Mahale National Park is located on the edge of Lake Tanganyika and is especially famous for observing chimpanzees (nearly 1000, of which only a small part are accustomed to humans and therefore easily approachable). Located on the shore of Lake Tanganyika, south of Kigoma, access to Mahale is only possible by boat (weekly ferry from Kigoma, duration 7 hours) or after a trip by plane taxi (duration 5 hours from Arusha ) then by boat. You can swim in the lake. Travel in the park is only possible on foot, so its 1,613 km² are far from being overused by tourists!
The two main attractions of Mahale are the lake with very clear and warm water, where you can swim among an abundant fauna of multicolored or transparent fish (you have the impression of bathing in an aquarium), and the fauna, notably the hippos, and of course the monkeys, first and foremost the chimpanzees but also their cousins red colobus, diademed monkeys, red-tailed monkeys. The avian fauna is also rich, but more difficult to see, the approach on foot does not favor their observation. Finally, the presence of lions, leopards, elephants and other buffaloes is reported but seeing them is impossible without a huge stroke of luck.
Fishing from Arab dhows, snorkeling or simple swimming or even relaxing on the white sand of the Zanzibares are among the activities which always meet with great success. Snorkeling is within reach of all, in just one meter of water, one can already see myriads of multicolored fish, it is not for nothing that the immense Lake Tanganyika is one of the most important sources of supply of aquarium fish. Many species of cichlids are only present in Lake TanganyiKa, the very long break with all other lakes or seas and the importance of the environment (the second body of fresh water after Lake Baikal) have allowed the evolution towards these endemic species.
As in Gombe, ” strict rules are in place to protect you and the chimpanzees. Allow at least two days to see them – it’s not a zoo and you can’t know where to find them every day. “
Visit Mahale National Park with Jolita Safari.
