water lakes in the world, Lake Tanganyika. What makes this location extra special is the presence of chimpanzees in the thick forests that cover the mountains. Jane Goodall made the area famous and has done much to highlight awareness of the chimpanzees and promote their conservation.
Close observation by these scientific studies over the years have made the chimpanzees approachable, allowing the unique and rare experience of getting up close to our closest cousins in the animal kingdom, which is the main attraction of coming to this area of Tanzania. The park is one of two protected areas for chimpanzees in Tanzania, with the other being Gombe Stream National Park. In Mahale you’ll find the largest known population of eastern chimpanzees, which is flourishing. And unlike many other parks in Africa, there are no roads or other infrastructure here, meaning many of your wildlife experiences will be on foot or on the lake by boat.
The chimpanzees are definitely not the only feature here, and the lake itself is quite beautiful and home to abundant bird and aquatic life. Sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking. The park is a wonderful combination of different habitats, from bamboo forests and woodlands to lush rainforests and montane forests. When it comes to primates, there are thought to be nine other species living here, besides the chimpanzees. Look out for blue monkeys, red and pied colobus, yellow baboons and vervet monkeys too.
Highlights
Learn about the conservation efforts that have helped to transform the region
Enjoy the rare experience of getting up close to chimpanzees
Discover the bird and aquatic life that flourishes around Lake Tanganyika
![Black and white illustration of Jody van Merode's headshot](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/401530/Jody_square-scaled-140x140-c.jpg)
Jody van Merode
Senior Travel Designer
![Two chimpanzees seated on the ground of the dense green jungle of the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/452188/Mahale-Mountains-chimpanzees-location__87591052-1-600x9999.jpg)
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![Portrait of a chimpanzee in the jungle of the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/452193/Mahale-Mountains-chimpanzees-AdobeStock_183532507-600x9999.jpeg)
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Absolutely fantastic sunsets over Lake Tanganyika and unforgettable sightings of chimpanzees and a variety of other exciting wildlife, make a visit to the Mahale Mountains a photographer's dream.
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Jody van Merode
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Mahale Mountains
Trip inspiration
Discover more of Tanzania
![Aerial view of Arusha City in front of Mount Meru, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/451290/Arusha-AdobeStock_472967067-MAIN-249x140.jpg)
Arusha
Arguably the Safari Capital of East Africa, Arusha is a bustling city in northern Tanzania and the main hub for those who are going to be embarking on a safari in this extensively game rich country.
Discover more![Two hippos facing each other with mouths open in the waters of Katavi National Park, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/146624/location__122703263-249x140.jpg)
Katavi National Park
For safari experts, the isolated Katavi National Park comes highly recommended. With a combination of grassland plains, marshland, rugged hills, woodland, lakes and rivers, this multifaceted region of Tanzania is home to a dense and varied wildlife quotient - including predators.
Discover more![Amboseli National Park, Tanzania, at sunset with Mount Kilimanjaro peaking through the clouds](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/148095/location__dreamstimemaximum_30578977-249x140.jpg)
Kilimanjaro Climb
The mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, or ‘The Roof of Africa’, is the continent’s highest mountain. To reach this dormant volcano’s snow-capped peak, hikers have to embark on a challenging yet epic journey. As you ascend the mountain you will camp from point to point, enjoying staggering sights along the way.
Discover more![Flamingos in flight at Lake Manyara, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/238912/manyara_NP_flamingos-249x140.jpg)
Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara has an abundance of animal species ranging from baboons, blue monkeys and bushbuck in its evergreen forests, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra on its flood plains. Its acacia woodland is popular amongst its leopards and tree-climbing lions. One of the main draws to the park is its variation of birdlife.
Discover more![Travellers on rock edge looking out over a deep valley in Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/242575/Banner-MwibaLodge-PrivateAdventure-249x140.jpg)
Mwiba Wildlife Reserve
Marking the southernmost point of the wildebeest’s migration loop, Mwiba Wildlife Reserve is where the herds spread out across the wider region to calve between January and March. There is only one permanent camp option so you’re guaranteed unbeatable privacy and exclusivity. There is also the possibility of setting off on night drives.
Discover more![Rhino, African elephants, zebra and game in the grassy plains of the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/141346/event__iStock_70822193_LARGEngorongoro-249x140.jpg)
Ngorongoro Crater
A great introduction to Tanzania, this nature wonderland offers you incredible sightings of the famous big five as well as a whole host of excellent plains game.
Discover more![Zebra and wildebeest in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, at sunset](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/146875/location__iStock_000014331214XLarge-249x140.jpg)
North Serengeti
The North Serengeti forms the border with the equally famous Maasai Mara of Kenya. This is the region where the herds are at their most concentrated during the migration, and it’s where you’ll see the infamous river crossings.
Discover more![Herd of elephants moving through the waters of a clearing in a dense green Nyerere National Park, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/146617/location__iStock_000020887548XLarge-249x140.jpg)
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is the largest game reserve in all eastern Africa. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region remains relatively untouched by humans but expect to see a huge concentration of elephants (almost half of all of Tanzania’s). With the mighty Rufiji River flowing through the reserve, visitors can also spot crocodiles and hippos.
Discover more![Two African elephant with their trunks entwined in front of a large tree in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/140438/location__iStock_18780123_LARGEWF-249x140.jpg)
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania and East Africa. This pristine area has the same wildlife density and diversity of the Kruger, but with only around 1% of the visitors, so privacy is a given.
Discover more![Wildebeest migration across the dusty savanna of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/242490/serengeti-wildebeest-thumb-249x140.jpg)
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is one of the world’s most famous national parks. It is host to Africa’s Great Migration where huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope travel around before making their way into Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara.
Discover more![A safari vehicle with guides and travellers inside parked in the sun-drenched grasslands of Singita Grumeti, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/450363/Singita-Explore_banner-1-249x140.jpg)
Singita Grumeti
Singita Grumeti is Tanzania’s largest private reserve. The reserve is exclusive to Singita properties, which means privacy is a given. The region offers unrivalled game viewing experiences, and especially during the Great Wildebeest Migration between the months of June and July.
Discover more![Elephant and calf in the plains of Tarangire National Park, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/146608/location__iStock_000007763163Large-249x140.jpg)
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is home to huge herds of elephants. There are also over 550 bird species including the Yellow-collared Lovebirds and the world’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard. Depending on the time of the year, you can also see the migratory wildebeest.
Discover more![Dhow in the crystal turquoise waters of Zanzibar, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/239465/zanzibar_dhow_people-249x140.jpg)
Zanzibar
The African island of Zanzibar, paired with its Arabian history, makes for an excellent safari add-on. With intriguing architecture evident in the main town, Stone Town, you will be able to experience a mix of culture and landscape with pristine beaches and crystal clear waters.
Discover moreMeet your Africa team
When to visit
The dry season between June and October is best for the chimps who search for fruits lower down the slopes; it can be hot though. The green season from November to March is ideal for colourful photos and incredibly clear views over the lake.
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Chimpanzee spotting
June–October
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Clear views
November–March
![Trees icon](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/374681/Jungle@2x-120x120.png)
Green season
January–February
Plan your trip to Mahale Mountains
Whatever you want from your adventure in Mahale Mountains, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Why book with Jacada?
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Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
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Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Jacada were amazing all the way from designing our trip to guiding us throughout the journey. Our trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar was truly a once in a lifetime experience. We had knowledgeable, passionate guides on safari and stayed in beautiful accommodations throughout.
Our Tanzania Safari was the second trip through Jacada. Jacada continued to live up to our expectations of personalized experience and attention to detail. Our travel designer (Jamey) and travel concierge (Betty) worked tirelessly to ensure that we had the travel experience we wanted. They took our feedback and made adjustments to the trip. During the trip, we had great…
Jacada was helpful and responsive every step of the process. Jamey Lowis designed our amazing trip to Tanzania. He spent time figuring out what my family was interested in and created the best itinerary. Our Serengeti safari was fabulous. We stayed at the Olakira migration camp, where everyone was wonderful. Our guide, Daniel, was top notch and went out of…
The organization and detail of travel was superb! Jody and Charlotte helped every step of the way. It was a luxury safari. The game drives and accommodations were wonderful. It was a trip of a lifetime!
Landing at airport and being greeted by a personal representative to walk you through every what, where and when.
![Herd of zebra in the grasslands in the golden light, Tanzania](https://www.jacadatravel.com/wp-content/uploads/fly-images/390240/Safari_AdobeStock_376948567-400x400-cc.jpg)
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Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.