Mahale Mountain National Park

The small and remote Mahale Mountains National Park is found in the very West of Tanzania and on the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika. Access is provided with two flights a week to the area and then you need to take a boat trip across the lake to reach the park. 

The journey is however well worth it and incredibly rewarding as you get to explore one of Africa's most unique parks with just a handful of other visitors. The main attraction here are the treks to see the chimpanzees in the forest but there is a range of other activities for you to enjoy as well.

Accommodation here is relatively limited but that doesn't mean it isn't spectacular. Greystoke Mahale can, in our opinion, rightly stake a claim to be the most extraordinary camp in Africa. Beautifully appointed on the white sand beach on the shore of Lake Tanganyika you enjoy stunning views out across the shimmering lake - an incredible sight at any time of day. To the rear, the camp is framed by the captivating Mahale Mountains which rise up to 8000 feet and are covered in dense forests.

As we mentioned, chimpanzee treks are the main drawcard here and seeing them in their natural habitat is a truly magical experience. The treks can be as short as an hour but sometimes you can be out for a full day depending on the season so do bear this in mind. When you are with the chimps you will be able to observe their very human-like behaviour as the younger ones play in the trees and the adults observe and squabble amongst themselves. However, this is not the only reason to visit here. Walks in the forest are enjoyable in their own right and those feeling brave can swim in the ice cold pools found on the mountainsides. Kayaking on the lake is a great way to start a day and dhow trips for sundowner drinks are great fun as well. You can also enjoy perhaps the most relaxing activity possible, just sitting on the beach and enjoying your truly remarkable surroundings - trust us, you will spend more time than you think doing this!

A remarkable destination. Completely unique and unlike anywhere else you will ever experience. It is more difficult and costly to get to than the more well known National Parks, but guests are simply blown away by this beautiful park and a visit here really does leave one with memories to last a lifetime.