Two hundred miles down the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, near Gombe Stream, where Dr. Jane Goodall continues her research of chimpanzees, is a place so remote that only the most intrepid travelers will ever reach it – Mahale Mountains National Park.
Accessible by light aircraft and Tanganyika dhow (no roads or vehicles in the park), it is an exceptionally unspoiled wildlife sanctuary. With mountains rising to a height of 8000 feet, and lush semi-tropical forest, this region is home to roughly 1000 wild chimpanzees. Within a two-hour walk from your camp, you are in the awesome presence of these primates, who are totally at ease with your company. Watch them from mere yards away as they groom, wrestle and forage their way across the forest floor.
If you tire of the trees, retreat to the lakeshore for sun worshipping, swimming, fishing and snorkeling. The gin-clear waters of the lake are inhabited by over 200 species of tropical fish, found only in Lake Tanganyika. Chimpanzee tracking and forest walks can be interspersed with dugout canoeing and stargazing.
