The name Mbali Mbali is well chosen: it means ‘Far Far Away’ in Swahili and Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge is your chance to access one of the most remote corners of Africa. A string of luxurious beach chalets set along a Lake Tanganyika white-sand beach, this small and intimate lodge is the ideal base from which to trek into the thick rainforest of the Mahale Mountains in search of wild chimpanzees. A ruptured twist of the Great Rift Valley, Mahale is one of the last bastions of these great apes and a unique opportunity for you to follow foraging chimps deep in the forest.

Accessed only by a flight and then a boat ride, Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge is primarily a chimpanzee trekking lodge but has a host of other activities. Taking advantage of its lakeside setting; the lodge offers boat trips in search of the lake’s creatures (hippos, crocodiles, and otters) as well as its fabulous birdlife – over 350 species have been recorded in the park. You can also explore the lake at leisure in one of the lodge’s canoes, or try your luck on a fishing expedition.

One of the most off-the-beaten-path travel destinations in Tanzania, this is an accommodation that would suit seasoned safari travelers who are looking for a unique wildlife experience in combination with a more familiar safari in, for example, the Serengeti. Such a mix of habitats would deliver a great diversity of animals and landscapes, ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers. The camp welcomes families with children of all ages, though we’d recommend traveling with older children to benefit from sharing activities.

Highlights

• Beautiful wilderness setting and unique safari experience
• Daily chimpanzee trekking – observe wild chimps in the forest
• Sailing safaris, kayaking, and catch-and-release fishing
• Luxurious beachfront chalets with private bathrooms and 24-hour lighting
• Great birdlife plus lake animals – hippos, crocodiles and otters

Activities

• BIRD WATCHING
• BOAT EXCURSIONS
• CANOEING
• CHIMP TRACKING
• FISHING
• SNORKELLING
• KAYAKING

The slower pace at Mbali Mbali is brilliant, the ideal add-on after a thrilling safari. I love that you can just take in the natural beauty of the area on leisurely walks or boat trips but of course, your main reason to visit would be the chimp trekking. Accompanied by a passionate, insightful, and knowledgeable group of guides, this experience is a certain bucket-list one! A five-star getaway without the price tag, the beauty and tranquility of this area is something special to experience.

Rooms

Beach Tent Double

Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge has nine chalets – six with double beds, two with twins, and one that has been designed for families and features a double and single bed. Raised on a wooden deck complete with a day bed and directors' chairs, the chalets offer both privacy and great views so you can sit back and soak up unspoiled Africa. Lying under shady trees and covered by a high thatched roof, each of the chalets has a large en suite bathroom with a walk-in rain shower and double sink. You also have the advantage of Wi-Fi access in your chalet.

Facilities

Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge sits on a Lake Tanganyika beach with a large thatched lounge and dining area providing the main communal area. Here you find plenty of comfortable seating and a well-stocked bar plus a reference library. Step outside onto a wide deck that looks over the lake and the fire pit on the beach, where you sit on fine evenings with a glass in hand and the cosmos above you.

Powered by solar energy with a generator back-up, the camp provides electric power 24 hours a day – for lighting and battery charging – and has Wi-Fi access too, even in your chalet. The complimentary laundry service is a welcome feature.

Dining

The day begins with an early-morning wake-up call and a pot of coffee or tea delivered to your suite. You enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a lake view before the morning activity – usually chimpanzee trekking – before returning to camp for lunch in the shade. Meals are enjoyed at individual and group tables; room service is available on request.

Dinner is usually a candle-lit, three-course affair, served on the beach if the weather allows, and the kitchen is happy to cater to vegetarian and vegan guests with prior notification. Tea and coffee are available all day and the lodge supplies your room with bottled water.