Mahale Ecosystem and Wildlife | Soil and Rocks | Chimpanzees


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Top 10 Reasons To Visit Tanzania.

Why Visit Mahale National Park

The discussion on Mahale Mountains National Park would have to encompass the many aspects of the surroundings of the park, which would include the soil, Lake Tanganyika, physical geology, vegetation, and the bio-diversity. Bush Routes Adventures discusses each aspect independently to provide clients identifying aspects that could make them better understand and appreciate Mahale's offerings.

Soil and Rocks At Mahale National Park:

Upon entering Mahale, first time guests are surprised to the see that Mahale has a superb combination of wildlife and beach experience that they did not know of. The quality of beach sandy is extremely fine much better than what may be commonly found at Indian Ocean beach destinations. The beach sand is soft and sparkling beige-white in color that trampling on the sand actually makes them scrunch between your toes. As you descend the mountain, the soilchanges from beach to red-brown rain forest soil rich in mineral deposits. Some of the pathways that cut across the mountain range actually have rocky outcrops signaling some wearing away by the rivers that flowed through the mountain range.

Lake Tanganyika:

Lake Tanganyika embraces Mahale National Park. It is the second deepest lake (1400 meters) in the world created by faulting and tectonic processes in the earth's surface. It is home to over 250 endemic species of fish, who are found close to the water surface giving guests who are interested in snorkeling an awesome opportunity to view some of the species. Lake Tanganyika has one drainage outlet in the Congo, and several inlets coming from Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi and Congo. Part of Mahale Mountains National Park's boundary lies within the water of Lake Tanganyika where commercial activity is restricted.

Traveling via boat to Mahale, Bush Routes Adventures guests will see small fishing villages, which exist because the opportunities created by the existence of the lake. The most common fish found in Lake Tanzania are the chiclids called Dagaa is Swahili. Ask one of our guides to purchase and prepare some fresh Dagaa for you giving you the opportunity to experience the taste.

Physical Geography and Vegetation At Mahale National Park:

There have been a noted 550 plant species at Mahale Mountains out of which the chimpanzees select 198 plants. The physical terrain of Mahale is as follows: almost low-lying surface at the base with a steady increase in steepness. Bush Routes Adventures guests trek through areas with enough spacing and adequate pathways to areas where pathways are barely visible obstructed by the close Miombo (brachystegia) trees. The Miombo's cover three quarters of the park with last quarter bearing bamboo and montane forest.

Biodiversity At Mahale National Park:

Guest visiting Mahale will have the opportunity to experience the park through sight and sound. Although Chimpanzee Safari is normally the focus of attention when visiting Mahale Mountains, keen clients will be able to hear the sounds of the insect, birds and the chimpanzees. Other mammals noted at Mahale include: giant squirrel, red-legged sun squirrel, brush-tailed porcupine, Angolan black-and-white colobus bushy-tailed mongoose and Sharpe's grysbok. Birdlife at Mahale include the red-coilared widowbirds on the lower grasslands and fish eagles on the edge of forest further south of Nkungwe Luxury Camp. Researchers at Mahale have noted the presence of predators including leopards, lions and hunting dogs. Although predator sighting are not common, in 1989 researchers at Mahale Mountains National Park discovered that lions had devoured a few of the chimps. The baboons found at Mahale are the yellow baboons different from those found at Gombe, which are Olive baboons. The baboons also have displayed a remarkable social difference when compared to Gombe where they seemed less aggressive and more intimidated by human presence. View the precautions set out by the TANAPA in regard to your visit to Mahale Mountains National Park.