5 Days Chimpanzee Tracking & Lake Tanganyika activities

Detailed Overview

Overview

Like its northerly neighbor Gombe N. P., Mahale Mountains National Park is home to last remaining wild chimpanzees in Africa. Around 1,000 of these fascinating animals roam the isolated rainforest of Mahale, a chain of dramatic peaks draped in lush vegetation falling to Lake Tanganyika’s beaches far below. Tracking the Chimps of Mahale is a magical experience. While the Chimpanzees are the star attraction, the slopes of Mahale support a diverse forest fauna, including readily observed troops of colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys and kaleidoscopic array of colorful forest birds. On a hike on the trail of the chimpanzees, you can trace the Tongwe people’s ancient pilgrimage to the mountain spirits, trekking through enclaves of rainforest with grassy ridges crisscrossed with alpine bamboo. Mahale Mountains National Park is not only specialized in chimpanzee tracking, but offers many other activities such as boat tours, fishing, kayaking and snorkeling. Lake Tanganyika is the second largest freshwater lake in the world in terms of volume and the second deepest lake after Lake Baikal in Siberia.

Tour Highlights

• Experience wild chimpanzees in their natural environment
• Boat trip on the second deepest and largest freshwater lake in the world
• Enjoy clear Water & relax on fine sandy beaches
• Do activities like Boat trips, fishing, kayaking or snorkelling

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha airport – Mahale Mountains National Park

Shared charter flight to the Mahale Mountains National Park. Upon arrival meet and greet and transfer by boat along Lake Tanganyika to your accommodation.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Mahale Mango Bandas (budget), Kungwe Beach Lodge or Mbalimbali Lodge (luxury)

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Boat Safari in Mahale Mountains National Park

After breakfast morning chimpanzee tracking in the Mahale Mountains. Lunch at the lodge (or lunch box). In the afternoon bird watching or safari by boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Mahale Mango Bandas (budget), Kungwe Beach Lodge or Mbalimbali Lodge (luxury)

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Fishing on LakeTanganjika

After breakfast, morning chimpanzee tracking in Mahale Mountains National Park. Hot lunch at the lodge followed by fishing on the lake. If the catch was successful, it can be prepared for dinner at the lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Mahale Mango Bandas (budget), Kungwe Beach Lodge or Mbalimbali Lodge (luxury)

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Kayaking or Snorkeling in Mahale Mountains National Park

After breakfast morning chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains. Hot lunch at the lodge followed by kayaking or snorkeling.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Mahale Mango Bandas (budget), Kungwe Beach Lodge or Mbalimbali Lodge (luxury)

Day 5: Mahale Mountains National Park – Arusha

After breakfast, day at leisure. Later transfer to the airstrip for your shared charter flight to Arusha.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Possible Accommodation: at that day no accommodation

Best Travel Time

• Mahale Mountains National Park can be visited throughout the year.
• The best time to visit is in the long dry season from June/July to October when the chimpanzees tend to come closer to the shore. Otherwise you have to walk longer distances to see them

Inclusions

• Shared Air Charters Arusha/Mahale/Arusha
• Airport tax and aviation safety fee
• Airstrip Transfers
• Park entrance fees
• Activities as per itinerary
• Chimpanzee tracking, fishing and boat safari or bird watching
• Kayaking or Snorkeling
• All accommommodations and meals as mentioned in the itinerary or as agreed. N. B. accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is dependent on availability at the time of booking; alternatives of a similar class may be booked instead
• Drinking water during walking safaris/boat tour

Exclusions

• International/national flights and visa fees
• Extras, personal expenses i.e. soft- and alcoholic drinks, telephone, souvenirs, laundry etc.
• Travel, medical, injury and luggage insurance
• Flying doctor rescue services
• Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park entrance fees
• Tips to the driver & guide
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions
• Optional activities not outlined on the itinerary

Optional Add-ons

• Private charter flight from Dar es Salaam can be arranged
• On request other accommodations can be arranged
• Additional accommodation before and after the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Extension of the stay or additional program possible / or have a look at our other offers

Important Notes

• The minimum age to take part in the chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park is 12 years.
• We offer discounted prices for children.
• Usually our tours require a minimum of 2 persons to run. Single travellers can join a tour or ask us for a tailor-made safari.

What to Bring

• Hiking boots
• Layered clothing
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm hat and gloves
• Daypack
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Personal medication
• Reusable water bottle