It is in a remote location:  Kipili, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.  Its called Lakeshore Lodge and Campsite and is run by a wonderful South African couple, Louise and Chris Horsfall.  Their website is:      http://safaritourtanzania.com

The location couldn’t be more amazing. They are right along the water, and not infrequently guests get to listen to hippos as they eat dinner set out on lovely tables that line the beach. The water is refreshing and the swimming great. There are beautiful mango trees and gardens and wonderful hikes and walks around the lodge.  They helped us not only arrange, but transported us to Mahale National Park to see the chimpanzee colonies, arranged for us to visit some local villages, and provided kayaks and snorkling gear for water adventures.  We had previously spent a week in Zanzibar and in retrospect can’t see a reason why one would go when Lake Tanganyika is just as beautiful and a so much more pleasant venue for someone who is looking for a wonderful beach holiday away from the crowds and intensity of a resort location.  There are plenty of things to do around the lodge including scuba diving, going on sunset cruises, renting mountain bikes or quad bikes….. They have a great collection of books, board games, and card games that are perfect for a relaxing day at Lake Tanganyka.  they also offer safari tours to Katavi National Park, though we did not go there

Rooms: The rooms are comfortable, clean, and luxorious. We stayed in their chalets that open right onto the beach, and we slept with the door open. The shower is very nice, bathroom exceedingly clean and they have done a fantastic job fine tuning the rooms and administrating to every detail be it to the shampoo and soap dispensers, issues of privacy, decorations using local items, and the service.  The rooms are immaculately clearn, outlets all work, their laundry service prompt and free of charge. Privacy is also of the upmost concern, and the night is so quiet that all you can hear is the sound of the frogs and lake.

The food is not only exceptional, all locally produced, and as close to an “African gourmet” style as one can imagine.  We hear that in the off season their locally groomed chefs are employed to watch the food network to fine tune their inspiration.   Meals being served either under the stars or (weather permitting) on an enclosed patio. They also have a fully stocked bar.

The service was impeccable.  This  was made all the more incredible since the owners hire only locals from the village and personally train them.  The staff is not only very friendly but we felt like they were concerned about our every comfort. The two owners, Chris and Louise, are lovely people. They are warm and friendly, would to our great pleasure occasionally join us for meals (as they do all guests when feasible) and great people to converse with. They have done an incredible job creating this lodge.

Ethics: One thing that we looked for, especially traveling to a third world country as poor as Tanzania, were resorts that were non-exploitive and supportive of their community. This place definetely met our requirements. They only hire people from the nearby village and they have trained their staff on everything from hospitality and construction anhd hamdyman skills. Also, much of their purchases of food and goods pump money into the village’s economy. They essentially are a training center for the locals and we noticed had not only a fantastic relationship with the local villagers, but also provided much assistance to the villagers themselves.  From what we can tell use the highest employment standards, for example providing health care for their staff in a country where health care is beyond the reach of so many.

Bottomline: This place is warm, friendly, beautiful, stunning, and luxorious. This is a must stay place for anyone, couples or families, that is traveling in Tanzania.  The only draw back is that they are in a very remote section of the country, though they were extremely helpful researching transportation for us.  Frankly, the remoteness was one of the draws and made this place all the more exotic.

Aryeh

Greetings Willemijn

Brian Blatt

We have recently taken over the management of Honey Banger Lodge. outside Moshi, from my mother in law. Our new website is now www.honeybadgerlodge.com, our email is info@honeybadgerlodge.com, and our phone numbers are now +255767551190 or +255787730235.

Jenny Runju

LOCATION – Near Kipili Village, On The Shores Of Lake Tanganyika, South Tanzania, GPS (South 07.43427, East 030.59054)

CONTACT DETAILS – email: info@safaritourtanzania.com, website: www.safaritourtanzania, phones: +255 76 3993 166, +255 756 930 290, +255 752 540 792

An owner-managed business in remote Africa, on the banks of Lake Tanganyika, offering world class service and accommodations with a huge array of activities on offer.   Built on 55 acre farm, with 400 metres of private beach, with organic vegetable garden and orchard.

ACCESS OPTIONS:

• Daily bus service from Mpanda, Sumbawanga and Mbeya, right up to closest large village called Katongolo, where vehicle pick up can be arranged by management.
• MV Liemba – The National ferry, which operates every other week, leaving Kigoma on Wednesday afternoons, arrival in Kipili Thursday evenings, boat transfers to the lodge by prior arrangement with management
• Road – from Mbeya or Kigoma, currently all roads are being surfaced, so access is getting easier by the week, to be completed by end of 2013
• Flights – by Charter into Kipili village, contact management for Company details.
• Vehicle Transfer – from Katavi National Park
• Speed boat transfer – from Mahale Mountains National Park

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS :

Camping  - ($12 per day)  Choose one of 5 pristine camp sites, each placed under 80-year old Mango trees, with spotless ablutions, hot and cold running water, fire places for cooking and individual benches for eating

Lawn Bandas – ($85 per person per day, full board).   Well appointed spacious rooms, with twin queen-sized beds, under a huge mosquito net.  Comfortably spaced on a lovely lawn overlooking the lake, with very close by ablutions.

Luxury Beach Chalet – ( $ 295 per person per day)  “African Zen”, luxurious rooms, with own private beaches, hammocks and Zen Gardens, perched right at the water’s edge.  Enjoy 400 meters of sandy beach with crystal clear water on the door step.

Meals in Organic Restaurant: Breakfast $7, Lunch $10, Dinner $15.  Meals are done on an 8-day rotational menu, using home-grown fresh vegetables and herbs grown on the property.  Meals are international cuisine and normally 3-courses, all made to order so prior bookings required.

ACTIVITIES:

KATAVI NATIONAL PARK

Day trips are possible in fully-equipped Safari vehicles

MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

3-day trips can be arranged via speedboat, including fly camping along the way, an absolute MUST for adventure seekers!!

Scuba Diving   $70 per person per dive, all equipment and boat hire included, (packages available), only PADI Qualified divers

Kayaking – ½ day $25, full day, $60 with picnic lunch

Snorkeling – ½ day $30, full day $70 with picnic lunch

Quad Biking – ½ day$90, full day $185 with picnic lunch

Mountain Biking – ½ day $15, full day $40, with picnic lunch

Daily Birding boat trips and booze cruise – $20 per person

Fishing, waterskiing & Boat Hire –

• Beach Hopper – 34 foot Sea Spirit speedboat with twin 150 hp outboards ($80 per hour, excluding fuel)
• Adelina – 26 foot Yamaha hull, with twin 75 hp outboards, ($40 per hour, excluding fuel)
• Crazy Christina – 19 foot Yamaha hull with single 60 hp outboard, ($20 per hour, excluding fuel)

VEHICLE TRANSFERS:

• Kipili to Katongolo – for daily bus access from Sumbawanga $20
• Kipili to Sumbawanga – $285
• Kipili to Katavi National Park-  $310
• Kipili to Mbeya – $635

Situated on the beautiful island of Chole, it is the only place in the Mafia Island Marine Park where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday at a budget/midrange price.

All our rooms are self contained, with twin beds, bucket showers and toilet. Situated on an unmodified beach, nestled amongst the mangroves, this is a fabulous place to relax and watch the sun set over neighbouring Mafia Island. The natural break in the mangroves provides direct access to a secluded beach, from which it is possible to enjoy a cooling dip at high tide.

During the evenings, you can enjoy a moonlight barbeque of freshly caught fish under the stars.

We offer thatched banda’s on a bed and breakfast, half board or full board basis, depending on your preference. Alternatively, why not bring your own tend and camp beneath the stars?

Please note that prices quoted do not include the $20/day marine park fee, payable on arrival at the park gates; or the $5/day community fee, payable on arrival on Chole Island.

Accommodation

B&B          $ 25 pp
Half Board          $ 35 pp
Full Board          $ 45 pp
Camping          $ 10

Meals and Drinks

Breakfast           $ 7   =
Lunch           $ 10 =
BBQ Dinner          $ 12 =
Soft Drinks          $ 1   =
Beers          $ 2   =

Tea and coffee are included in the price of the Banda’s, just ask one of our staff.

For further details, email mkilopola@yahoo.com or visit http://www.cholefoxeslodge.webs.com

I just wanted to let you know that the Warere Town House in Stone Town is under new management and has been completely refurbished.
Our new prices are $25/30 for a single with fan/AC; $50/60 for a double with fan/AC and $65/70 for a triple with fan/AC.  All rooms are ensuite with mosquito netting and breakfast is included.

Our contact details are: landline +255 242233835 mobile: +255 782234564 +255 774128168 our email address is warere_townhouse@hotmail.com and our website is www.warere.com

Thanks!

Shauna

Warm regards,

Hans Agterdenbos