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Mbali Mbali Gombe, Gombe Stream | Timbuktu Travel
Gombe Stream

Mbali Mbali Gombe

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Mbali Mbali Gombe

Paradisaical primate heaven in remote Tanzania
Known for its extraordinary migrations, Tanzania's other treasures are too often overlooked. On the country's western border sits Lake Tanganyika, the second-deepest lake in the world, its waters rimmed by strips of indigenous montane forest that are home to chimpanzee, monkey and baboons. This is where British primatologist Jane Goodall famously carried out her research. It's also far off the beaten track, though this is every bit part of its appeal. Mbali Mbali Gombe is the only lodge in Gombe Stream National Park, accessed by a two-hour boat ride from the lake's hub, Kigoma.
Gombe Stream , Tanzania
From $590 per person/per night
Safari
7 Rooms
Open Map
Static map

Property details

The property

The thatched camp is set on the lakeshore, backed by ancient forest trees. At its heart is the main area, a simple elevated wooden structure with a veranda that's ideal morning coffee or sundowners. The interior, cleverly surrounded by screens for maximum airflow, is furnished with local teak sofas brightened with African textiles. It's a simple and comfortable space. The real luxuries come by way of the cuisine, which is excellent and fresh, and the service, which is cheerfully efficient.

The rooms

The camp is intimate, with just seven open-plan tents set slightly back from the beach in the shade of the forest. To enter, you climb a few steps to the broad, canvas-covered patio. Enter via foldaway doors to find your charming bedroom, with its dark-wood floors and rather grand four-poster bed draped with netting. There's a sweet desk, vanity and storage area and, beyond a canvas wall, the bathroom, where the shower is hot and the toilet first-rate.

Activities

Chimp trekking is the prime activity at Gombe, an activity that's undertaken with utmost sensitivity to the animals and conducted by extremely knowledgeable guides. Because of the legacy of research here, the chimps are accustomed to being observed. Still, there are no guarantees that you'll find them easily, and hiking is not for the faint-hearted (or anyone younger than 15). But treks reveal many forest treasures: olive baboon, red colobus and red-tailed monkeys, 200 species of birds, and butterflies galore.
Why we love it

Why we love it

You'll love the rustic luxury of the elevated tents with their pared-down comforts that, out here, feel utterly five-star.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Unusually for this activity, forest trekking is included in your stay.
Something to think about

Something to think about

Consider staying at least three nights for time enough to hike in pursuit of chimpanzees and relax lake-side.
Plan your stay

How to book Mbali Mbali Gombe

How do I book Mbali Mbali Gombe?

Mbali Mbali Gombe can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Tanzania trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Tanzania trips featuring Mbali Mbali Gombe or get advice and suggestions from one of our Tanzania specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Mbali Mbali Gombe?

Stays at Mbali Mbali Gombe start from around $590 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Mbali Mbali Gombe

Tanzania

Gombe Stream National Park

A tiny park with a world-renowned reputation for chimpanzee trekking and dose of lake-side R&R.