Overview Accommodation Experiences When To Go

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 lodge opens its shaggy arms, hewn from vintage dhows, proffering yet another level of pleasure to all our intrepid guests.

A view of the shores of 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

Located in one of Tanzania’s beautiful national parks backed by the Mahale Mountains, with Lake Tanganyika out front; there really is nowhere 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.

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COMPLIMENTARY FLIGHTS TO THE WEST

Book our 7-night 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.

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 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 trip 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.

In the field with Nomad

I have worked these slopes of Mahale Mountains National Park for many seasons now. At Greystoke Mahale, the day starts with the lake. Before the sun lifts over the ridge, Lake Tanganyika is quiet and the fishermen’s dugouts move past without sound. If the wind comes early from the south, we know the climb will be cooler.

In Mahale, you don’t rush the forest. The M Group decides the pace. In the dry months, when the streams thin and the oil-nut trees begin to fruit, they travel higher along the ridgelines. We listen for the pant-hoots rolling down through the valleys and watch the leaf fall to judge how fresh their movement is. After the first rains, the forest floor softens and the chimps spend longer feeding low, the young ones restless and noisy.

This ecosystem is steep — lake at your back, forest rising fast in front of you. Everything here depends on the rain and the fruiting trees. If you stay long enough, you start to read it without thinking.

Mwiga Mambo

Greystoke, Mahale Mountains, Western Tanzania

Western Tanzania

Our 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.

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Reviews

21.02.2026

I. Hüvel

Review for greystoke

Exceptional Experience

Great location, super friendly staff, great food and service, professional passionate guides- overall an exceptional experience in a very special place

Camps visited:
Entamanu Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Greystoke, Mahale Mountains

12.02.2026

A. & B. Craig

Review for greystoke

Highlight of Visits

Definitely the highlight of our many visits to Africa. The whole team go above & beyond, with the absolute love & care for the chimpanzee being the most important aspect

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Greystoke, Mahale Mountains

04.01.2026

A. & T. Salomons

Review for greystoke

Beautiful Website

Beautiful website! Could update activities list to what you offer at the moment, suggest what to pack so guests are prepared for hikes.

Camps visited:
Greystoke, Mahale Mountains

01.01.2026

M. Waldman

Review for greystoke

Wonderful Break from Intense

Highly recommend Greystoke Lodge to mix up your safari experience. Just imagine, no cars for few days, it’s a wonderful break from intense game drives.

Camps visited:
Lamai, Serengeti Chada, Katavi Greystoke, Mahale Mountains

15.12.2025

D. Zhou

Review for greystoke

Unique Safari Adventure

Secluded piece of paradise in Western Tanzania offering lush forest and lakeside landscapes and a glimpse into the world of chimps. The bandas are open to the beautiful surroundings and offer a much different experience to the usual safari tents. The food and service are outstanding. A must if you’...

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Camps visited:
Entamanu Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Greystoke, Mahale Mountains

24.11.2025

A. Vogel

Review for greystoke

Magical Experience Here

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Greystoke Mahale. Just trekking with chimpanzees, to swimming in Lake Tanganyika, to catching fish and eating sashimi, I had a really magical experience here.

Camps visited:
Entamanu Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Kuro, Tarangire Lamai, Serengeti Greystoke, Mahale Mountains

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FAQs

View all

Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?

Not all travellers into Tanzania require a visa. You must have a single entry tourist visa or business visa, is the general rule but there are country exemptions from this. On the most part, single entry or business visas can be obtained on arrival but we recommend where possible, to process the visa online ahead of travel - just make sure you allow enough time to do so!

How long are the drives between camps?

It depends, some are short hops, others can be full-day journeys. Often, the journey is the experience and can become the ultimate game drive as you traverse different areas of National Parks.

What is the difference between Serengeti National Park and Nyerere National Park?

The first difference is terrain. The Serengeti is all vast plains and iconic kopjes, whereas Nyerere is riverine wilderness where variety in activity becomes ever possible, boating, fishing etc. Both areas are wild with superb game but very different in landscape.

What is a typical daily schedule on safari?

Early starts with golden light as the bush awakens, and a fresh cup of coffee by the morning camp fire. Either breakfast in camp or take a bush breakfast to go. Enjoy early morning game drives to observe wildlife before the day gets too hot. In the heat of the day, find a shady spot for a siesta go. After tea, its time for an afternoon foray and sundowners with a view. Evenings are quiet, firelit, and full of stars.

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.

What is Christmas and New Year like on Safari?

Quiet, wild and wonderfully different. Enjoy your festive dinners under the stars with lion calls in the distance - what a gift for the family.

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.

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.

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