Our closest neighbours out here are the Mikimere Group chimp community, and time with them is unforgettably life-changing.
Each morning you’ll begin a steady climb through the silence of the forest following distant chimp calls. Our main quest is always on foot to a wild living group of chimpanzees, whose complex social and political manoeuvrings are played out within a few feet of us. Their behaviour is interpreted by their greatest fans, our team of chimpanzee experts who can recognize each individual and the significance of every action.
A string of camps in some of the wildest places on the planet. A front row seat to the best wildlife in Africa. Backstage is the engine room for opportunity.
The start of the dry season and the most challenging time for trekking to see the chimps. A main source of fruit are the bunches of tiny Canthium Vulgare (wild coffee) fruit, and the more succulent Mohororo fig. Both species are found in the higher reaches of the mountains in the east of their home range, which can be a tough, long trek from camp.
Various fruits become more abundant in the lower ranges of the mountains and the chimps tend to start sporadic forays down onto the lower slopes, often with small groups of males leading the way. It is this time of the year that they also tend to supplement their diet with a bit of hard protein in the form of Red Colobus monkeys and seeing a hunt is very exciting. Figs and lemons are a favourite and can result in large numbers of the group congregating in areas an easy hour and a half walk from camp.
This is one of the best times to see the chimps and trekking can be relatively easy. The chimps rarely head high to the eastern hills but often spend days in the northern reaches of their home range seeking out the wild nutmeg and Kasolyo Granite Garcinia and Buhono fruits. They can from time-to-time head for odd days into the almost impenetrable steep southern hills but rarely spend more than a day or two there before returning to the lowlands.
The onset of the rains coincides with less abundant fruit and the chimp’s diet is comprised mainly of leaves and pith of plants such as the wild ginger. The group generally spreads more thinly in search of food but are still often found in larger groups generally in the lower reaches of the mountains and trekking is not too difficult.
The green season offers varied viewing, although the forest is at its resplendent best, full of butterflies and wildflowers. It’s a photographer’s dream, as the haze which is often prevalent during other times of the year, is gone, leaving the air clear and bright. The chimps continue to feed mainly on grasses, leaves, and whatever fruit they can find, though the lowland Ilombo vine fruit comes into its own in December attracting big chimp parties. Their daytime siestas tend to take place in tree nests rather than on the ground and the meetings between group members are theatrical and impressive. The lake is clearest in these months often with breathtaking views of the mountains of the Congo in the distance. February can be especially hard to locate the chimps as they follow their primary food source into the higher reaches and thicker parts of the forest so be prepared for more challenging trekking.
Tends to be wet and the camp closes during this time as it does rain quite a bit each day, making trekking difficult. However, the staff who remain in camp during this time, are often treated to groups of chimps attending loud and cheerful ‘banquets’ in nearby trees, as the fruit of the Mkibu tree comes into its own attracting large groups who hang about in them.
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.
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.
Pack lightweight is the first tip. Next neutral colours are great - khaki, beige and olives - however not every item needs to be khaki by any means. There is no harm in a splash of colour in the bush. Long sleeves and trousers are a necessary addition to protect you from the sun and insect or mosquitoes in the evening. You are on the move a lot so always have a pair of comfy, sturdy shoes whether that be walking boots, trainers or safari style boots. This is especially important if you are embarking on a walking safari. Bring a light, warm jacket for those early mornings and sometimes even a beanie may be required depending on the time of year. Finally, do bring a good hat - wide brimmed or just a baseball cap - needed to protect you from the African sun.
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.
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.
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.
Quiet, wild and wonderfully different. Enjoy your festive dinners under the stars with lion calls in the distance - what a gift for the family.
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!
