WHERE TO STAY IN GOMBE PARK

AfricanMecca Safari Tiers indicate the relative values of three different levels of tour accommodation experiences in varied wilderness parks including Gombe ranked by imperative indicators as location, exclusivity, size of the lodge or camp, service, cuisine, amenities, eco-awareness, decor, ambient wildlife, knowledge and experience of guides, relationship with local communities, range of activities on offer and logistical conveniences i.e. road vs. air access.

There are three strategic tiers of accommodation for any safari destination. The premier Tier 1 is a superlative, upmarket luxury option in a stunning location, offering exclusivity, flexibility, individual attention, finest-handpicked expert guides and extremely high standards of comfort and cuisine in an all-inclusive tariff to clients willing to pay for the very best possible primate safari experiences far from the main tourist areas. The focus is also on top notch quality above all.

The deluxe Safari Tier 2 promises high standards of accommodation and location, but on a mid–range scale, with less luxury and opulence, possibly slightly increased number of rooms and guests compared to a Tier 1. Other pointers are very good to excellent standards of rooming, comfort, delectable meals and personable service of the staff and very knowledgeable and experienced guides.



Location of the camp is also one of the better ones sited and sometimes also one of the best. Some services and activities may be chosen as optional extras. The value Safari Tier 3 is for guests focusing on wildlife experience, who are budget conscious, preferring to economize on services and accommodation.

A more controlled, timetable approach to meals and activities is acceptable along with inconsistencies in varied service experiences on safari and at the camp or lodge. In such a complicated hierarchy, there must be great flexibility and insight.

AfricanMecca management compares sites on the basis of annual, personal visits to test the veracity of self-report and its customer experience reviews, so that our clients can be assured a standard but tiered quality of service and accommodation in order to make an informed choice. In all three assessment tiers, there is a choice between lodges, usually permanent constructs of local materials, and tented camps with canvas suites, usually raised on decking and shaded with thatch.



Tented camps and lodges share such attributes as en-suite bathrooms, comfortable furnishings, mosquito protection, lounge, bar and dining areas in authentic wilderness locations, but there is a wide range of amenities and services to offset to determine their overall ranking. For example, in Gombe Stream National Park, there is no really luxurious Tier 1: top of the range, highly upmarket primate focused accommodation.

In the deluxe Safari Tier 2 rank, Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge provides a small and uniquely personalized encampment base for your African primate travel experience, predominantly about chimpanzees, in a heart-achingly beautiful setting between mountain and lake shore, with spacious and comfortable hybrid accommodation which combines the airy comfort of safari tents with the permanence of solid timbered decking and thatched roof.

A well-constructed central lodge area provides sophisticated lounge, dining and bar facilities. Your comfort and safety are assured and all your needs are graciously provided. Personalized logistics and preferred activities are arranged via your AfricanMecca trip planner.