Greystoke Mahale, Mahale Mountains, Tanzania
Location Mahale Mountains
Chimpanzee trekking on Lake Tanganyika’s shores
Chimpanzee trekking on Lake Tanganyika’s shores
Chimpanzees are the star attraction at Mahale, where roughly 800 live in forested mountains running down to the shore of Lake Tanganyika. Around 60 individuals are habituated to people, the result of a long-running Japanese research project that traces its origins to Jane Goodall's work in neighbouring Gombe. Tracking is done on foot, and the setting - white sand beaches backed by jungle-clad peaks - is among the most beautiful in Africa.
Chimpanzees are the main draw. Red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys are also present, along with a rich forest birdlife. The lake itself holds hundreds of endemic fish species and is superb for snorkelling.
Mahale is warm to hot and humid, with warm evenings year-round. Temperatures average 15°C to 25°C. The dry season runs from May to October (13°C to 26°C) and the wet season from November to April (16°C to 25°C).
Park fees are included in every Chalo Africa itinerary.