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+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Tanzania

Mahale Mountains

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Why Visit the Mahale Mountains

Tucked away on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, the Mahale Mountains are a true wilderness: wild, remote and astonishingly beautiful. Accessible only by boat or plane, this is one of the most untouched corners of Africa, where forested peaks plunge into the lake’s gin-clear waters and chimpanzees roam freely in the trees above.

Chimpanzee tracking here is among the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on the continent. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll hike through dense, tropical forest to observe these fascinating primates up close, watching as they groom, forage and interact in their natural habitat. It’s a deeply moving experience and one that leaves an indelible mark.

But it’s not just about the chimps. The Mahale Mountains are utterly peaceful, a place to disconnect entirely. Days here often end with sundowners on the beach, kayaking across mirror-like waters or diving into the lake straight from your dhow.

Smart chimps

Mahale’s chimpanzees use tools in strikingly intelligent ways, such as fishing for termites with sticks or using leaf sponges to drink, a rare insight into their cultural behaviour.

Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika, which laps the shores of Mahale, is the longest freshwater lake in the world and one of the oldest, estimated to be around 10 million years old. It’s also home to over 350 species of fish, most found nowhere else on Earth.

Highlights of the Mahale Mountains

Chimpanzee tracking – Follow expert trackers through tangled forest to observe wild chimpanzees up close. Watch as they groom, play and forage in one of Africa’s most intimate wildlife encounters.
Swimming in Lake Tanganyika – With no crocodiles or hippos, the lake offers gloriously safe swimming. Its gin-clear water is ideal for cooling off after a forest walk or a barefoot lunch.
Kayaking and dhow sailing – Drift along the shoreline by kayak or traditional dhow, stopping to explore empty coves. It’s peaceful, private and completely free of any sense of schedule.
Guided forest walks – Join your guide on foot through Mahale’s jungle paths, discovering rare birds, butterflies and monkeys. Every walk is different, with new sounds, smells and surprises at every turn.
Barefoot sundowners – End your day on the sand, G&T in hand, as the sky turns gold and the lake mirrors the colours. No noise, no crowds – just quiet spectacle.
Time with the Tongwe people – Spend time with the Tongwe, learning about their long-standing traditions, forest knowledge and spiritual connection to the mountains. Insightful, respectful and never staged for visitors.

Where to stay

Best properties in the Mahale Mountains

Nothing but the best. Browse our handpicked, tried-and-tested luxury properties.

Chimp encounters at Greystoke, Mahale, Tanzania

Luxury Safari Lodge

Greystoke, Mahale National Park

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Gallery

Young chimps making friends

Trekking with brilliant guides make this experience what it is

Sunset over Lake Tanganyika

Time to relax for this young chimp

Greystoke Lodge at night

Good to know

Getting to the Arusha

Getting to Mahale from Arusha involves a scheduled or private flight west to Katavi or directly to Mahale’s airstrip, a journey of around 4–5 hours. From there, you’ll travel by boat along Lake Tanganyika to your lodge, usually 1–2 hours depending on the camp. It’s a remote journey, but spectacularly scenic and entirely worth the effort for such an untouched and peaceful corner of Tanzania.

When to go

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

September is a fabulous month in the mountains. The weather is dry, and the skies are generally clear, making it perfect for tracking chimps through the forest.