There are few places left on earth that might rightfully be called Eden, and the Mahale Mountains, on the edge of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is one of them. Life at Mahale is easy in this barefoot paradise. Greystoke Mahale sits on a pristine, white sandy beach overlooking the turquoise water of Lake Tanganyika, with the forested slopes of the 8000 ft Mahale Mountains rising behind.
The main mess is the only structure on the beach and it's the focal point of camp. Here is where you can look out over the lake to the mountains of the Congo in the haze beyond.
The National Park is famous for the chimpanzees that can be visited in the mountains; clients are allowed to spend 1 hour a day with the chimps. Depending on the season the chimps feed at different altitudes on the mountains, so at certain times of year the days can be quite long to reach the chimps. People come here to visit the chimpanzees, but by all means this is not the only activity you can do, the beautiful lake is great for exploring by Kayak, or following streams up into the hills to hidden waterfalls. The environment boasts excellent bird life and its well worth taking a walk with a guide through the network of jungle tracks. The lake is incredible for swimming as well as snorkelling.
Your days can start in the main area, eating breakfast whilst waiting to hear news of the chimps and deciding what to do. Evenings end with sundowners on the rocks of the headland, where drinks are served around the lamp-lit bar whilst the mountains, rising behind camp, disappear into the darkness.
THE BANDAS: All are open-fronted, with heavy canvas curtains you can pull across if you choose. Made of old dhow wood, not one is the same, but all have a dressing room behind and then a short boardwalk to the bathroom with flush toilet, strong showers and hot and cold water on demand. There's a "chill-out" deck upstairs, accessible by a rather clever canoe-ladder around the side of the banda. This is the place to while away a long afternoon with a glass of wine and a good book.
HIGHLIGHTS: The magical forest of the Mahale Mountains and the chimps! Along with many other animals that include other primates, bushbuck, bush pig, leopard and a multitude of butterflies and amazing birds. Dinner on the beach under the stars and sundowners on the dhow; kayaking and fishing in the clear waters of the lake. This lodge doesn't drip with luxury [not surprisingly considering its remote location] but is super stylish and an exceptional experience.
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
1x Twin Room
5 Star
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, Swahili
No. Rooms: 7
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Hiking, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
