Nkungwe Tented Camp, Mahale Mountains

Accessable only by charter flight then a one hour boat transfer along Lake Tanganyika, Nkungwe is about as far removed from anywhere else in Tanzania that you can reach. An idyllic location the camp is nestled into the forest with the Mahale Mountains, famous for it's habituated chimpanzees, behind and rolling down to the beach - this is a real getaway from it all destination.

THE ACCOMMODATION

10 luxury tented bandas raised on wooden platforms are spaced out along the beach. The tents are huge with en suite shower and toilet room located at the rear. Solar power is in keeping with the environmentally sound construction of the camp which blends in to the forest. Each banda has a large balcony overlooking the beach and lake.

THE FACILITIES

The main dining area is built in the shape of a boat and is shipwrecked at one end of the beach. There is a lounge area with a small library and a dining area.
The beach is clean and swimming is possible at all times of the day in the lake with good snorkelling at one end of the beach. Every night a campfire is lit - the perfect end to the day watching the sun set over the distant mountains of the Congo.

THE SAFARIS

Chimpanzee tracking is the star attraction of Mahale and guided treks into the forest are taken daily. Length of the tracking depends on the movements of the chimpanzees but there is no limit on time spent observing the chimps. Other primates are often encountered and the forest is also home to leopard and bushpig. All safaris in the forest are on foot and require a general level of fitness.

There is good bird watching in Mahale and from November toFfebruary many migrant birds pass the lake. Other activities include fishing from traditional fishing boats, snorkelling and sailing on the lake.

THE VERDICT

Not an easy place to reach but undoubtedly worth the extra effort to visit one of the most pristine areas of Africa open to tourists. The camp is a logistic marvel as everything has to be brought in by boat, the tents are spacious and luxurious and privacy is ensured.
Chimpanzee tracking is an incredible experience and the guides at Nkungwe are knowledgable and professional. If you have the time and budget then a 4 day/3 night visit to Mahale will probably be the highlight of any visit to Tanzania.