The area around Lamai is home to incredible resident game year round, and at this time of year there are far fewer people as the crowds head south chasing the migration. In Mahale the chimps begin to disperse into smaller, tighter family groups as the community spreads out to ensure ample food for all. This is an interesting time to see the dynamics of chimpanzee politics, because dispersal shows the strength of relationships.

The area around Lamai is home to incredible resident game year round, and at this time of year there are far fewer people as the crowds head south chasing the migration.

This is also a lovely time in Mahale. 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 area around Lamai is home to incredible resident game year round, and at this time of year there are far fewer people as the crowds head south chasing the migration.

In Mahale, 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.

Camps are closed. 

Camps are closed. 

Dependent on weather patterns there is a possibility that the first migration herds will reach the Northern Serengeti at the end of June. This is a good time to combine Lamai with Serengeti Safari Camp further south if you are keen to catch the migration. 

In Mahale, 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 wildebeest gather in their tens of thousands and criss cross over the Mara River. A river crossing is a phenomenal sight, truly the stuff of wildlife documentaries.  

In Mahale the 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.

The wildebeest gather in their tens of thousands and criss cross over the Mara River. A river crossing is a phenomenal sight, truly the stuff of wildlife documentaries.  

In Mahale the 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.

The wildebeest gather in their tens of thousands and criss cross over the Mara River. A river crossing is a phenomenal sight, truly the stuff of wildlife documentaries.  

As in August, the Mahale 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.

The wildebeest gather in their tens of thousands and criss cross over the Mara River. A river crossing is a phenomenal sight, truly the stuff of wildlife documentaries.  

In Mahale the 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.

The migration starts to head south from Lamai but there is still the chance of a few stragglers crossing the Mara River. Despite the odd shower in Mahale, the chimps are still on the lower slopes, which is always good news.

The bush is verdant and green and there is plenty to see, without too many other people around and the plains around Lamai burst with life. In Mahale the 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, fishing and relaxing in between. Please note that over Christmas the price of this safari is from $13,700pps.