Copyright © 2008 Africa Uncovered Ltd.
Katavi National Park is one of the great wildlife experiences of the world. Miles from anywhere, it has almost mythical status, and, it’s thought, a greater density of mammals than in any other Tanzanian reserve. In the midst of this “megabeast” land sits Chada Katavi, man’s retreat for the last decade. Spend your days exploring wild open spaces, see the last great herds of buffalo in East Africa, up to 1,000 head, fly camp under the stars, and return to the rather civilized campaign HQ, which is nothing short of splendid; six large, romantic and airy tents with fine wooden furniture, comfortable beds spread with crisp cottons, and bush-deluxe bathrooms.
At night the mess tent and library is the place to be, with silverware and glasses shining in the lamplight. From its elevated vantage point on a peninsula that rises out of miombo woodland, the camp is perfectly placed for amazing views out over the wide Chada Plain. The canopy of tall trees are a great source of shade and food for the abundant animal and bird life. This means seeing great game often without even having to leave the camp.
This is the place for the wildlife connoisseur, and the traveller who thinks the African bush can offer up no more surprises. Happily indulged, watching the elephants head out to water as dusk falls, you feel like one of the last great pioneers; binoculars in your hand, Africa filling your head.
On a far flung beach along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, below a huge story-book tropical forest, lies the tiny sanctuary of Greystoke Mahale. The forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains rise behind camp, home to the world’s largest known population of chimpanzees, with around 1000 individuals inhabiting the national park. Each day you can venture out into the forest, to observe and commune with these, our closest relatives, as they groom , wrestle and forage across the leafy floor.
Your home at Greystoke Mahale is in six wildly exotic wooden bandas looking out across the soft sand beach, with interiors fashioned from dhow timber. The bandas are open fronted, with dressing rooms set behind, adjoining bathrooms accessible via a short boardwalk with hot and cold water, and upstairs chill-out decks; designed with flair, generosity and passion for even the most demanding castaway. And if a day’s ‘chimping’ wasn’t enough, you can snorkel or swim in the clear waters, fish or kayak along the lake shore.
Departures from Arusha on Monday’s and Thursday’s (Mornings) for 7 nights in the West, starting at Chada Katavi. Return flights land back in Arusha early evening.
Monday departures – 3 nights Chada Katavi/4 nights Greystoke Mahale
Thursday departures – 4 nights Chada Katavi/3 nights Greystoke Mahale
(Pick ups and drop offs in the northern parks can be arranged at an extra supplement)
Copyright © 2008 Africa Uncovered Ltd.
