About Mbali Mbali Mahale
Mbali Mbali Mahale, previously known as Kungwe Beach Lodge, is situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika ...
... on the western border of Mahale Mountains National Park. It is one of the most remote areas in Africa, giving visitors a true sense of wilderness and the opportunity to trek the chimpanzees in the forests.
Mbali Mbali is aiming for a high end, contemporary lodge offering in Mahale, with the service to match. While we were not able to experience the lodge in full as we visited just before it re-opened, we are very encouraged by the caliber of the management team brought in to run things. It may not have the character and quirks of neighbouring options, but for those looking for more of a classic hotel-style experience on the remote beaches of Mahale, this could be a safe choice. Mahale Mountains are not the most straightforward to get to, but the unique experiences on offer are well worth the journey.
Our view
Mbali Mbali is aiming for a high end, contemporary lodge offering in Mahale, with the service to match. While we were not able to experience the lodge in full as we visited just before it re-opened, we are very encouraged by the caliber of the management team brought in to run things. It may not have the character and quirks of neighbouring options, but for those looking for more of a classic hotel-style experience on the remote beaches of Mahale, this could be a safe choice. Mahale Mountains are not the most straightforward to get to, but the unique experiences on offer are well worth the journey.
Tanzania expert
Accommodation
9 tents
Children
Best for 12+
Open
1 June to 28 February
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Kayaking
Primate trekking
Private activities
Snorkelling
Traveller reviews of Mbali Mbali Mahale
2 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryMbali Mbali Mahale: Our full report
Mbali Mbali Mahale, previously known as Kungwe Beach Lodge, is situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika ...
... on the western border of Mahale Mountains National Park. It is one of the most remote areas in Africa, giving visitors a true sense of wilderness and the opportunity to trek the chimpanzees in the forests.
Mbali Mbali Mahale is approached via a boat ride along the beautiful shoreline of the Mahale Mountains. Jump into the shallows to reach the beach, or the boat can be moored at the camp’s jetty for a more sedate approach.
The camp stretches out along the private beach, with the spacious main area the first port of call for arriving guests. As the camp has recently been completely refurbished, the newly-built thatched lounge and dining area cuts quite an imposing figure on the beach, but this is the focal point of the camp. Inside houses a very open plan lounge, bar and dining area, with a mezzanine and deck providing further seating. There is a fire pit on the beach in front of the main areas, for evening drinks and occasional dining. The overall style is quite contemporary, with a rustic beachy feel and there is a nice mix of modern, traditional and unusual furniture pieces.
The thatched tented bedrooms run along the beach, either side of the main areas, and are nestled amongst the trees looking out over the lake. Although not hugely far apart, the lush vegetation provides good shielding from one’s neighbours.
The tented rooms are raised on a wooden deck and covered by a high thatched roof. Each has a small veranda to the front with a day bed and directors chairs – a perfect spot to watch the sun set over the lake in front. Six of the tented rooms have double beds, two have twins and one is a family tent that has a double and a single. There are spacious en-suite bathrooms to the rear of the tents.
The beach aesthetic is continued here, although with quite a neutral palette interspersed with touches of green colours. The tents are large and the overall look is quite ‘minimalist’, meaning they do feel perhaps a little empty. A few pieces of artwork, or curios, would really add some much-needed character.
The primary reason for visiting Mbali Mbali Mahale is for the chimpanzee trekking. The Mahale Mountains National Park is home to around 800 chimpanzees, broken up into 13 family groups. One of these families – M group – has been monitored by research scientists since the 1960s and are now still very much wild, but habituated to humans enough to allow guests to trek with them. Every morning, trackers head out into the forest to find the chimps and let the camp know their location, ready for the guides to lead guests out into the forest to trek.
The chimps move through the forest continually and prefer different vegetation and altitudes according to the fruiting seasons – so trekking is harder at some times of year than others. Mbali Mbali Mahale has two experienced guides who grew up in Mahale and know all of the chimpanzees individually – although we have not had the chance to yet stay at the lodge and experience the guiding firsthand. Once the trekking group has reached the chimpanzees, guests have a maximum of one hour with them before having to head back to camp.
When not chimp trekking, Mbali Mbali offers a range of other activities too, mostly focused around Lake Tanganyika. One boat safari is included per stay at the lodge – sailing along the coast in a traditional wooden dhow, while looking out for the lakeshore’s resident hippos, is a lovely way to relax after a strenuous chimp trek. Kayaking and catch and release fishing is also on offer, as well as the chance to visit a neighbouring fishing village.
While the crystal clear, warm waters of Lake Tanganyika are incredibly inviting, swimming from the beach is not currently possible due to the slim chance of encountering the aforementioned hippos or maybe a crocodile. Swimming off the boats in deeper parts of the lake is perfectly safe, but the lodge is keen to find a solution to allow guests to swim off the beach too. We understand they are planning on installing a pioneering underwater net to provide safe swimming directly from the beach or jetty, which will be an exciting – if not rather unusual – addition.
Geographics
- Location
- Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- There are only two flights a week to Mahale (on Mondays and Thursdays), so stays are restricted to either 3, 4 or 7 night stays.
- Directions
- Guests fly into Mahale Airstrip and are then transferred along the shoreline by wooden dhow to the lodge, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- When we visited Mbali Mbali Mahale in late 2018, we were not able to sample the food as the lodge was not yet open. But we understand that the menu will be a high quality mix of international dishes.
A leisurely breakfast is taken in the lodge before chimp trekking, with lunch either back at the lodge or possibly in the forest if the trek lasts all morning. Dinner is served on the beach under the stars, or in the thatched dining area depending on the weather. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room Service is possible on request.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included, with premium wine, spirits and Champagne an additional cost. Filtered drinking water is available.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Mbali Mbali Mahale accepts children of all ages. Note that children must be aged 12 and above to participate in chimpanzee treks.
- Generally recommended for children
- The lodge doesn’t have specific activities for children but they are likely to enjoy the guided forest walks, the beach, kayaking and boat trips out onto the lake. Mahale is remote: expensive and long to get to, so we think that children should be old enough to enjoy the chimpanzee trekking as well as the rest of the activities on offer.
- Notes
- Children should be supervised at all times and those under 14 years are not permitted to stay alone in a room.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back up generator. The tents have 24 hour power, electric lighting and charging points.
- Communications
- There is WiFi access at the lodge and a satellite phone in case of an emergency. Cell phone coverage is patchy at best.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- En suite bathrooms are fully plumbed.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- First aid kits are carried by guides whilst on activities or excursions. Emergency evacuation is from Mahale Airstrip. Only day landings are possible.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Kayaking
Primate trekking
Private activities
Snorkelling
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included.
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Mbali Mbali Mahale's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mbali Mbali Mahale.
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When to go to Mahale Mountains National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mbali Mbali Mahale in Mahale Mountains National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mahale Mountains National Park in January
Rain is likely in January in the Mahale Mountains National Park, and the chimpanzees disperse into smaller groups to ensure there is plenty of food for all. While wildlife viewing is generally good, some animals may still be dispersed due to lingering moisture from the previous wet season.
Birdwatching is excellent during January, with resident birds in breeding plumage and migrant species present. Forest walks are pleasant, with reduced humidity making for comfortable hikes. Mount Nkungwe trails are more manageable, though some areas may be slippery. The lakeshore of Lake Tanganyika provides a lovely backdrop for activities like kayaking and fishing.
- Variable weather with rain likely
- Good time for birding with migrant species
- Chimpanzee trekking conditions fair
- Lake activities enjoyable in warm weather
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Mahale Mountains National Park in February
February is a more challenging time for chimp trekking as the chimpanzees have moved to higher ground and thicker forest looking for food. Rain showers are possible.
Birdwatching remains rewarding, with northern hemisphere migrants joining resident species. The park's hidden waterfalls are more accessible now, providing refreshing stops during guided forest walks. Mount Nkungwe hikes offer panoramic views of the park and lake, though early starts are recommended to avoid midday heat.
- Challenging time for chimpanzee trekking
- Birdwatching opportunities abundant
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Mahale Mountains National Park in March
March marks the beginning of the long rainy season in Mahale Mountains National Park. Chimpanzee trekking continues to be challenging as the apes move to higher elevations. Camps may be closed – speak to us for more details. However, this is an excellent time for botanists and butterfly enthusiasts, as the forest bursts into bloom. The park's diverse flora, including unique species in the Kasoge forest, is at its most vibrant. Birdwatching remains rewarding, especially for forest species.
While some trails become muddy, experienced guides can still lead exciting forest walks, showcasing the park's lush vegetation and smaller wildlife. Mount Nkungwe hikes are not recommended due to slippery conditions. Lake Tanganyika's water levels rise, changing the shoreline landscape.
- Increasing humidity as rainy season starts
- Chimpanzee sightings challenging
- Migratory birds start to depart
- Lush greenery enhances forest walks
- Camps may be closed
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Mahale Mountains National Park in April
The rains continue into April, and camps remain closed. The dense vegetation and often slippery trails makes wildlife spotting more challenging, but patient observers can witness fascinating behaviours. Chimpanzees construct leafy nests for shelter, visible from a distance. The park's rivers and streams swell, creating temporary waterfalls and rapids. This is an excellent time for photography enthusiasts to capture the lush, green landscapes and moody atmospheres.
Birdwatching remains rewarding, especially for forest-dwelling species. Lake Tanganyika's shoreline activities are limited, but the lake itself is a spectacle with dramatic skies and occasional storms.
- Heavy rains may impact park accessibility
- Chimpanzee trekking difficult due to weather
- Waterfalls and streams at their most impressive
- Birdwatching good for resident species
- Limited lake activities due to weather
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Mahale Mountains National Park in May
As May progresses, the long rains in Mahale Mountains National Park begin to taper off, and lodges re-open towards the end of the month. The landscape is lush and green, with rivers and streams still flowing strongly. Visitors should still expect challenging chimpanzee trekking conditions. The forest is dense with the vegetation and at its most vibrant and many plants in fruit.
Birdwatching is excellent, especially for forest species and water birds around the swollen lakes and rivers. Lake Tanganyika's water levels are high, altering the shoreline landscape. As the rains decrease, hiking trails to Mount Nkungwe become more accessible, offering stunning views of the verdant park.
- Rains begin to subside towards end of month
- Chimpanzee trekking conditions remain challenging
- Hiking trails start to dry out
- Lush and dense vegetation
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in May
Mahale Mountains National Park in June
June marks the transition to the dry season in Mahale Mountains National Park. Chimpanzee trekking conditions begin to improve significantly but the chimps are mostly still high up in the forest taking advantage of the abundance of food. The forest starts to dry out, making walking trails more accessible. This is an excellent time for hiking to Mount Nkungwe, offering panoramic views of the park and Lake Tanganyika.
The lake's water levels begin to recede, revealing sandy beaches perfect for relaxation after activities. Afternoon swims are possible in deeper water.
- Dry season begins
- Chimpanzee trekking improves but chimps remain on higher ground
- Hiking to Mount Nkungwe becomes favourable
- Possible to swim in the deeper waters of Lake Tanganyika
- Birdwatching excellent as skies clear
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Mahale Mountains National Park in July
July is the start of the peak season in Mahale Mountains National Park. Chimpanzee trekking starts to become a little easier as the month progresses and the chimps begin to descend from their higher reaches. The dry weather makes forest trails more easily navigable, ideal for guided walks and wildlife spotting. Lake Tanganyika's waters are calm and clear, perfect swimming in deeper waters.
Birdwatching is excellent, especially around the lakeshore and in the miombo woodlands. Mount Nkungwe hikes offer breathtaking views in the crisp air. The dry conditions draw various animals to water sources, increasing wildlife sighting opportunities.
- Improving conditions for hiking and forest walks
- Clear skies perfect for stargazing
- Wildlife more visible near water sources
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Mahale Mountains National Park in August
August is one of the hotter months in Mahale Mountains National Park. The dry weather continues, with clear skies and sunny days. Chimpanzee trekking reaches its peak, with frequent and prolonged sightings as the apes spend more time in accessible areas. The low vegetation improves visibility for other wildlife spotting during guided forest walks.
Lake Tanganyika's shores are perfect for relaxation and cooling swims in the deeper waters. Birdwatching remains excellent, with many species congregating around remaining water sources. Mount Nkungwe hikes are highly rewarding, offering panoramic views of the park and lake. The dry conditions make this an ideal time for overnight camping experiences in the park, allowing for immersive nature encounters and spectacular stargazing opportunities.
- Excellent weather for all park activities
- Chimpanzee sightings frequent and rewarding
- Mount Nkungwe hike offers spectacular views
- Lake activities continue to be enjoyable
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Mahale Mountains National Park in September
September is an excellent month to visit Mahale Mountains National Park. Chimpanzee trekking remains outstanding, with high chances of extended observations. The low vegetation improves visibility during guided forest walks, increasing opportunities to spot other primates and smaller mammals. Lake Tanganyika's shores are perfect for relaxation and cooling swims in the deeper waters.
Birdwatching is rewarding, especially around the lakeshore and remaining water sources. Mount Nkungwe hikes offer stunning vistas in the clear air.
- Dry season continues with ideal conditions
- Chimpanzee trekking remains a highlight
- Lake Tanganyika waters clear for activities
- Birdwatching excellent with clear visibility
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Mahale Mountains National Park in October
October sees the dry season drawing to a close. Chimpanzee trekking remains excellent, with the apes often seen near the lakeshore. The park's landscape is at its driest, making wildlife easier to spot as animals congregate around remaining water sources. Lake Tanganyika's water levels are at their lowest, revealing expansive beaches.
This is a great time for water activities and beach relaxation. Birdwatching is productive, with many species gathering near the lake. Mount Nkungwe hikes offer panoramic views, though the ascent can be hot. Guided forest walks provide opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in the open vegetation.
- Last month of peak chimpanzee trekking season
- Warm days perfect for lake activities
- Hiking trails dry and easily accessible
- Wildlife concentrated around water sources
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Mahale Mountains National Park in November
November sees the start of the rains again in Mahale Mountains National Park. The landscape begins to transform as vegetation responds to the moisture. The rain showers create dramatic scenes over Lake Tanganyika, perfect for photography. Birdwatching is excellent as migrants arrive and many species don their breeding plumage. The forest comes alive with new growth, making guided walks particularly interesting for botany enthusiasts. Chimpanzee trekking remains good, with the chimps typically remaining on the lower slopes.
Mount Nkungwe hikes become more challenging but offer some intriguing misty vistas. The park's waterfalls begin to flow more vigorously, creating picturesque scenes.
- Rains likely, increasing humidity
- Chimpanzee trekking still good
- Migratory birds start to return to the park
- Lake activities may be affected by weather
- Lush scenery returns as vegetation grows
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Mahale Mountains National Park in December
December in Mahale Mountains National Park is characterised by the short, dramatic rain storms. Despite intermittent showers, many activities remain enjoyable. Chimpanzee trekking continues, though the apes are often found at higher elevations from more challenging trails. The rejuvenated vegetation makes for lush, green landscapes, ideal for photography.
Birdwatching is excellent, with many species in breeding plumage and migratory birds present. Guided forest walks showcase the park's flora in full bloom. Mount Nkungwe hikes are challenging due to slippery conditions, but lower elevation trails remain accessible. The rain brings relief from the heat, and afternoon showers often give way to beautiful sunsets over the lake. December offers a unique, very quiet experience of Mahale.
- Variable weather with occasional rain
- Chimpanzee trekking conditions tricky
- Lake activities possible on clear days
- Birdwatching good as migrant species return
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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