Location
The lodge is sat on a secluded beach on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. With the green forest behind and the blue lake ahead, guests will feel completely surrounded by the beautiful wilderness. Getting to Mahale is a little trickier than other parks, but with scheduled flights operating on Mondays and Thursdays and circuit discounts offered, it is a great park to combine with other western and southern parks, such as Katavi or Ruaha National Park.
Layout
Mbali Mbali Mahale is comprised of 9 beach tents which are sat on a small wooden veranda. They have canvassed sides to the tents but everything else is more structured, such as the roof and the ensuite bathrooms. The tents are spread out along the beach, all looking out to the stunning lake. The main area combines a lounge and seating areas, a bar and an eating area. There is always a campfire set up just outside the main area. This brings guests together to share stories about their day, enjoy some pre-dinner drinks and snacks, and take in the idyllic view and peace of Mahale.
Rooms
There are 9 beach tents at Mbali Mbali Mahale, each sat on small wooden groundings. The tents are spacious and can be either double or twin bed setups. Although there are no family units, a few of the tents are situated closer together which are ideal for larger groups or families. Mbali Mbali Mahale also do not have a single supplement which makes it great value. The rooms are currently getting refurbished and redesigned so new pictures will shortly be available.
Activities
Of course, the main attraction to Mahale Mountains is to trek to see the habituated chimpanzees (there is a minimum age of 12 years old). The beauty of Mahale however, is that there is more to do and see which just adds to your overall experience. The rate includes all meals and drinks, 1 chimpanzee trek per day, 1 boat safari per stay (to either see the hippos or the neighbouring fishing village for a cultural tour), airstrip boat transfers and kayaking.
Guiding
Rama is the head guide at Mbali Mbali Mahale. He grew up with chimpanzees as his father worked with Jane Goodall in Gombe. He knows each chimp in the M group by name and really works hard for each of his guests. He takes the guests out on the boat trip down the lake, tells stories about Livingstone and Stanley and he is truly passionate about Chimpanzee Conservation. All of the staff at the lodge are also fantastic and will do everything possible to make a stay perfect!
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