Situated on a wide golden beach along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika and sheltered by the dense forests of the Mahale Mountains is the tiny sanctuary of Greystoke Mahale. This most isolated of settings is home to the world's largest population of chimpanzees. Greystoke Mahale is located within hiking distance of the 60 strong M group, currently the only habituated chimpanzee group in Mahale. These amazing animals can be observed by trekking into the forest and following the group as they go about their daily business.
Accommodation is in large double tents with thatched roofs, which are tucked away beneath the palms along the edge of the beach. All the tents are stylishly furnished with local fabrics and crisp cotton sheets. Each tent has its own private verandah with deck chairs to relax in and watch the setting sun or idle the hours away watching the changing light on the lake. The tents are lit by solar powered lamps and there is plenty of room for luggage racks, and shelves for clothes. The bathrooms are right behind the tents built stylishly from local materials. There are flush loos and hot and cold running water with powerful showers and basins.
The main activity at the camp is trekking to see the chimps, which generally depends on the troops movements. It is quite possible to have to walk 3 hours to catch up with the chimps and this might be over very steep terrain. Other activities are on or around the lake for snorkelling, swimming, fishing and dhow sailing or just soaking up the sun.
This camp combines well with Chada Katavi, its sister camp, for big game viewing.
