At 1,613 sq kms, Mahale is the premier chimpanzee viewing destination in all of Africa. Researchers estimate up to 1,000 chimps inhabit the mountains and rain forest and visitors making the long trek are usually rewarded with views of preening, playing and an insight into the fascinating day in the life of a chimpanzee.

Set on the edge of Lake Tanganyika, the scenery is breath taking, starting from the peaks of the Mahale Mountains, Nkungwe being the largest at 8,069 ft, to the lush green rainforests sweeping down on to the powder white sand beaches on the lake edge. Access to the park is by boat or light aircraft as there are no roads into Mahale making just getting there quite a challenge but definitely well worth the effort.

When to go? Dry season between May and October.