Extraordinary Africa>Tanzania>Mahale and Katavi>Greystoke
It’s a little shaming to admit this now, but when we first visited Greystoke Mahale, we weren’t all that excited about the prospect, or the idea of chimpanzee trekking. As a bush person through and through, our founder Alex thought that Greystoke would be fine, but probably wouldn’t set her soul on fire like a safari camp would.
Well, we all learn. Greystoke is the sort of place we think most people absolutely have to visit once, and once you’ve been you’re part of a privileged fraternity, who reminisce with misty eyes and vow to return.
What’s Greystoke Mahale really like?
First things first. There’s no air-conditioning, there’s very little electricity, and hot water comes once it’s warmed up, though with the bio body products Greystoke supplies, you can just as easily wash in Lake Tanganyika. Are you still reading? Lucky you. We’ll worry about the costs later. Sadly operating a lodge somewhere so remote isn’t at all cheap, but wow, we’ve never met someone who didn’t think it was worth it.
What to do at Greystoke Mahale?
Waking up to the morning sun, it’s possible you’ll step out for a little yoga on the beach before a hearty breakfast. Then you’ll set off through the steep, slippery rainforest, guided by the chimpanzee calls, walking for anything between one and seven hours for the fascinating hour you’ll spend with the chimps. After your morning of chimpanzee trekking it’s back to base, perhaps for a gentle afternoon dip in Lake Tanganyika, or some fishing- before your evening cocktails… Afterwards, dinner on the beach, shooting stars, and another perfect night in Africa.
Giving back at Greystoke Mahale:
The rooms at Greystoke are solar powered (even ironing’s done by a coal iron) and fresh veggies are bought from a community garden. Nomad, the owners of Greystoke Mahale have also set up the Nomad Trust to help support the communities near where they operate and guests are very welcome to contribute. Projects near Mahale include sponsoring local children through school, and providing equipment to the local nursery.
Want to know more? We’ve stayed here, so just
EXTRAORDINARY AFRICA 