Previously Kungwe Beach Lodge
Mbali Mbali Mahale is the perfect blend of comfort and luxury in a romantic setting.
Location: Mbali Mbali Mahale perches on a pristine stretch of golden sand along Lake Tanganyika, at the forest edge of Mahale Mountains National Park in western Tanzania. Beneath the dramatic forested slopes of Mahale, the lodge is completely remote - accessible only by boat from Mahale Airstrip - offering a remarkably peaceful and wilderness-immersive experience.
Rooms: There are tent beach tents, a mix of doubles and twins, and one triple designed for a family. Each tent is thatched, raised on wooden platforms, and positioned for privacy with direct views of the lake and beach. Interiors are light, airy and furnished in traditional safari style with luxury linens, mosquito nets, private verandas, and ensuite bathrooms featuring walk-in rain showers and double vanities.
Amenities: The communal lodge area is an open-sided timber and thatch building shaped like a small dhow, located right on the lake's edge with lounging and dining spaces, a bar, small library, and nightly campfires on the beach. Facilities include 24-hour solar-powered electricity, complimentary Wi-Fi in common areas, battery charging stations, laundry service, and private beach access - all designed for comfort while respecting the fragile environment.
Activities: The lodge programmes a selection of immersive nature experiences. Every guest enjoys one guided chimpanzee trek per day - carefully limited to small groups of no more than six and guided to minimise disturbance - as the focus of most stays, You can also take boat safaris (to see hippos or visit the local village), kayaking, lake fishing, forest walks, birdwatching, and sunset dhow cruises. Relaxing on the beach or around evening fires completes the perfectly balanced itinerary.
Sustainability: Mbali Mbali Mahale operates with a strong eco-conscious ethos. It is fully solar-powered with generator backup and employs sustainable, locally sourced materials in the tents and communal areas. With minimal infrastructure and low guest capacity, the lodge maintains a light footprint. Activities - such as chimp trekking - are tightly managed in partnership with TANAPA to preserve the fragile forest ecosystem and support responsible tourism within one of Africa's most remote parks.
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When to visit Tanzania
Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.
- During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.
February
The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.
- Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.
March
March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.
- Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.
April
April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
May
During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
June
June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.
- Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.
July
July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.
- The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.
August
August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.
- The migration still remains in the north.
September
Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.
- The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.
October
Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.
- The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.
November
November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.
- Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.
December
Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.
- Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.
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