Mahale Mountains National Park

Tanzania’s westernmost national park, Mahale Mountains National Park, has forested slopes running down to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, with the Democratic Republic of Congo visible across the water. Chimpanzee tracking is the main draw, through steep, humid forest rather than open savannah, and reaching a habituated troop often means a proper trek rather than a gentle stroll. Access is by light aircraft and boat only, which keeps visitor numbers refreshingly low.