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GBP (£)

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US DOLLARS ($)

+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Luxury Safari Lodge
Tanzania

Greystoke
Mahale National Park

HIGHLIGHTS
GALLERY
GOOD TO KNOW
CHIMPANZEES
ENQUIRE

Highlights

Chimpanzee trekking: Venture deep into the Mahale Mountains with expert guides to observe one of Africa’s largest habituated chimpanzee populations. Watching their playful interactions up close is an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Lake Tanganyika: Africa’s longest and deepest freshwater lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. The crystal-clear waters are home to hundreds of colourful cichlid fish, with stunning sunset views over the distant Congo mountains.
Secluded location: Accessible only by boat, Greystoke Mahale offers complete remoteness. Nestled between rainforest-covered peaks and golden beaches, it provides an unspoiled wilderness few get to experience.
Castaway-style bandas: Six open-fronted bandas, crafted from reclaimed dhow wood, blend seamlessly into the landscape. With no doors or windows, they allow uninterrupted views of the lake and the sounds of the wild all around.
Extraordinary wildlife: Beyond chimpanzees, the surrounding forest is home to leopards, bushbucks, red colobus monkeys, and a dazzling variety of birds, making every nature walk a chance for discovery.
Dining on the beach: Meals are served under the stars, with fresh fish from the lake and produce from local farms. Sunset drinks and lantern-lit dinners on the sand create an intimate and magical atmosphere.
Intimate, off-grid experience: With no roads, no Wi-Fi, and no crowds, Greystoke Mahale is a rare escape into untouched nature, where the only distractions are the sounds of the jungle and the gentle lapping of the lake.

Trekking with chimpanzees

Trekking with chimpanzees from Greystoke Mahale is an experience like no other, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of our closest relatives in the wild. The journey begins early, as expert trackers set off into the Mahale Mountains, following fresh clues—broken branches, distant calls, and discarded fruit—to locate one of Africa’s most habituated chimpanzee groups.

The trek leads through dense rainforest, past ancient fig trees and tangled vines, with glimpses of Lake Tanganyika shimmering below. The steep terrain can be challenging, but the anticipation builds with every step. Suddenly, the rustling of leaves signals their presence. Chimps swing effortlessly between branches, mothers cradle their young, and dominant males display their power with thunderous hoots and chest-thumping.

Encounters are carefully managed, maintaining a respectful distance to protect both chimps and visitors. Yet, their intelligence and expressions are strikingly familiar, making the experience deeply moving. Watching them groom, play, or even curiously observe their human visitors is a reminder of the shared ancestry between species.

As the trek ends, the descent back to camp offers time to reflect. Few places on earth provide such a raw and immersive connection to wildlife as Mahale—a true wilderness paradise.

Gallery

Good to know

How to get there

The first step in reaching Greystoke from Arusha is to fly to Mahale which takes 3-4 hours and may include stops along the way. From here you board a dhow and sail across the lake to the lodge (there are no roads to the lodge). The boat trip takes around 90 minutes.

Are children welcome?

Children over the age of 12 are welcome at Greystoke Mahale, in reality we would suggest a minimum age of 15. This is primarily due to the nature of chimpanzee trekking, which requires patience, physical endurance, and the ability to follow strict wildlife viewing guidelines. Younger children are generally not permitted on chimpanzee treks for safety reasons and to minimise disturbance to the animals.

For older children and teenagers, Greystoke offers an unforgettable experience, from exploring Lake Tanganyika by kayak to tracking wildlife in the Mahale Mountains. Families with younger children may need to arrange alternative activities while adults trek with the chimps.

Giving back

Greystoke Mahale is deeply committed to sustainability and community development. The camp is constructed using locally sourced, sustainable materials, including reclaimed dhow wood and thatch, ensuring minimal environmental impact and blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

In partnership with the nearby Katumbi Village, Greystoke Mahale supports educational and healthcare initiatives. This includes backing the Katumbi Primary School and Clinic, contributing to the well-being and development of the local community.

The camp also engages in conservation efforts, such as supporting de-snaring projects and collaborating with environmental partners to protect local wildlife and habitats.

Through these initiatives, Greystoke Mahale exemplifies a holistic approach to responsible tourism, benefiting both the environment and the local communities.

What wildlife can you expect to see?

Chimpanzees: The biggest draw to Mahale, with one of Africa’s largest habituated groups offering incredible close-up encounters.
Colobus and vervet monkeys: Playful primates frequently seen in the forest canopy.
Leopards: Secretive and elusive, occasionally spotted in the dense jungle.
Bushbucks and duikers: Small antelope species that dart through the undergrowth.
Hippos and crocodiles: Found along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, often seen from the boat.
Birdlife: Over 350 species, including fish eagles, palm-nut vultures, and the vibrant Narina trogon.
Butterflies and insects: An extraordinary variety, adding to the rich biodiversity of the Mahale Mountains.

Why we love Greystoke

Although a stay here is really all about the chimpanzees, the lodge itself is an almost unbelievably beautiful retreat. It’s hard to think of anywhere that feels more remote and removed from the rest of the world and, yet is so comfortable.