"One of Africa’s premier chimpanzee-tracking destinations, Mahale Mountains is also wonderfully scenic, with a setting reminiscent of a remote tropical island beach idyll. Set within the Rift Valley, it sprawls verdantly across a mountainous knuckle rising from the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika - not only the world’s longest freshwater body, measuring more than 675km from north to south, but also the second-deepest and reputedly least polluted. ”
- Philip Briggs
Mahale Mountains National Park
The star attraction of Mahale Mountains is its estimated 1,000 chimpanzees. Not only is this the largest single chimp population in East Africa, but it also includes a habituated community that’s been the subject of a Japanese research project since the 1960s.
Mahale is not the only place where tourists can track wild chimpanzees, it is almost certainly the finest. Here, even the oldest members of the habituated chimpanzee community have been accustomed to daily visits from researchers since they were toddlers. As as a result, visitors get the opportunity to observe our closest genetic relatives pursue such time-honoured simian activities such as feeding, playing, squabbling and copulating as if nobody was watching.
Mahale boasts plenty of other wildlife too – half-a-dozen monkey species, warthogs scurrying comically along the forest paths, and a host of colourful birds. Thanks partly to its great age, the lake is also home to an estimated 1,000 fish species – more than North America and Europe combined!
A more unexpected surprise is the park’s delectable swimming beaches and transparent waters, all set below densely forested mountains that rise more than a mile above the sandy littoral.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON
Weather conditions at this time can be unpredictable, with intermittent heavy showers or thunderstorms. Fortunately, these usually occur in the afternoon and are short-lived. Travellers may find that the heat combined with humidity can make be a little uncomfortable, especially around midday.
Chimpanzee trekking can be difficult during this period due to this unpredictable weather, however the park is at its most picturesque at this time. Expect to see waterfalls in full flow and beautiful butterflies on display; plus, the high visibility allows for some superb views.
Its proximity to the equator means that Mahale National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m/2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these temperatures somewhat, however the park is still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C/81°F at midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C/64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The long rains take place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Mahale is most famous for its resident chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees here throughout the year, however it is worth bearing in mind the animals’ seasonal movements. During the dry season they tend to move to the lower slopes, where the ground is firm and the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse happens, with the chimpanzees moving to the higher, less accessible regions of the park, where the trails are often muddy and slippery.
WET SEASON
Weather conditions at this time can be unpredictable, with intermittent heavy showers or thunderstorms. Fortunately, these usually occur in the afternoon and are short-lived. Travellers may find that the heat combined with humidity can make be a little uncomfortable, especially around midday.
Chimpanzee trekking can be difficult during this period due to this unpredictable weather, however the park is at its most picturesque at this time. Expect to see waterfalls in full flow and beautiful butterflies on display; plus, the high visibility allows for some superb views.
Its proximity to the equator means that Mahale National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m/2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these temperatures somewhat, however the park is still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C/81°F at midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C/64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The long rains take place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Mahale is most famous for its resident chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees here throughout the year, however it is worth bearing in mind the animals’ seasonal movements. During the dry season they tend to move to the lower slopes, where the ground is firm and the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse happens, with the chimpanzees moving to the higher, less accessible regions of the park, where the trails are often muddy and slippery.
WET SEASON
Weather conditions at this time can be unpredictable, with intermittent heavy showers or thunderstorms. Fortunately, these usually occur in the afternoon and are short-lived. Travellers may find that the heat combined with humidity can make be a little uncomfortable, especially around midday.
Chimpanzee trekking can be difficult during this period due to this unpredictable weather, however the park is at its most picturesque at this time. Expect to see waterfalls in full flow and beautiful butterflies on display; plus, the high visibility allows for some superb views.
Its proximity to the equator means that Mahale National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m/2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these temperatures somewhat, however the park is still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C/81°F at midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C/64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The long rains take place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Mahale is most famous for its resident chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees here throughout the year, however it is worth bearing in mind the animals’ seasonal movements. During the dry season they tend to move to the lower slopes, where the ground is firm and the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse happens, with the chimpanzees moving to the higher, less accessible regions of the park, where the trails are often muddy and slippery.
WET SEASON
Weather conditions at this time can be unpredictable, with intermittent heavy showers or thunderstorms. Fortunately, these usually occur in the afternoon and are short-lived. Travellers may find that the heat combined with humidity can make be a little uncomfortable, especially around midday.
Chimpanzee trekking can be difficult during this period due to this unpredictable weather, however the park is at its most picturesque at this time. Expect to see waterfalls in full flow and beautiful butterflies on display; plus, the high visibility allows for some superb views.
Its proximity to the equator means that Mahale National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m/2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these temperatures somewhat, however the park is still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C/81°F at midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C/64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The long rains take place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Mahale is most famous for its resident chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees here throughout the year, however it is worth bearing in mind the animals’ seasonal movements. During the dry season they tend to move to the lower slopes, where the ground is firm and the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse happens, with the chimpanzees moving to the higher, less accessible regions of the park, where the trails are often muddy and slippery.
WET SEASON
Weather conditions at this time can be unpredictable, with intermittent heavy showers or thunderstorms. Fortunately, these usually occur in the afternoon and are short-lived. Travellers may find that the heat combined with humidity can make be a little uncomfortable, especially around midday.
Chimpanzee trekking can be difficult during this period due to this unpredictable weather, however the park is at its most picturesque at this time. Expect to see waterfalls in full flow and beautiful butterflies on display; plus, the high visibility allows for some superb views.
Its proximity to the equator means that Mahale National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m/2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these temperatures somewhat, however the park is still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C/81°F at midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C/64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The long rains take place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Mahale is most famous for its resident chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees here throughout the year, however it is worth bearing in mind the animals’ seasonal movements. During the dry season they tend to move to the lower slopes, where the ground is firm and the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse happens, with the chimpanzees moving to the higher, less accessible regions of the park, where the trails are often muddy and slippery.
TRANSITION FROM WET TO DRY SEASON
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with frequent heavy showers or thunderstorms. Fortunately these are usually short-lived. The heat combined with humidity can, however, make things a little uncomfortable, especially around midday. May generally marks the end of the rains, and as time moves on the showers will become milder and less frequent.
Its proximity to the equator means that Mahale National Park has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The altitude (825-1,618m/2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these temperatures somewhat, however the park is still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C/81°F at midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C/64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The long rains take place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Mahale is most famous for its resident chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees here throughout the year, however it is worth bearing in mind the animals’ seasonal movements. During the dry season they tend to move to the lower slopes, where the ground is firm and the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse happens, with the chimpanzees moving to the higher, less accessible regions of the park, where the trails are often muddy and slippery.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Chimpanzees can usually be found on the lower, more accessible slopes of the park. We consider this the ideal time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mahale National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year, the altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures are still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C or 81°F during midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C or 64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
Mahlae is most famous for it habituated chimpanzees, it is possible to track them throughout the year, so on this basis we the park is good all year round. It is, however, worth bearing in mind that the during the drier months of the year the Chimpanzees tend to move to the lower slopes, the ground is also firm, and usually, the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse tends to be the case, with the chimpanzees in the more inaccessible higher regions of the park and the trails are often muddy and slippery.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Chimpanzees can also usually be found on the lower more accessible slopes of the park. All in all the ideal time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mahale National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year, the altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures are still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C or 81°F during midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C or 64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
Mahlae is most famous for it habituated chimpanzees, it is possible to track them throughout the year, so on this basis we the park is good all year round. It is, however, worth bearing in mind that the during the drier months of the year the Chimpanzees tend to move to the lower slopes, the ground is also firm, and usually, the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse tends to be the case, with the chimpanzees in the more inaccessible higher regions of the park and the trails are often muddy and slippery.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Chimpanzees can also usually be found on the lower more accessible slopes of the park. All in all the ideal time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mahale National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year, the altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures are still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C or 81°F during midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C or 64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
Mahlae is most famous for it habituated chimpanzees, it is possible to track them throughout the year, so on this basis we the park is good all year round. It is, however, worth bearing in mind that the during the drier months of the year the Chimpanzees tend to move to the lower slopes, the ground is also firm, and usually, the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse tends to be the case, with the chimpanzees in the more inaccessible higher regions of the park and the trails are often muddy and slippery.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Chimpanzees can also usually be found on the lower more accessible slopes of the park. All in all the ideal time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mahale National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year, the altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures are still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C or 81°F during midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C or 64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
Mahlae is most famous for it habituated chimpanzees, it is possible to track them throughout the year, so on this basis we the park is good all year round. It is, however, worth bearing in mind that the during the drier months of the year the Chimpanzees tend to move to the lower slopes, the ground is also firm, and usually, the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse tends to be the case, with the chimpanzees in the more inaccessible higher regions of the park and the trails are often muddy and slippery.
WET SEASON
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with frequent heavy showers or thunderstorms. Fortunately these are usually short-lived. The heat combined with humidity can, however, make things a little uncomfortable, especially around midday. Chimpanzee trekking can be difficult during this period due to this unpredictable weather, however the park is at its most picturesque at this time. Expect to see waterfalls in full flow and beautiful butterflies on display; plus, the high visibility allows for some superb views.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mahale National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year, the altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures are still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C or 81°F during midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C or 64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
Mahlae is most famous for it habituated chimpanzees, it is possible to track them throughout the year, so on this basis we the park is good all year round. It is, however, worth bearing in mind that the during the drier months of the year the Chimpanzees tend to move to the lower slopes, the ground is also firm, and usually, the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse tends to be the case, with the chimpanzees in the more inaccessible higher regions of the park and the trails are often muddy and slippery.
WET SEASON
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with frequent heavy showers or thunderstorms. Fortunately these are usually short-lived. The heat combined with humidity can, however, make things a little uncomfortable, especially around midday. Chimpanzee trekking can be difficult during this period due to this unpredictable weather, however the park is at its most picturesque at this time. Expect to see waterfalls in full flow and beautiful butterflies on display; plus, the high visibility allows for some superb views.
Its location so close to the equator means that Mahale National Park generally has consistent temperatures throughout the year, the altitude (825-1,618m or 2,707-5,308ft) does moderate these somewhat, but temperatures are still hot throughout the year, usually averaging around 27°C or 81°F during midday. Mornings are a more pleasant 18°C or 64°F on average.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December.
Mahlae is most famous for it habituated chimpanzees, it is possible to track them throughout the year, so on this basis we the park is good all year round. It is, however, worth bearing in mind that the during the drier months of the year the Chimpanzees tend to move to the lower slopes, the ground is also firm, and usually, the trails are easier to negotiate. In the wetter months of the year, the reverse tends to be the case, with the chimpanzees in the more inaccessible higher regions of the park and the trails are often muddy and slippery.
Explore Mahale Mountains National Park Properties
Greystoke Mahale
Greystoke Mahale
Intimate, efficiently run, and with a frankly awe-inspiring location renowned for chimpanzee-trekking, Greystoke Mahale ranks as one of the most iconic properties in Africa. Without a doubt the best property in the park, Greystoke ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
