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
Expeditionary walking camp
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.
Typically: accommodation, meals, drinks, park fees, your expert guide and activities.
Sundowners are a wonderful part of safari life. At the end of your day in the bush, its time to kick back and celebrate the sightings, the adventures and time with your loved ones. All with something cold in hand!
Yellow Fever vaccinations are required if you are arriving from endemic countries. Other recommended vaccinations include tetanus, diptheria, polio, hepatitis A and typhoid. You will also need to consider hepatitis B and malaria prevention medicines. In all cases, you must seek advice from your medical professional.
Early starts with golden light as the bush awakens, and a fresh cup of coffee by the morning camp fire. Either breakfast in camp or take a bush breakfast to go. Enjoy early morning game drives to observe wildlife before the day gets too hot. In the heat of the day, find a shady spot for a siesta go. After tea, its time for an afternoon foray and sundowners with a view. Evenings are quiet, firelit, and full of stars.
Always take a good pair of binoculars. And slow down. Take time to enjoy and area or the safari camps. There is sometimes nothing more special than spending the afternoon or early morning on your veranda and letting the wildlife come to you.
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.
The transport networks in Tanzania are very good with internal flight schedules across the country. It is possible to fly into the parks and land at one of the bush airstrips. From there, most lodges will arrange for a transfer journey from airstrip to the lodge. Depending on the lodge location, this can vary in journey time. Or, if you opt for a driving safari in northern Tanzania, your guide (included as standard with Nomad) will transport you from location to location.
Tanzania is a year round destination, especially in Northern Tanzania. So your visit often depends on family schedules or particular wildlife experiences on the bucket list. We love January to March in Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti Plains when the air is clear, nice temperatures and the migration arrives in town for calving season. This is an extraordinary time to be there.
