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
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 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: $750 - $975 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 opens its shaggy arms, hewn from vintage dhows, proffering yet another level of pleasure to all intrepid guests.
Expect to pay: $930 - $1,175 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.
