In our famous jungle-chic lodge by a gin-clear lake, we live and breathe chimpanzees.

Come on a legendary journey to meet the most privileged primates on the planet: the wild chimpanzees of Mahale - and us, the trackers, guides, and helpers who share their leafy Nirvana. In the forest’s dappled sunlight, chimpanzees romp and commune around us. At the lakeshore, on a white beach, Greystoke safari lodge opens its shaggy arms, hewn from vintage dhows, proffering yet another level of pleasure to all our intrepid guests. 
 

A view from Lake Tanganyika to our castaway lodge, Greystoke Mahale.

Rest and Relaxation in the Canopy - just you and nature

Castaway bandas in the forest made of old dhow wood

Backed by the Mahale Mountains, with Lake Tanganyika out front; there really is no where in the world like Greystoke Mahale.

Eight bandas, open to views of Lake Tanganyika with the mountains behind, built of reclaimed dhow wood.

Morning coffee looking into the forest from the room veranda

Bathrooms that Robinson Crusoe would feel totally at home in

The staff at Greystoke Mahale make every stay unforgettable.

Meet GreyStork, a yellow-billed stork who visits the camp often

Arriving back into camp in time for sundowners

Time spent with the chimps is something pretty indescribable.

Young Figaro, an orphan who spends his days learning the ropes and vines of Mahale from his mentor Bonobo.

There really is no where in the world like Mahale.

Our camp is built from reclaimed dhow wood, collected from local villages on the lakeshore.

Our chimpanzee experts must be some of the most experienced primatology guides on the continent.

Lake Tanganyika is a vital recourse to the people living along its banks.

Fun in the Katumbi village near Greystoke Mahale which is supported by our Nomad Trust.

Chimping around at Greystoke Mahale.

Coming face to face with your closest relatives.

If you're lucky the chimps might put in an appearance in camp.

Lake Tanganyika is perpetually warmed by natural springs feeding its depths.

The Mahale Mountains forest is home to chimpanzees of course, but also a plethora of other primate and wild life.

There is no place in the world like Greystoke, where lifelong memories are made.

Gathering around the big table to share delicious food and good stories.

Afternoons relaxing on the chillout deck, with views all the way to the Congo.

Cruising the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika in a traditional wooden dhow.

Getting to know the individual characters, dynamics and politics of the chimpanzees with the most experienced and knowledgeable guides.

Making acquaintances with your closest relatives is always a little unnerving.

A young member of the M community of chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains.

Swimming in forest pools in the Mahale Mountains.

Swimming in forest pools in the Mahale Mountains.

Lake Tanganyika is a uniform temperature from top to bottom; it is warmed by geothermal sources in its depths.

Our team at Greystoke Mahale, the warmest welcome on the edge of the world.

The gin clear water of Lake Tanganyika. A tonic.

Up-close and personal with wild chimpanzees. Picture: Henrik Egede-Larsen

Siesta time in the upstairs chillout deck.

Evening drinks at the Big Bird Bar is an event.

Hot showers with views of the forest.

Siesta time on the upstairs chillout deck.

The exhilaration of taking the plunge into the deepest lake in the world.

Fresh ingredients, prepared with love.

Understated, informality; kick off your shoes and your inhibitions.

Designed with discretion in mind, tucked into the forest-line.

Chimpanzee society is fascinating. The Greystoke guides bring it all to life.

A visit to the children of Katumbi Primary School, supported by the Nomad Trust.

Open-fronted bandas made from dhow wood salvaged from boats that used to ply this shoreline.

Freshly made, wholesome meals, shared around the communal dhow-wood table in the iconic Greystoke Mess.

Preparing fresh goodies for the Greystoke table.

The mess at the heart of the camp

At Greystoke we grow our own veg to use in our mouth watering recipes

There's always time for coffee and cake.

Rooms in the canopy provide the perfect escape.

Nomad Safari Greystoke Mahale Beach view

Bathrooms that Robinson Crusoe would feel at home in, partly open to the leafy green of the encroaching forest.

COMPLIMENTARY FLIGHTS TO THE WEST

Book our 7-night Western Tanzania itinerary, including Chada and Greystoke - and enjoy free return flights to/from Arusha 

New bookings only that travel before the end of October 2025 | Flights are part of our Nomad Western Schedule | Pick up supplements apply. This offer does not include inducement flights.

Enhancing lives at Greystoke

From enhancing dynamic careers to working with local communities and conservation projects, here are some inspiring stories from our award-winning camp in western Tanzania.

Health & wellbeing

Beds for Meds

When the world becomes a brighter place

Watch our moving story of Mama Selena, from Katumbi village on the outskirts of Mahale. She was struggling to read the hymn sheet in church, which really mattered, until the doctors came to town as part of our medical outreach programme.

Conservation & environment

Sharing our love of the natural world

Students journey to the legendary Greystoke

Our student safari programme runs across many of our camps and proves time after time to have a hugely positive impact on the children’s lives. Whenever possible, we facilitate student groups from surrounding villages to visit Greystoke and spend time in forests and chimp-trekking with our expert primatology guides.

These days allow the next generation to foster an appreciation of the wildlife, the habitat and wilderness we work so hard to protect.

Life long learning & growth

Investing in education

Support for schools in Mahale

Mahale lies at the edge of the world. People here rely on fishing and agriculture, but education is a privilege and opportunities for earning an income are few and far between.

Knowing this, we put your safaris to work for a good cause. We've supported Greystoke's neighbouring Katumbi Village school and clinic for many years in the belief that health and education can change people's lives, futures and opportunities - and there's little that yields greater reward.

Life long learning & growth

Creating career paths

Our very own chimp whisperer

Many of you will recognise this cheeky grin from the slopes of the Mahale Mountains... yes, it's Butati, chimp-whisperer extraordinaire.

Butati was raised in the Greystoke locale, and his father began working with the chimps in 1965, igniting a passion in his young son that would determine the course of his life.

Butati joined us in 2014, and along with the rest of the team at Greystoke, has earned us a reputation for the best primatology guides on the continent. He’s an incredible ambassador for Nomad, and the chimps - and when he’s not with his primate family, he’s giving back to his community through our Katumbi-based projects.

Western Tanzania safaris

Our Western Tanzania camps bring a safari of extraordinary contrasts. Katavi is about remote, expeditionary safaris. Mahale takes you further off the map, to meet our chimpanzee cousins. Put simply, this is the pinnacle of life-changing safaris.

Reviews

J. Steenhuisen

Review for greystoke

Memorable Safari Experience

One of the most memorable experiences in ‘safari Africa’ and we have been everywhere for over 40 years! Absolutely loved it, especially the staff’s passion for Mahale. Highly recommend a visit.

A. Gascoigne

Review for greystoke

Unforgettable Greystoke Mahale Experience

The experience of staying at Greystoke Mahale is unforgettable. I feel so privileged to have seen the chimpanzees in such a remote and beautiful setting. The staff go out of their way to ensure that all the guests are looked after in every way possible.

K. Innes

Review for greystoke

Dreamiest Place Ever

This was the dreamiest place we have ever been. It takes you back in time. The staff food and accommodation's were all wonderful!

J. Shepherd

Review for greystoke

Stunning Location, History

Few places on earth can fuse together a stunning location, history and stories, personalities and characters, and great hope for the future.

Mahale can!

The chimps are so special, but so is the location and the people of Greystoke.

L. & T. King

Review for greystoke

Private Gem Greystoke Camp

Greystoke camp is truly a small, private gem. We go to spend time with the incredible chimpanzees yet end up having so much fun with the team and all the other adventures they create for us- birdwatching, swimming, fishing and picnics all on the old dhow. All magical. The meals are incredibly fresh ...

C. Bloom

Review for greystoke

Truly Special Trip

Spending time at Greystoke is truly special, from the remoteness to the chimps it is a trip you will always remember.

FAQs

Can I charge my devices whilst on safari?

Yes you can charge your devices whilst on safari. Most camps have connection points in the tent or room. Also, in most safari vehicle there is charging points available so you can keep all your cameras and phones topped up and never miss that wonderful sighting.

Do lodges offer honeymoon packages or upgrades?

Many do, yes - private dinners, spa treatments or surprise sundowners that add thoughtful moments to the trip. Occasionally, there are discounts for one spouse and it can be worth researching.

How much do I tip my safari guide?

Firstly, you should only tip of you genuinely feel that the service you have received warrants it. Tips are never expected, but always appreciated. Tipping amounts very much depends on your experience but we tend to work with a range of 10-15 US dollars per guest per day. Equally, it's not unusual for a family or group to pitch in slightly below this as a group tip.

Can children go on safari?

A safari with your family is a magical way to spend quality time with your children, immersed in the wilderness and surrounded by wildlife. Time on safari with your family allows all to disconnect from your busy daily lives. Tailor your family safari with a private guide and vehicle plus make sure you look at family specific properties such as Mkombe's House. When inside the national parks, most camps have age restrictions with 8+ being a general guide. 

Much depends on the age of your children, if on the young side then we'd advise not trying to cram too much in to your days but plan your safari in bitesize chunks bringing new excitement around every corner.

What is the most popular safari in Tanzania?

Northern Tanzania is probably the most well known part of the country with the world famous spectacle, the Wildebeest Migration, drawing travellers year round. A full northern circuit brings incredible wildlife from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater and that's before you even get to the Serengeti. Prepare for a density of wildlife like nowhere else in Africa. That being said, the south offers a quieter safari experience in Ruaha and Nyerere. Here you can get off the beaten track in explore some superb game areas. And for us, the ultimate safari combo comes in the west - a big game, wilderness experience in Katavi combines with jaw dropping chimpanzee encounters in Mahale. Over 7-days this safari will blow you away.

Is there Wi-Fi in our camps?

Yes we do have WI-FI at our camps - in the most remote locations the Wi-Fi can be limited to your tent or the main mess. We try to keep wi-fi in the tents so the mess and lounge area continue to be social and communal areas.

Is English spoken in Tanzania?

Yes, English in widely spoken in Tanzania, especially in camps and by safari guides. Swahili is the main language and knowing a few words and phrases will always earn you a smile.

How many days is enough for a Tanzania safari?

Many people underestimate how immersive a safari experience is. Time in the bush can be tiring – most mornings you will be up before sunrise as the wild wakes up your day continues into long evenings spent under the stars. If you’re travelling with children, we always recommend a private guide and exclusive vehicle (included as standard with Nomad) that means a lie in here and there is always possible. 

There is no rule for the number of days on safari but we would recommend taking your time in each location and not rushing through safari parks. Give yourselves time to stop and immerse yourself in the area. Many travellers consider a pit stop at the beaches of Zanzibar or Mafia Island to re-charge post safari and before they head back to the real world.

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