Greystoke Mahale is built in an undeniably magnificent location. The tropical woodlands of Mahale Mountains National Park frame the great expanse of water and Kangwena Beach, both of which are literally on the doorstep. All facing the water, six comfortable straw huts with adjoining bathrooms and a viewing platform on the ‘upper' floor sit nestled on the edge of the surrounding forest.

Meals are served either outdoors on the beach or in the romantic dining tent - or, by way of variety, during a dhow trip on the lake.

Mahale Mountains National Park (1'600 km²) is situated in western Tanzania and stretches along the banks of Lake Tanganyika, the longest lake in the world and the second largest in Africa. The park's few visitors are left in a state of permanent fascination by the remote beauty of the sandy beaches set before the backdrop of tropical woodland-draped slopes and surrounding mountains.

Mahale is the place to observe chimpanzees in their natural environment and offers the unforgettable experience of meeting these captivating creatures so closely related to human. The camp is accessible by light aircraft on Mondays and Thursdays only. The flight from Arusha takes approx. 3.5 hours and is followed by a further 90-minute transfer by boat on the lake.

In addition to the presence of yellow baboon, red colobus monkey and various species of guenon, the chimpanzees are, of course, the stars of the park. Approximately 1000 chimps live here, 60 of which usually reside relatively close to the camp. This particular group has been the subject of research for many years and is thus used to the presence of humans. For this reason, visitors are able to observe these compelling creatures at very close quarters.

The actual trek to the chimpanzees can take anything from 20 minutes to 8 hours. The chances of finding these primates are good, but not guaranteed. The paths are easier to tread during the dry season (until October) when the primates also usually reside close to the water and therefore closer to camp. Either way, visitors must still come equipped with good walking shoes, binoculars and a rucksack (water!). Additional activities include fishing, kayaking, boat trips, swimming and snorkelling.

Breathing masks must be worn when in the vicinity of the chimpanzees (these are provided) in order to protect the animals from human germs. Contact lenses are preferable to glasses, as these tend to steam up.

SwissAfrican Travel Service
Dammstrasse 27
8702 Zollikon
Zurich, Switzerland


Telephone: +41 (0)44 451 40 51