"YOU CAN'T BLAME THE CHIMPS FOR HANGING OUT IN A PLACE LIKE THIS"
London Evening Standard
Location - Kangwena Beach on the edge of Lake Tanganyika, in the Mahale Mountains National Park, western Tanzania; it doesn't get more remote than this.
Setting - 6 double-bandas set on the edge of the forest at the base of the mountains. All look out over a wide beach across the 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 is the bar and mess area rising up from the sand, and loosely modeled on traditional Tongwe architecture.
Accommodation - Every banda has its own en-suite bathroom, set just behind the bedroom, with hot and cold running water, flush toilets and powerful showers. They also have an upstairs 'chill-out' deck, accessible from the side by a wooden canoe 'ladder'.
Activities - Hikes into the -forest in search of the chimpanzees (see chimping guidelines for more info), slower forest walks where you can see other primates, bushbuck, bushpig, and amazing birds and butterflies. Fishing, kayaking out into the lake or along the shoreline, beach dinners under the stars, and sundowners on the dhow.
How to Get There - There are no roads within 60kms of camp, and access is only by aircraft using our shared charter flights which operate on Mondays and Thursdays only from Arusha, or by private charter. Greystoke Mahale is a 90 minute dhow trip from the airstrip.
Child Policy - We are delighted to accept children of 8 and over at Greystoke Mahale, but please note that only children of 12 and over can view the chimps.
Gratuities - we often get asked about what to tip. We find that most people will leave around $10 per person per day, which then gets split amongst the general staff, with the guides being tipped separately. Obviously tipping is not taken for granted, but if you've had a fantastic safari and would like to leave something for the guys, then great. Can we please ask however, that any tips are left in cash. Greystoke Mahale does not have credit card facilities, and is unable to deal with any cheque payments. In Tanzania, any staff tip payments made through our bank accounts will likely be charged VAT and our staff will certainly charged income tax. Thank you for your understanding.
2008 Closing Dates - Greystoke Mahale is open year round except for March 17th to May 29th when the camp is closed for maintenance.
