Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ACTIVITIES
Kyoto University researchers have been studying chimps here since 1965 and their 'M'
group is well habituated to people. While Mahale's size and terrain mean
chimp tracking
('chimping', as the guides call it) can take time and require steep, strenuous walking, al-
most everyone who visits comes away successful. During June and July the chimps come
down to feed around the lodges almost daily. See the Tanzania's Chimpanzees boxed text
(
Click here
)
for more information.
Climbs of
Mt Nkungwe
(2462m), Mahale's highest peak, must be accompanied by an
armed ranger. The usual arrangement is two days up and one down, camping midway and
again near the peak. Trekkers must bring their own camping gear and food. The climb re-
quires a reasonable degree of fitness, but the trail is in decent shape. A two-day option re-
quires a willingness to scramble and hack your way through the bush.
No matter what you do or where you go in the forest, guide fees are US$20 per group
(up to six people). Porters cost US$15 per day.
Mahale has an excellent
snorkelling
spot, but it's been rendered off-limits due to cro-
codiles.
SLEEPING
There are four lodging options, each with its own beach, spread out along the lake. You can
also
bush camp
(per person US$50, per group US$20) with a park ranger.
Greystoke Mahale
LODGE $$$
( 0784-208343;
www.nomad-tanzania.com
;
per person all-inclusive US$868; June-
March) An amazing place. One of the most Swiss Family Robinson-esque lodges in Tan-
zania, this has six oversized, two-storey
bandas
built extensively from the wood of old
dhows and a dining room-lounge under a soaring thatch roof. It has the best mountain
views of all Mahale's lodges and the price includes all activities.
Mango Tree Bandas
BUNGALOWS $$
(per person US$30) Basic but quite decent park-run double
bandas
set about 100m in from
the shore. While they lack the lake views of the private camps, their position in the forest
means the night sounds are wonderful. No drinks are sold and you should bring your own
food to cook in the kitchen, but usually you can buy expensive local meals from the staff.
Kungwe Beach Lodge
TENTED CAMP $$$
