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Two chimpanzees seated on the ground of the dense green jungle of the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania

Luxury Safaris in Mahale Mountains made for you

The search for chimpanzees by ancient waters

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.

  • Two chimpanzees seated on the ground of the dense green jungle of the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania
  • Tanganyika lake is the Worlds longest and second deepest fresh water lake, it is also one of the oldest lakes on the planet. The picture presents beautiful sand beach, Tanzania
  • Tanzania, Tanganyika lake is the Worlds longest and second deepest fresh water lake, it is also one of the oldest lakes on the planet. The picture presents beautiful sand beach and traditional boats
  • Tanzania, Tanganyika lake is the Worlds longest and second deepest fresh water lake, it is also one of the oldest lakes on the planet. The picture presents beautiful sand beach
  • Portrait of a chimpanzee in the jungle of the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania
  • Tanganyika lake is the Worlds longest and second deepest fresh water lake, it is also one of the oldest lakes on the planet. The picture presents beautiful sand beach, Tanzania

From our experts

Experiences picked by our Mahale Mountains specialists

Take a deep dive into conservation

Learn about the conservation efforts that have helped to transform the region

Meet our closest relatives

Enjoy the rare experience of getting up close to chimpanzees

Spot wildlife on Lake Tanganyika

Discover the bird and aquatic life that flourishes around Lake Tanganyika

A word from one of our experts

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.

Jody van Merode Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Mahale Mountains

There are many incredible places to stay in Mahale Mountains. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

  • Safari expertise

    Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.

  • Unforgettable guides

    We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.

  • Responsible travel

    By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our Mahale Mountains example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Mahale Mountains tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Discover more of Tanzania

Meet 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.

Chimpanzee spotting

June–October

Clear views

November–March

Green season

January–February

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?

Tanzania travel guides

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.

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We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…

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We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…

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Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!

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Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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