Mahale Mountains Tented Camp

August 29-September 1

The tents surrounded a beautiful sandy beach on Lake Tanganyika
Mahale Mountains Tented Camp was probably the closest we got to "roughing it" on our safari. We did, after all, sleep in tents and use pit toilets. But our hosts, Ben and Emma, and their staff went out of their way to provide us with as much luxury and service as is possible in such a secluded place.

The camp is build around a beautiful beach on Lake Tanganyika. There are about a half dozen tents, each large enough for a double bed or two twins and room to walk around. The tents even had florescent lights which are powered by solar-charged batteries, although these are switched off after about midnight.

Behind each tent is a table, wash basin and mirror. A bucket was always kept full of fresh water and hot water would be brought any time we asked.

Further behind each tent is an enclosed pit toilet and a bucket shower. These were both more comfortable than they sound and even though Diana and I don't really go in for camping, we all had an lovely time.

In the middle of the beach is a large umbrella shading a few beach chairs with a cooler full of assorted beverages and a box of beach toys including swim fins, mask and snorkels, frisbees, etc.

A little further across the beach is the mess tent. This is a fairly elaborate affair with a large dining table set with table cloth and a full compliment of china, glasses, silverware, and condiments.

The other half of the tent houses a library with many books about the area as well as a variety of fictional reading material.
The beach and water were absolutely wonderful. There is nothing like swimming in fresh crystal-clear tropical water on a sandy beach.

And, as was the case at other lodges in Africa, the night sky was breathtaking. They number of stars that can be seen is amazing for those of us that normally deal with light pollution from nearby towns and cities.

The meals were all excellent and the staff went out of their way to create dishes to our taste. All in all, an excellent experience.