Mbali Mbali Gombe

CEDARBERG RATING

Premier

Overview
  • Intimate, rustic base camp for Chimpanzee trekking
  • Lovely location on the lake for swimming and snorkelling with Cichlids
  • Close to the station where Jane Goodall pioneered her research on the famous Kasekela chimpanzee community

Mbali Mbali Gombe is a classic East African style tented camp on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, reached by boat from the bustling town of Kigoma. The camp sits within the tiny and heavily forested Gombe National Park and its main purpose is a comfortable base for visitors who come to track wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. As such, the camp focus is on the essential comforts such as friendly staff and good guiding. You can expect powerful, hot showers, comfortable beds and nice linen rather than space and cutting-edge design. The guest tents are spacious with two Queen beds, mosquito nets, bedside tables, dressing table and wardrobe. The en suite bathroom is simple but well planned. The tents are on raised decks with seating - just be aware that baboons can run off with anything left outside!

Meals are served in the main mess area, a no-frills cabin set a little back from the beach, and the food is good and plentiful - ideal to set you up for a day of hiking in the forest!

The lake here is safe to swim and snorkel alongside endemic Cichlids, a perfect refreshing counterpoint to a morning of energetic uphill walking. Later in the day, laze on the beach loungers and then enjoy sundowners around the firepit the staff build each evening.

Chimpanzee Trekking from Mbali Mbali Gombe

On the shores of sparkling Lake Tanganyika lies one of Africa's best locations to track wild chimpanzees. Gombe National Park protects 35 square kilometres along its Eastern shore, including the famous Gombe Stream Research Centre where a young Dr Jane Goodall started her ground-breaking observations of wild chimpanzees back in 1968. The trekking through the forest and uphill can be quite challenging as you won't necessarily be following any kind of path (the chimps don't!) but the guides are committed to making sure that you have the best experience possible. While the chimps are the main attraction, the hikes can also take in a rather spectacular waterfall and the Feeding Station from which Dr Goodall made so many of her observations.

At A Glance

  • Off the beaten track
  • Birding hotspot
  • Mountain Views
  • Beautiful Landscapes
  • Beach
  • Walking Safari
  • Wildlife

Mbali Mbali Gombe on the map

Rooms

Forest Tent

7 Forest tents are set on wooden platforms beneath mango groves on the lakeshore, the seven elegantly furnished luxury tents of Gombe Forest Lodge were designed to have every comfort while minimizing disturbance and impact on the stunning environment. Fill your day with hiking through the trails, observe chimpanzees and birds, or explore the lake with a kayak. Enjoy sundowners around a campfire on the beach to unwind from the day’s adventures.

The Forest tents are named after the chimpanzees who are familiar to the researchers from the Jane Goodall Institute. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom and furnished private balcony.