Description: Mahale National Park is home to some of the last remaining wild chimpanzees: a population of roughly 800. Tracking the chimps is a fascinating experience.
It’s likely that you will observe them grooming each other in small groups, squabbling noisily, or bounding from tree to tree swinging on vines.
Watching a mother chimp with her offspring is truly remarkable. Difficult to reach and relatively expensive, Mahale has few visitors each year. And although chimpanzees are admittedly the main attraction, the park supports a diverse forest fauna, including troops of red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, and a colorful array of forest birds.
You can also take a dip in the unbelievably clear waters of the world’s longest, second-deepest and least-polluted freshwater lake!
Location: Can only be reached by shared charter flight from Arusha. Combines well with a visit to Katavi National Park.
Things 2 Do: Chimpanzee Trekking, Hiking, Swimming/Snorkeling and Fishing
Time: Requires 3 or 4 night visit. Avoid Apr-May rainy season, though the November rains can be managed.
Animals: Chimpanzees, Red Colobus, Red-Tailed and Blue Monkeys and many colorful Birds.
Accommodations
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Mango Tree Park Bandas
“First of all, I love that it is associated with Project Zawadi. It felt good enjoying the tour and knowing we were contributing to educational projects in Tanzania. Everything was done professionally and very much catered to our needs. Our guides were fabulous! We asked them hundreds of questions and they could answer about most everything – animal habits, climate, geography. My companion was older and a good friend, but I found she often relied on my to carry her things, help her with her camera or help her in and out of the jeep. It wasn’t long before Wilfred noticed and stepped in. And he did it in a way that made her feel special. His taking on this extra responsibility allowed me to more freely enjoy myself and not miss some of the opportunities I might have if he had not been looking out for her. Ray told us, “You came us our guest but we left as friends.” I couldn’t agree more.”