National park
National park
Mahale Mountains National Park
Wild chimpanzees on forested mountains above Lake Tanganyika.
- Western Tanzania
- Best: Jul–Oct
- Entry from US$94.40
Overview
- Established
- 1985
- Area
- 1,613 km² (96 km² of lake)
- Highest point
- Mount Nkungwe, 2,462 m
- Access
- Light aircraft and boat only
Mahale Mountains National Park was established in 1985 and covers 1,613 km², including 96 km² of Lake Tanganyika. Japanese researchers began habituating its chimpanzees in 1966.
It holds the largest chimpanzee population in Tanzania, along with red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys. Mount Nkungwe rises to 2,462 m above white-sand beaches.
With no roads into the park, visitors arrive by light aircraft and boat, and combine chimp trekking with snorkelling and kayaking in the lake.
- Chimpanzee trekking
Habituated chimps since 1966.
- Lake Tanganyika
Clear water for snorkelling and kayaking.
- Chimp habituation experience
A longer day with researchers and trackers.
Things to do
- Chimpanzee trekking
With TANAPA guides; daily limits apply.
- Chimpanzee habituation experience (CHEX)US$118
Per adult, in addition to entry.
- Hike Mount Nkungwe
Multi-day climb with a guide.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Best July to October, when chimps are often lower on the slopes. Many camps close in the long rains (about March–May).
- Jan: Wetter
- Feb: Good
- Mar: Wetter
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Wetter
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) (TANAPA Tariffs 2023/24 (GN 666 of 2018, GN 490A of 2020)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hoursChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$94.40 | US$47.20 | US$94.40 | TZS 5,900 |
| Chimpanzee habituation experienceper adult, in addition to entry | US$118.00 | US$118.00 | US$118.00 | TZS 59,000 |
| Guide feeper group per day | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | TZS 5,900 |
- Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$94.40
- Foreign resident
- US$47.20
- Rest of Africa
- US$94.40
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Chimpanzee habituation experienceper adult, in addition to entry
- Foreign non-resident
- US$118.00
- Foreign resident
- US$118.00
- Rest of Africa
- US$118.00
- East African citizen
- TZS 59,000
- Guide feeper group per day
- Foreign non-resident
- US$23.60
- Foreign resident
- US$23.60
- Rest of Africa
- US$23.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
- Prices include 18% VAT; TANAPA's tariff lists them before VAT (for example US$70 + VAT = US$82.60). Children are aged 5–15; under-5s are free.
- Other African citizens pay the non-EAC rate. Payment is electronic through TANAPA's online reservation system, banks or mobile money.
- TANAPA still publishes its 2023/24 tariff as current in October 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By airFrom ArushaAbout 3–4 hours
Charter or scheduled flights via Katavi, then a boat to the camps.
- By boatFrom KigomaSeveral hours
By boat down Lake Tanganyika.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Wear a mask within 50 m of the chimps and stay at least 10 m away. Visitors who are unwell may not trek, and no one under 12 may visit the chimps.
- Groups near the chimps are limited to six visitors for one hour. Treks can be steep and long.
- Foreign visitors must buy Tanzania's US$44 inbound travel insurance (92 days) before arrival: from NIC for the mainland or ZIC for Zanzibar. One policy covers both; residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
Mahale or Gombe for chimpanzees?
Gombe is closer to Kigoma and famous for Jane Goodall's research; Mahale is larger, more remote and has more chimps.
How much is the Mahale entry fee?
US$94.40 per non-EAC adult per 24 hours (US$80 plus VAT). East African citizens pay TZS 5,900.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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