The Mahale Mountains rise just beyond the beaches of Lake Tanganyika, home to the world’s largest known population of chimpanzees, with approximately 1000 individuals inhabiting the national park. This unique location is unserviced by roads, the only way in is by boat or aircraft. From beachside camps guests venture up into the forested slopes to observe and commune with chimp families as they groom , wrestle and forage across the leafy floor. The forest itself is special, with eight other species of primate, shyer forest mammals, birds, butterflies, giant vines and waterfalls. Treks are only in the early morning and the amount of time depends on where the chimps are located - sometimes close to the camp but sometimes high in the mountains. The actual visit is limited to an hour and guests that have any bacterial infection or virus are forbidden by the park authorities from entering the park (in order to protect the health of the chimps).

The beachside camps are relaxed and comfortable, in the shade of fig trees and with easy swimming in the lake. Relax in the afternoon, or take a gentle forest hike, swim or snorkel in the clear lake water, kayak along the lakeshore, or hire a boat to fish (there are over 250 species of cichlid). In the evening enjoy candlelight dinners and drinks in the setting sun, with the feeling of a castaway on a far foreign shore.

NOTE: This itinerary is only available on Monday (4 days) or Thursday (5 days), due to limited air options.

Kensington Tours has its own offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Arusha, Tanzania. We also have our own tented camps (www.kensingtoncamps.com). Our prices include the support of our own dedicated team on the ground! Another reason we deliver unbeatable value.

Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania. Named after the Mahale Mountains range that is within its borders, the park has several unusual characteristics. First, it is one of only two protected areas for chimpanzees in the country. (The other is nearby Gombe Stream National Park made famous by the researcher Jane Goodall.) Another unusual feature of the park is that it is one of the very few in Africa that must be experienced by foot.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

Flight departs from Arusha at 08:00 am and will arrive in Camp in time for lunch.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

In the event of serious illness, all travellers are covered by Flying Doctors Insurance. This covers the cost of emergency air evacuation service needed to fly back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance does not cover the cost of medical treatment.

Overlooking the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika with breathtaking sunsets, on a stretch of golden sandy beach, the recently refurbished Kungwe Beach Lodge is the perfect blend of comfort and luxury in a romantic setting. The camp is run on solar power, making it a quiet stay in an untouched and unique landscape. The light, airy and spacious tents are furnished in the traditional ‘safari’ style, with unbeatable sunsets over the mountains of Congo. In the gathering darkness fishermen’s lanterns light up across the lake, mirroring the stars above.

Overnight at Kungwe Beach Lodge.

A morning hike into the mountains to visit a chimpanzee family. There is only 1 chimp trek per full day, and time spent with the chimps is 1 hour only - but the trekking time is variable depending whether the chimps are close to camp or are up in the mountains. Most guests will see the chimps at least once but a sighting is not always guaranteed. Each group has a maximum of 6 people per group. Any guest showing symptoms of any contagious disease (viral or bacterial) will NOT be able to go into the forest in order to protect the health of the chimps.

Enjoy optional activities at your camp, including swimming in Lake Tanganika, snorkelling, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach. Other activities may be booked at the camp (not included in tour price) include fishing or a boat safari along the shore. Park fees included.

Overnight at Kungwe Beach Lodge.

A morning hike into the mountains to visit a chimpanzee family. There is only 1 chimp trek per full day, and time spent with the chimps is 1 hour only - but the trekking time is variable depending whether the chimps are close to camp or are up in the mountains. Most guests will see the chimps at least once but a sighting is not always guaranteed. Each group has a maximum of 6 people per group. Any guest showing symptoms of any contagious disease (viral or bacterial) will NOT be able to go into the forest in order to protect the health of the chimps.

Enjoy optional activities at your camp, including swimming in Lake Tanganika, snorkelling, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach. Other activities may be booked at the camp (not included in tour price) include fishing or a boat safari along the shore. Park fees included.

Overnight at Kungwe Beach Lodge.

Arusha is a city of northern Tanzania surrounded by some of Africa's most famous landscapes and national parks. Beautifully situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley, it has a pleasant climate and is close to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as having its own Arusha National Park on Mount Meru. International flights arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, and regional flights use Arusha airport.

The return flight will usually fly back to Arusha at 18h30.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Includes opportunity to visit local handicrafts market to stock up on souvenirs.