Mahale
Wonderfully remote, Mahale Camp is reached by flying and then by dhow or foot, and lies on a crescent beach at the base of the 8000ft Mahale Mountains overlooking Lake Tanganyika. It is truly one of the most beautiful and dramatic locations of any camp in East Africa.
The Camp manages to combine great style, charisma and fun with a serious and ecologically sound approach - all the structures are built of biodegradable materials and there is no generator. The camp is small and beautifully built with large, pale, walk in tents. Each tent has two comfortable beds, a shady veranda and a private bathroom. The loos are set a short distance behind. Meals are served either in the main mess, set up on the beach, or in the open air under the stars on the waters edge.
This is the place to stay to see wild chimpanzees. Mahale organises morning treks into the forest, lead by local guides whose knowledge of the forest and chimps is unrivalled. The lengths of the treks vary greatly and there is no guarantee of finding the chimps, but the guides are conscientious, and, if possible, will continue until they find them or until everyone has enough. The camp's dhow is used for gentle sails in the evenings, snorkelling or just to enjoy the breath taking scenery.