Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge

Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge — Chimpanzees, Lake Tanganyika and Sunsets Over Congo

Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge (formerly called Kungwe Beach Lodge) sits on a stretch of golden sandy beach inside Mahale Mountains National Park — one of the most beautiful and remote settings of any safari lodge in East Africa. The Mahale Mountains rise steeply from the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania's western border with the DRC. The lodge is positioned at the forest edge where the mountains meet the beach, and from the tents, guests watch sunsets over the mountains of Congo on the far shore.

Mahale is Tanzania's finest chimpanzee trekking destination — the forest holds one of the most habituated chimpanzee communities in Africa, with over 60 individuals acclimatised to human presence over decades of study. The guided trek through the mountain forest, following the chimpanzees as they feed, groom and interact, is among the most extraordinary wildlife experiences available in East Africa.

The lodge is a close alternative to Greystoke Mahale (the luxury benchmark property). Yellow Zebra Safaris notes it "offers a slight price saving from nearby Greystoke" and is "a decent alternative if there is no space at Greystoke, with reportedly very good guiding." TripAdvisor reviewers describe it as "a magical place" with "excellent beds, bedding and the most perfect shower."

Accommodation

Ten beach tents under thatch on raised platforms at the forest edge. Each tent has a private deck with Lake Tanganyika and beach views, outdoor rain shower and double vanities, luxury bed linens, mosquito nets and 24-hour electricity. Candlelit dinners served on the beach or in the dining area. Rate includes accommodation, all meals, six house beverages per day, unlimited soft drinks and water, limited laundry. Fully Inclusive Plus rate covers accommodation, meals, drinks and activities. Closed March–May.

Activities

Daily chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains NP. Forest walks and bird watching. Boat trips on Lake Tanganyika. Kayaking. Snorkelling in the crystal-clear lake. Sunset dhow cruises. Fresh water fishing for Nile perch, kuhe and other Tanganyika species.