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.

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.

Reviews

Clements

Review for greystoke

Described as an absolutely outstanding stay

Another absolutely outstanding stay - we loved every minute - it's all "the best"!

S. Evans

Review for greystoke

Exceptional and attentive staff team

EVERYONE WAS WONDERFUL! I WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY THE TEAM, AND REALLY TOUCHED BY THE THOUGHTFULNESS THAT WENT INTO OUR FINAL DINNER. TRULY SPECTACULAR!

S. Wagner

Review for greystoke

Passionate and wonderful camp staff

The passionate team here at Mahale made this a truly magical experience. I am already looking into my next visit here!

B. Sypher

Review for greystoke

Unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience

The chimp experience was so so amazing! mwiga & Godfrey were so helpful on the mountain. I couldn't have made it without them.

N. Kupschke

Review for greystoke

Fantastic staff

Fantastic staff and excellent food. And of course amazing chimp experience.

C. HARI

Review for greystoke

Exceptional guides and rangers

The staff ! The guides & rangers ! The food ! The place !

FAQs

Is it safe to drink tap water in Tanzania?

We advise against drinking the tap water in Tanzania and as such, we provide safe drinking water in all camps and vehicles so guests can remain well hydrated throughout their trip.

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 we book a whole house or camp for our family or friends?

Yes. Mkombe’s House, Lamai Private, Entamanu Private and Kiba Point are booked exclusively for your group, so you won’t share the house or camp with other guests. Our Charlie expeditionary camps are also exclusive use, offering a simpler way to explore remote wilderness together.

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.

What is the luggage weight limit for internal Tanzanian flights?

Usually it is 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag. This is not a hard and fast rule so do check with your tour operator or aviation company. These are small bush planes, and is a good way of making sure you pack light.

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.

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.

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.

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