Mahale mountains national park

Mahale mountains national park: Africa Natural Safari

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Mahale Mountains National Park

Established: 1985

The major draw of this park are some of the last remaining wild chimpanzees. However, visitors to Mahale Mountains National Park will soon discover that this paradisiacal place on the shores of Lake Tanganyika has much more to offer. The 1 613 km² wilderness areas has no roads and little infrastructure to speak of. The ecosystem is still completely intact and the only way to get around is to walk. The water of Lake Tanganyika is crystal clear and is home to 250 indigenous fish species. The mountains rise to 2 462 metres above sea level and hikers can climb the highest peak, Mount Nkungwe. Mahale Mountains National Park is only accessible by boat or light aircraft and offers beautiful landscapes that have remained completely untouched.

Wildlife

The roughly 800 chimpanzees are the stars of Mahale’s wildlife ensemble. Tracking the chimpanzees on foot is a magical experience and social interactions of these primates will fascinate you for hours. Other primate species in the park include red tailed monkey and red colobus. The intact eco system supports mammalian predators including lion, leopard and even African wild dog. The woodlands are home to rare antelope species such as roan and sable antelope as well as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. Further in the park savannah animals like zebra, giraffe and warthog can be seen.

The clear and incredibly clean waters of Lake Tanganyika are home to more than 250 species of cichlid fish. The colourful fish are popular with aquarium owners and live close to the shores of the lake. Almost all of these cichlid are indigenous and can be seen whilst snorkelling. Lake Tanganyika is the world’s second largest lake by volume due to its extraordinary depth. The mass of the lake’s fish is made up by Tanganyika sardine and a few predatory species.
Activities

Tracking chimpanzees is the highlight at Mahale Mountains National Park. A knowledgeable guide will lead you on foot and track down the primates by reading their traces such as the night’s nest and discarded pieces of fruit. Once you’re face to face with the chimps, you can start to study their social behaviour. Multi-day walking safaris will take you into other areas of the park, where you can see big game like lion, leopard, hippo, elephant, giraffe and buffalo.

Snorkelling in Lake Tanganyika you will be exposed to all the colours of the rainbow as the 250 cichlid fish species dart in and out of cover below you. Fishing is possible but only allowed with a special permit.

Avid hikers can take on the multi-day hike to the park’s highest peak, Mount Nkungwe. During the 2-3 day ascent you will enjoy view of pristine scenery and the diverse wildlife of Mahale’s forests.

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