Along the remote shores of Lake Tanganyika, within the Mahale mountain ranges in Uvinza District, Kigoma Region, lies one of Tanzania’s most extraordinary natural treasures.
Mahale Mountains National Park is home to about 93 percent of all chimpanzees found in the country. These primates, which share 98.6 percent of their DNA with humans, thrive in the untouched forests of the park, making it one of the few places in the world where people can observe them in the wild.
Despite the distance from Kigoma town, Mahale continues to attract visitors from across the globe. In the 2023/24 financial year, the park received 923 tourists.
Conservationists say this reflects the impact of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Royal Tour initiative, which has raised the profile of Tanzania’s attractions worldwide. Through this campaign, Mahale is increasingly recognized as the nation’s “home of chimpanzees.”
Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dunstan Kitandula, who recently visited the park, said Mahale remains one of the rarest destinations globally for its tranquility and untouched natural setting.
“This park is a global jewel,” he said, noting that unlike many other parks, Mahale has remained free from human encroachment.
Mr. Kitandula underscored the importance of the natural resources and tourism sector in Tanzania’s long-term economic vision.
Under the Vision 2025–2050, the sector is expected to play a major role in national revenue and employment creation. He called on conservationists and park managers to use Mahale’s unique position to attract more investment in both tourism and conservation.
The Deputy Minister also pointed to infrastructure as a catalyst for growth. The upcoming Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line from Musongati in Burundi to Uvinza, he said, will open new routes for visitors from Burundi and the Lake Zone, making Mahale more accessible to both local and regional tourists.
During his tour, Mr. Kitandula met with park officers and rangers, commending their commitment to safeguarding wildlife.
He assured them of government efforts to improve their working conditions through better tools, equipment, and welfare support.
He also inspected tourist camps inside the park, including Kasia Bandas, Nomad Greystoke Mahale, and Mbalimbali Camp & Lodge, to evaluate private-sector investments and their contribution to local tourism development.
For Kigoma, the growing interest in Mahale offers opportunities beyond conservation. Increased tourist arrivals are expected to stimulate the local economy through hospitality services, transport, and community engagement in cultural tourism.
Mahale’s unique blend of biodiversity and untouched landscapes positions it as a vital link in Tanzania’s strategy to diversify tourism beyond the northern circuit.
As conservation and infrastructure investments expand, the park is set to play a more prominent role in showcasing Tanzania’s natural heritage to the world.