These are two of the most iconic parks in Africa. Katavi is about faraway, expeditionary safari experiences. Mahale takes you further off the map, to meet our chimpanzee cousins in the epic Mahale Mountains. It’s a long, long way away, but then the best places often are.
Put simply, this is the pinnacle of wilderness.
Greystoke
Chada
Charlie, Ugalla
This is one of Tanzania’s most remote and untouched corners. This rugged national park is one of the best kept safari secrets of East Africa – superb game experience without the crowds. This is one of the final frontiers and very little has changed since Nomad first arrived here all those years ago.
Five hundred miles west of Arusha , this part of Tanzania offers vanishingly few tourists and unrivalled wildlife. Vast herds of buffalo roam in the shimmering heat of Katavi’s plains, as well as elephant, lion, leopard, crocodiles and hippo and rare antelope like sable and roan. Hundreds of hippo gather in limited water sources in the dry season, and aestivating crocodiles congregate in river bank caves.
Deep in the heart of Katavi, Chada overlooks the wide Chada Plains and is a hub of wildlife activity, particularly elephants in the dry season.
Our camp is a classic expeditionary bush camp that has stayed true to its adventurous spirit and not too much has changed since the very early days. Chada is only open for six months of the year from June to November and everyone should be clambering over themselves to get here – it really is worth it.
Back in the late 80’s original Nomad folk, Roland and Zoe Purcell, were flying low over a stretch of wilderness that went as far as they eye could see. They recall endless herds of buffalo and landed their plane nearby. They set up camp for the night on the edge of the great Chada Plain and from here they ventured into this unknown landscape. And the rest is history.
Recommended stay: 3 nights
Expect to pay: $825 - $1,075 per person per night
This is a chimpanzee paradise and magical place to explore. Visiting Mahale takes you off the map completely. Mahale is over 500 miles from Arusha but only a short hop from its western cousin, Katavi. Just one of the reasons these destinations combine so well.
Come on a legendary journey to meet the most privileged primates on the planet: the wild chimpanzees of Mahale and the trackers, guides and helpers who share their leafy Nirvana. In the forest’s dappled sunlight, chimpanzees romp and commune around Greystoke Mahale. At the lakeshore, on a white beach, Greystoke safari lodge opens its shaggy arms, hewn from vintage dhows, proffering yet another level of pleasure to all intrepid guests.
Expect to pay: $1,070 - $2,250 per person per night
Katavi and Mahale are spectacularly remote and well over 500kms from Arusha which makes access challenging. We operate our own shared charter flights from and back to Arusha for guests staying at Chada and/or Greystoke. We have flights operating on Mondays and Thursdays so your camp arrivals must fall on these days.
We tailor all our safaris to your particular requirements, but we understand that it's useful to have an idea of what works best, what’s available and a ballpark cost. Have a flick through our safari itineraries and get in touch to get the ball rolling.
Lodges are more permanent, often with solid walls and more amenities available. Tented camp are light touch, with canvas walls, open air and the sounds of bush throughout!
Yes, some camps have minimum age limits, in camp and especially on walking safaris. But there are many brilliant private or family properties that can tailor the age restrictions.
Yes we do have WI-FI at our camps - in the most remote locations the Wi-Fi can be limited to your tent or the main mess. We try to keep wi-fi in the tents so the mess and lounge area continue to be social and communal areas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
