Getting there
Mahale is accessible by air, road and boat. . Air. The easiest way to and from Mahale is via scheduled flights
The flight from Arusha takes 3 hours, usually with a refueling stop en route. There is a 1 ½ - 2 hour boat ride from the lodges to and from the airstrip at the Park boundary. Outside this season flights still operate but confirmation will be needed with the operators.
It is also possible for visitors to arrange their own charter flights with private companies. Private charters can be arranged from most of the major cities of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Road. Mahale can be accessed by road that follows Lake Tanganyika from from Kigoma.
Water. Mahale can be accessed by boat and private boats can be hired in Kigoma for the journey. The famous German built ship the M.V.Liemba travels the length of Lake Tanganyika twice a
Activities
Chimp watching. To get to the only habituated
group of Chimps, the M Group,, one climbs up
through the mountain forests on a network of simple
cleared paths to get into touch with the chimps, and
when one does the experience is extraordinary to
the point of being bizarre.
The chimpanzees go on with their lives – walking,
sleeping, fighting, politicking, eating etc. as if
you are not there. They take virtually no notice of
visitors. This is perfect, because you never feel that
you are intruding.
After spending the strictly controlled 1 hour with
chimps you return to your accommodation facility
to wash off the sweat, have a delicious lunch and
spend the rest of the day at leisure; or perhaps do
one of a number of other activities.
- • Kayaking
- • Fishing
- • Swimming and snorkeling
- • Cultural visits by boat can be arranged to border communities