Trek daily in the Mahale Mountains to find chimpanzees, with rangers and guides.
Stay on the beach of Lake Tanganyika, with swimming and kayaking between treks.
A remote, quiet park reached only by air or boat.
Overview
Mahale is one of the most remote national parks in Tanzania. Forest-covered mountains fall into the clear water of Lake Tanganyika, and there are no roads. It is home to one of the largest known chimpanzee communities in the wild.
The trip is expensive because of the flights and the remoteness, but it is a rare wildlife experience. Read more on the Mahale Mountains.
Tour facts
Difficulty
Moderate
Group sizes
Private, Small group
Great for
16+
Languages
English, Swahili
Start point
Arusha
Guest rating
4.8 / 5
Best months to travel
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1Arusha to MahaleMahale Mountains
Scheduled flights take you across the country to the Mahale airstrip, and a boat brings you to the beach camp for dinner and a briefing.
Day2Chimpanzee tracking, day oneMahale Mountains
A guided trek into the forest to find the chimpanzees, which can take from 30 minutes to several hours. We spend an hour with them if we find them.
Day3Chimpanzee tracking, day twoMahale Mountains
A second morning on the trail, and the afternoon free for swimming, kayaking or reading on the beach.
Day4Chimpanzee tracking, day threeMahale Mountains
A third trek or a rest day, depending on how you feel. Some visitors add a longer hike up the ridge for views of the lake.
Day5Lake dayMahale Mountains
A day on the lake with snorkelling among cichlids, boat trips along the shore or fishing with local fishermen.
Day6Return to ArushaMahale Mountains
Boat and flights back to Arusha, where you rejoin the mainland circuit or fly home.
Photos from the trip
What’s included
Park fees, chimpanzee tracking permits and ranger fees as listed
Boat transfers on Lake Tanganyika as listed
Guided tracking with park rangers
Lodge or camp nights on the meal plan stated on your quote
Airport and airstrip transfers, with scheduled flights where stated
Not included
International flights and Tanzania visa
Drinks at lodges, laundry, and tips for guides and camp staff
Optional activities not written on the day plan (balloon flights, cultural visits)
Travel insurance, which is required
Prices by season
Per person in USD, 2026 rates, based on 2 travellers sharing.
Year-round rate
1 Jan – 31 Dec
$3,950
Travelling in a group? You save
Per-person price for the Year-round rate rate.
1 traveller
$6,004
--52%
2 travellers
$3,950
-0%
3 travellers
$3,832
-3%
4 travellers
$3,753
-5%
5 travellers
$3,673
-7%
6 travellers
$3,595
-9%
7 travellers
$3,555
-10%
8 travellers
$3,516
-11%
Frequently asked questions
What is the best season?
The dry months from May to October are best for tracking and for flights. Wet-season weather can make trails slippery and travel harder.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Every safari can be adapted: dates, lodges, number of nights and the parks you visit. Tell us what matters and we rebuild the plan.
What is the best time to go?
Wildlife viewing is good all year. The dry season from June to October is easiest for game drives, while the green season has fewer visitors and lower prices.
