GREYSTOKE MAHALE FACTSHEET

“LOCATION” – Kangwena Beach on the edge of Lake Tanganyika in the Mahale Mountains National Park, western Tanzania.

“SETTING” – The six double bandas are set the edge of the forest and base of the mountains, looking out over a wide white beach across the clear waters of the lake. As you make the approach to Greystoke Mahale by dhow, the outline of the camp is visible against a backdrop of deep green forest and pale beach. The focal point of Greystoke is the bar and dining area rising up from the sand and loosely modelled on traditional Tongwe architecture

“HIGHLIGHTS” – The magical forests of the Mahale Mountains, and the many animals who inhabit it including other primates, bushbuck, bush pig, leopard, and amazing birds. Hiking into the forest in search of the chimps. Dinner on the beach under the stars, and sundowners on the dhow. Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing in the clear waters of the lake.

“PLEASE NOTE” – Most guests will see the chimps at least once in a 3–4 day stay, but a sighting is not always guaranteed. Whilst they could be right behind camp one day, the next they could be high in the mountains. The group size for chimp viewing is 6 maximum.

“CHILD POLICY” – Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 8 at Greystoke Mahale . Only children of 12 and over can view the chimpanzees.

“OPEN” – Year round except 15th March – 15th May when the camp closes for maintenance.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST FOR GREYSTOKE MAHALE

Packing for a safari is like preparing for any adventure destination—you’ll need comfortable clothes, swimwear, good shoes, and some casual evening wear for open-air dinners. Pack as light as possible while still being prepared. Charter flights and small aircraft have a maximum baggage allowance of 15 kg. Below are a few suggestions and guidelines to use when packing: (note there is a daily laundry service):
Shorts, t-shirts, lightweight trousers, short and long-sleeve shirts in bush colors for being in the forest, light jacket, and/or fleece if you’re coming out in the cooler months.

Walking to see the chimps can be quite strenuous dependent on where they are, so good sturdy walking boots/shoes are a must. As well as the chimps there are of course all the water activities; snorkeling, boating, fishing, swimming, trips on the dhow, so don’t forget swimwear and sarongs, and beach cover ups for during the day.

A camera, lots of film, and a telephoto lens (the better telephoto you have, the better your chimp photos will be as they can often be in the trees above your head (please note that you can’t use ‘flash’ in the forest, so if you are using print or slide film a high speed one is recommended), also a pair of binoculars is a good idea. Insect repellent – the ‘Autan’ brand is particularly good at keeping off tsetse flies, although these are not a problem at Mahale, but you might find them if you’re on safari anywhere else in Tanzania . Don’t forget waterproof sunscreen and lip balm, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. In your banda at camp you’ll find insect repellent and spray (of the kind that we can get easily here), but if you have a preferred brand we suggest you get it in advance.

“We look forward to welcoming you to our Paradise!”