Mahale Mountains National Park, nestled in the Kigoma Region of West Tanzania, is a gem spanning over 1,650 km2. This park, accessible only by boat, boasts of picturesque lakeshore beaches, verdant jungle vegetation, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. However, what truly sets it apart is its renowned chimpanzee population, one of the largest and last remaining in the world.

With a thriving population of over 1000 chimpanzees, including the Mimikere (M-group) chimps, which number around 80, Mahale Mountains National Park is a testament to successful conservation. These chimps, habituated to human presence, are the most likely primates to be encountered while exploring the park. The park’s commitment to minimal human encroachment on the ecosystem has been instrumental in its thriving population.

The Mahale Mountains Wildlife Research Center, established in 1979, led to the relocation of the Holoholo and Batongwe tribes to prepare for the opening of the Mahale Mountains National Park in 1985. This protected area and the nearby Gombe Stream National Park provide a secure habitat for Tanzania’s most abundant primate population, including vervet monkeys, red colobus, yellow baboons, and chimpanzees.

The Mahale Mountains National Park is best visited during the dry season from May to October when the weather is mild, and chimpanzees are more accessible. During this time, the chimpanzees tend to come down from the mountains for food, making them easier to spot. Visitors must fly to Kigoma and then take a boat to access the park. Once in the park, visitors can engage in chimp trekking and walking safaris, visit chimp communities, and explore the diverse flora and fauna thriving along the lush green slopes of the Mahale Mountains.