Chimps aside, between June and October you simply won’t find a better beach living than here at Greystoke.

Our dry season in Mahale starts in June, when the long rains have stopped, and goes through to October. At this time of year, the temperatures increase and the skies are quite hazy, the lake has never been more appealing for a cooling dip. As the dry season progresses, the chimps are more usually found in the lower slopes due to their favourite fruits being found lower down.

Mahale's green season runs from November through to March and this time of year is a photographer’s dream; the haze often prevalent through the dry season is washed away. The forest offers varied viewing, although the forest is at its best, full of the colour of wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. The lake is clearest in these months with incredible views of the Congo in the distance.

January

February

March

June – July

August – October

November – December

Interesting chimp dynamics

LOW season rates. Get up to 45% off.

Chimps begin to disperse into smaller, tighter family groups as the community spreads out to ensure ample food for all. An interesting time to see the dynamics of chimpanzee politics, because dispersal shows the strength of relationships.

A little more rain around and weather can be unpredictable, though it seldom spoils the fun. Still warm.

Prices from $2,170 per person per night
January

Good chimping but longer treks possible

LOW season rates. Get up to 45% off

A lovely time. Small clusters of close-knit chimps forage and patrol their favourite areas, including the beach/forest edge. Walks to find the chimps can be longer sometimes but it's unpredictable.

The odd shower over the forest and sometimes dramatic storms over the lake. Sunny patches in between but can also be grey. Mostly warm.

Prices from $1,125 per person per night
February

Longer treks, often very rewarding

LOW season rates. Get up to 45% off

A lovely time. Small clusters of close-knit chimps forage and patrol their favourite areas, including the beach/forest edge. Walks to find the chimps can be longer sometimes but it's unpredictable.

The odd shower over the forest and sometimes dramatic storms over the lake. Sunny patches in between but can also be grey. Mostly warm.

Prices from $1,125 per person per night
March

Big groups of chimps, sometimes higher up

All the magic of Greystoke from chimp trekking to sunset dhow trips and forest walks.

Chimpanzees can often be found in big groups but can be quite high in the forest taking advantage of an abundance of fruit in the upper slopes. Walking is easier but can be longer at times.

The start of dry season - warm days with sporadic showers but generally dry underfoot. July often brings dry, sunny days and pleasant temperatures.

Prices from $2,170 per person per night
June – July

Chimps on the lower slopes, lake refreshing

All the magic of Greystoke from chimp trekking to sunset dhow trips and forest walks.

Chimps follow the fruiting patterns, and the lower slopes are beginning to produce ripe fruit. Chimps can be heard hooting and screeching in the forest behind the camp. Trek times can be reduced as a result. The weather is perfect for enjoying the Lake and boats during the rest of the day.

Still dry. Still very warm, the lake is constantly appreciated for its cooling swims and breezes. Beach life is idyllic throughout this time.

Prices from $2,170 per person per night
August – October

Chimps still low, Christmas off the map

LOW season rates. Get up to 45% off.

Despite the odd shower, the chimps are still on the lower slopes, which is always good news. Chimps are therefore expected to still be within reasonable reach so trekking, while never easy, should not be too long. Make the most of the boat and relaxing in between.

The rain forest begins once again to live up to its name this month, so you may need your poncho. The sun does come out and sunsets are more vivid than ever.

Prices from $2,170 per person per night
November – December

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

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

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

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.

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.

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’...

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.

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.

When is the green season?

From late November to May. It's a gorgeous time to be in Tanzania - expect dramatic skies, lush landscapes and superb wildlife. Also, less people.

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.

Can I go on safari and visit Zanzibar in one trip?

Yes absolutely, Tanzania has superb transport links from the mainland to Zanzibar as well as neighbouring islands too. Many travellers choose to spend some time in the wild on safari before heading to the coast for some R&R.

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 I wish I knew before going on safari

Always take a good pair of binoculars. And slow down. Take time to enjoy and area or the safari camps. There is sometimes nothing more special than spending the afternoon or early morning on your veranda and letting the wildlife come to you.

How much does a safari cost?

The cost of a safari does vary, from simple bush camps or tented camps to high-end luxury or private houses. In Tanzania, there is a wide spectrum of accommodation allowing travellers to mix and match, building tailormade itineraries to suit a budget. Specialist tour operators are able to advise on the best options for your budget. Included in the safari cost is access to the wild, expert guides and unique experiences.

How do you get to your safari lodge?

The transport networks in Tanzania are very good with internal flight schedules across the country. It is possible to fly into the parks and land at one of the bush airstrips. From there, most lodges will arrange for a transfer journey from airstrip to the lodge. Depending on the lodge location, this can vary in journey time. Or, if you opt for a driving safari in northern Tanzania, your guide (included as standard with Nomad) will transport you from location to location.

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