Mahale Mountains National Park

On the eastern bank of Lake Tanganyika lies the stunning Mahale Mountains National Park. It is located in Tanzania’s Kigoma Region’s Uvinza District. The park, which has an area of roughly 1,650 square kilometers, is named after the Mahale Mountains, which are located inside its boundaries. It sits at an elevation of about 2400 meters above sea level.

Mahale is a mountain covered in jungle, the base of which is covered in silk, fig-trees, mahogany, nutmeg, and green vines. And bamboo shrubbery, pines, rush foil, and brittle wood above. The second-deepest lake in the world, Lake Tanganyika, is also located within the park.

Eastern chimpanzees are most abundant in Mahale Mountains National Park, which is well-known for its uniqueness. Additionally, it’s the only place in Tanzania where chimpanzees and lions live.

Mahale is primarily one of the few parks on the continent that you have to see on foot. Within the park’s limits, there isn’t a single road or any other type of infrastructure. Boat travel on Lake Tanganyika is the only means of accessing and leaving the park. Additionally, Mahale National Park is one of Tanzania’s two chimpanzee protected zones. Gombe Stream National Park is the other.

• Gombe Stream National Park

Located on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, Gombe Stream National Park is a small but remarkable sanctuary that has etched its place in history. It’s renowned for being the site where Dr. Jane Goodall conducted groundbreaking research on wild chimpanzees, transforming our understanding of these primates and our connections to them. The park’s stunning setting, with its rugged terrain and dense forests, provides a remarkable backdrop for chimp trekking.

Red colobus, red-tailed, olive, and Anubis baboons are among the other primates found in the park. The park is also home to a variety of beachcombers and vervet monkeys. More than 200 bird species, many bushpigs, and a variety of snake species are abundant in Gombe. Hippos and African leopards are also occasionally spotted in the park.

Visitors to Gombe Stream not only have the chance to trek with the descendants of the chimps Jane Goodall studied but also to honor her legacy and the profound insights she brought to the world.

• Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park, situated in the heart of Uganda, is a haven of biodiversity and a chimp trekker’s paradise. This lush rainforest is not only home to a thriving population of chimpanzees but also harbors a wide array of other wildlife.

The park’s diverse ecosystems range from dense lowland rain forests to swampy areas and grasslands. The combination of pristine habitats and its central location within Uganda makes Kibale Forest an ideal destination for chimp trekking.

Chimp trekking in Kibale offers an immersive experience into the captivating world of our closest relatives. Visitors can expect guided treks through the dense jungle led by knowledgeable park rangers who are experts in tracking chimpanzees.

• Nyungwe Forest National Park

Situated in the pristine highlands of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a place of enchantment and ecological significance. This ancient rain forest is one of the oldest in Africa and boasts a breathtaking landscape, from mountain rain forests to bamboo thickets and lush valleys. It’s not only a sanctuary for chimpanzees but also home to an array of wildlife, including rare primates, colorful birds, and endemic flora.

Chimp trekking in Nyungwe Forest offers a truly unique adventure. Traversing the varied terrain, visitors may encounter one of the park’s habituated chimpanzee groups. These encounters provide insights into the chimps’ daily lives and interactions within the lush forest.

The relatively untouched natural beauty of Nyungwe Forest, combined with the opportunity to observe chimps in their pristine environment, creates a truly magical and immersive experience.