Greystoke Mahale
When To Go
When To Go
Chimps aside, between June and October you simply won't find better beach living than here at Greystoke
January
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.
February
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.
March
Longer treks, often very rewarding
LOW season rates for the first half of March. Get up to 45% off.
Redtailed monkeys and trumpeter hornbills watch over the camp from the forest edge. The chimpanzees are moving higher up the slopes to take advantage of more fruit in the upper slopes of the forest. They tend to come together in larger groups more often.
Heavy rain possible.
April
May
June
Big groups of chimps, can be 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
Chimps in larger groups
All the magic of Greystoke from chimp trekking to sunset dhow trips and forest walks.
Chimps are still enjoying the fruit-rich slopes and can be found congregating in large groups. Mornings spent exploring this magnificent forest, following the hooting calls of chimps are rewarding. Afternoons are spent relaxing on the boat or in camp.
Dry season progresses and it doesn't often rain. Sunny days and pleasant temperatures.
August
Chimps on the lower slopes
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. 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.
September
Chimps low, Lake refreshing
All the magic of Greystoke from chimp trekking to sunset dhow trips and forest walks.
As in August, chimps are not high in the mountains anymore, reducing the trekking time. Afternoon boat trip and a plunge into the lake, then cruise back to camp to watch the sunset over the lake.
The dry forest provides lovely but challenging photographic light, interspersing light and shady patches. Afternoons are hot, but the lake is the remedy, or the chill-out deck of your room with a good book.
October
Chimps, dhow trips
All the magic of Greystoke from chimp trekking to sunset dhow trips and forest walks.
Chimps are still low, often in the vicinity of camp. Signs of other animals including leopard, warthog and baboons are seen. Beach life is still idyllic.
Fluffy clouds roll in and the odd shower is to be expected, but the beach and the forest remain very warm and the sun always manages to make and appearance.
November
Chimps still low, the odd shower
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.
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.
December
Christmas off the map
LOW season rates. Get up to 45% off before Christmas.
Chimps are 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.
Holiday season on the beach, mere steps from the forest, is a welcome respite from the cold for most visitors to Africa. Plenty of sunshine but expect the odd shower or storm on the Lake.
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 photographers 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.
