Tracking Africa’s legendary primates
Mahale Mountains National Park Extension
Overview
Rising from the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the Mahale Mountains are a secluded sanctuary where wild chimpanzees roam lush forests and hippos drift along the lakeshore. Follow in the footsteps of Jane Goodall’s work in nearby Gombe Stream National Park on two chimpanzee treks, in a wilderness with no roads and no vehicles.
This exceptionally remote extension offers a rare chance to step off the beaten path, trek through pristine rainforest and sail a dhow beneath the peaks, all while enjoying the comforts of a refined forest-and-beach retreat.
Gallery
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Trip Highlights
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Two chimpanzee treks
You go out twice, hiking forested slopes with your guide to find one of Mahale's chimp communities. Once the group reaches them, you have a full hour to watch them feed, groom and interact.
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No roads, no vehicles
The park has neither, so you arrive by air and then by boat across Lake Tanganyika, with forested mountains rising straight out of the water.
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Sail a dhow beneath the peaks
Afternoons after a trek are yours: swim in Lake Tanganyika, walk the beach, or take the camp's private dhow out under the Mahale peaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the chimpanzee treks in the Mahale Mountains?
Chimpanzee treks in the Mahale Mountains can last anywhere from a couple of hours to most of the day. The length of the trek varies depending on where the chimpanzee family is located that day.
How much time do I get to spend with the chimpanzees?
Once your group reaches the chimp family, you are allowed a full hour to observe them in their natural habitat. This time is strictly regulated to protect the chimpanzees’ well-being.
What is the minimum age for chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains?
Travelers must be at least 12 years old to participate in chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains.
How difficult are chimpanzee treks in the Mahale Mountains?
Chimpanzee trekking requires hiking through dense forest, often on uneven or slippery terrain, with some elevation gain as the chimps move through the landscape. Travelers who can comfortably hike for a few hours at home should find the trek manageable. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
Itinerary
Itinerary 1 itinerary
Day 1: A roadless wilderness where forested slopes rise from the lake
Fly west to Mahale Mountains National Park, then enjoy a scenic boat ride across Lake Tanganyika to Greystoke Mahale, your secluded retreat amid pristine forests and remote wilderness.
Your flight carries you west to Mahale Mountains National Park, followed by a scenic boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika to your camp. With no roads or vehicles, Mahale feels untouched and remarkably peaceful, its forested slopes rising straight from the lake. Settle in and take in the setting of this remote wilderness.
Day 2: Your first trek in search of wild chimpanzees
Trek through the lush forests of Mahale Mountains National Park with an expert guide in search of wild chimpanzees.
Observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat as they feed, groom, play and interact within their social groups.
Return to camp for a relaxing evening along Lake Tanganyika, watching for hippos, antelope and abundant birdlife.
Venture into the lush, forested slopes of Mahale Mountains National Park for your first unforgettable encounter with wild chimpanzees. Accompanied by an expert guide, follow winding trails through dense tropical forest in search of one of the park’s resident chimpanzee communities. Trekking conditions and duration vary depending on the chimps’ movements, but the reward is extraordinary: an opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat as they feed, groom, play and interact with one another.
After your trek, return to camp for a relaxing afternoon and evening along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Soak in the tranquility of this remote wilderness, where hippos, antelope and colorful birdlife are often spotted near the water’s edge. Unwind amid the forested mountains and peaceful lakeshore, reflecting on the day’s remarkable wildlife encounters.
Day 3: Spend up to an hour with chimps on a second trek
Embark on a second chimpanzee trek through bamboo groves and dense rainforest, spending up to an hour observing wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon strolling along the beach or swimming in the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.
Sail aboard the camp’s private dhow, taking in spectacular views of the forested Mahale Mountains rising above the lake.
Return to the lush forests of Mahale Mountains National Park for a second extraordinary encounter with wild chimpanzees. Accompanied by your expert guide, venture through bamboo groves and dense tropical rainforest in search of the park’s resident chimpanzees. Once located, spend up to an hour quietly observing these fascinating primates as they feed, groom and interact, gaining a deeper appreciation for their complex social behaviors and remarkable similarities to humans.
After your trek, enjoy a leisurely afternoon surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Tanganyika and the Mahale Mountains. Stroll along the secluded beach, take a refreshing swim in the lake, or set sail aboard the camp’s private dhow, gliding across the water beneath the forested peaks. Relax and soak in the tranquility of this remote wilderness paradise.
Day 4: Say goodbye to Mahale by boat before flights home
Say goodbye to Mahale as you transfer by boat back to the airstrip for your flight home.
Accommodations
Dates, Prices & Info
We recommend a 4-day stay, with prices starting at $6500 per person. Contact a Thomson Safari Specialist for details and to customize your extension.
Group Size
Chimp trekking groups are limited to only six guests. You may or may not be with other Thomson guests throughout your time in Mahale.
What's Included
Your Mahale extension package includes all accommodations, meals, park fees, chimp trekking permits, services of guides and drivers, and internal air as noted in your itinerary.
Not Included
International airfare is not included.
Additional costs may include tips for your guides, drivers and staff, bar beverages, laundry service, phone calls, passport and visa fees, souvenirs, and travel insurance.
Your pre-departure packet includes visa application instructions and information on travel insurance and tipping.
Important Information
A 50% deposit, including the full price of the chimpanzee trekking permits, is required to reserve your space. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Full payment is due 90 days prior to the first land day of the trip.
Notification of cancellation must be made in writing to Thomson Safaris. At the time we receive the cancellation, all moneys will be refunded less the following cancellation charges:
91 days or more before departure: cancellation fees equal the amount of your deposit
90 to 61 days before departure: 50% of the package price is non-refundable
60 to 46 days before departure: 65% of the package price is non-refundable
45 days or less before departure: 100% of the package price is non-refundable
No partial refunds will be given for unused meals, hotel rooms, airport transfers, etc., for any reason whatsoever. Thomson Safaris reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in airfares, currency fluctuations, park fee increases, fuel surcharges, taxes, etc. Accommodations are subject to change.
Travel Insurance
Thomson strongly encourages you to purchase travel insurance within two weeks of making your deposit to protect your investment, as we are not able to make changes to our cancellation policy for any reason. Travel Guard comes highly recommended by our guests.
Getting There & Getting Home
Delta/KLM have by far the quickest, easiest routing: an overnight flight from North America brings you to Amsterdam for a brief layover before arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our scheduled trips and airport transfers are designed with the KLM arrival schedule in mind, so check with your safari consultants or trip managers before making arrangements with a different airline.
You’ll find your guide at the airport holding a Thomson Safaris placard with your name on it.