What is unique about the Mahale  Mountains National Park?

What is unique about the Mahale  Mountains National Park? For those who enjoy remoteness, beautiful landscapes and wildlife Mahale Mountains National Park is surely one of the most spectacular places to visit in all of Africa. Mahale  Mountains National Park, established in 2005, the park covers an area of about 1,500 sq.km. It is home to variety of flora and fauna including 6 species of monkey (yellow baboon, vervet, blue, red tailed, Angolan colobus and red colobus), duikers, bush pig, leopard, bushbuck, myriads of birds among others.  Chimpanzees may be the main draw, but they are by no means the whole picture. Pristine forested mountains tower up behind intimate sandy beaches and bays and rocky promontories of the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika. Here are some of the features which makes Mahale Mountains National Park unique among other national parks in Tanzania.

Unique wildlife

Mahale  mountains national park is largely famous for its large population of chimpanzees, with over 700 in inhabiting the area. Besides the chimpanzees, the park is also home to other primates like red-colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys and yellow baboons among others. The park also hosts variety o other mammals including elephants, lions, antelopes, buffalos, wild dogs, warthogs, giraffes and bushbucks among others.

 Geological wonders

The Mahale  mountains are part of a volcanic range created by the classic volcanic activity that characterized Hawaii. The park features rugged terrains, deep valley and steep peaks that were shaped over thousands of years by both volcanic eruptions and erosions. This unique geological history has resulted in breathtaking views that allow visitors to appreciate the power of nature. One of the park’s most striking features is its rugged cliffs, some towering over 3000 feet’s. This impressive formation provides thrilling physical challenge when attempting to summit the peak. It takes about 9 hours to reach the top and during the hike one can spot different wildlife which makes your journey unforgettable.

Chimpanzee trekking safaris

Chimpanzee trekking is the main and unique attraction in Mahale Mountains National Park. When visitors come for chimpanzee trekking safari, they often look for the Mimikere, also known as the ‘M’ group, which has about 60 chimpanzees that has been habituated and thus tourists can have close encounters with these close human relatives in the dense forests in the park. While on a chimpanzee trekking safaris, you will not only spot chimps, but you’ll also be granted with the astonishing views of the other wildlife that call the park home.  The experience of chimpanzee viewing in the habitat itself is captivating as a chimpanzee brush past you on the trail almost without warning and several other chimpanzees are visible in a clearing just ahead or high above in the treetops.

Remarkable Hiking safaris

Mahale Mountains National Park is a wild and stunning place that offers amazing hiking adventures. One of the highlights is hiking and the opportunity to climb Mount Nkungwe, a striking peak that this great spiritual importance for the Tongwe people who once lived in the mountain, rewards intrepid hiking lovers with a wealth of animals and birdlife with amazing scenic views.  Hiking Nkungwe is a fantastic adventure that usually takes about 2 to 3 days. As you make your way to the top, you’ll trek through tall grass and dense brush, with an armed park rangers accompanying you for safety. The camping along the way adds to the excitement of this unforgettable journey

Diverse cultural significance

Mahale Mountains National Park is not only significant for its natural features but also its rich cultural history. The land has been inhabited for centuries, with indigenous people weaving their traditional and history into the fabric of the park. Many trails and sites within the park holds cultural importance, with stories passed down through generations.

Visitors while on a cultural safari in Mahale Mountains National Park, have the chance to learn about the traditional practices of the ingenious people who lived in harmony with nature for hundreds of years. Historical sites are scattered throughout the park, offering a glimpse into previous ways of life. These sites can include ancient agricultural terraces, scared spaces and petroglyphs (rock carving) that tells stories of the past.

Variety of water Activities

When visiting Mahale Mountains National Park, you can dive into various exciting water activities along Lake Tanganyika. Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest lake (673 km) and is about 1 and half km deep and contains about 16% of the world’s fresh water! It is second only to Lake Baikal in Russia in volume. It is the purest fresh water on the planet. The lake is home to hundreds of species of fish including the brightly coloured fish known as cichlids. Hippo and crocodile are common across its full extent. During on your safari adventure, you can go kayaking, snorkelling and fishing. You can also unwind on the pristine white sand on the amazingly clean and undisturbed beaches along with this shoreline while enjoying the fresh breath as you relax from your great trek/hike. In the evenings, don’t miss the stunning views of the Congo Mountains in the background.

Walking safaris

Mahale Mountains National Park also offers a unique walking safaris, where tourists can enjoy walking safaris in a stunning, lush hills Mahale Mountains National Park. These walks are truly rewarding with incredible attractions following the hooting calls of chimpanzees and melodic voices of abundant bird species.

Conservation efforts

 The park plays a vital role in conservation efforts aimed at protecting its unique ecosystems. Various programs are set up to preserve the habitats and wildlife within this area. By visiting the park, tourists contributes to these efforts, as a portion of park fees goes directly toward conservation projects. The park encourages sustainable practices, ensuring that the natural beauty and biodiversity are maintained for future generations to enjoy.

Scenic views and photography opportunities

 For photography enthusiasts, Mahale Mountains National Park, offers a treasures trove of stunning views.

Contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about what is unique about the Mahale Mountains National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Tanzania.