Deep in the dense forests of western Tanzania, in the Mahale Mountains National Park, where majestic 8,000 foot mountains slope down to the white sands of one of the world’s greatest lakes, is Greystoke Mahale. In this isolated and incredibly pristine setting, live a population of chimpanzees who share their untouched environment with those who reside at Greystoke and quest through the forest in search of them.
Greystoke Mahale is extremely exclusive, both because of location and size, comprising only six bandas. Each banda is nestled into the tree line where forest meets beach and is constructed entirely of local materials, most notably the wood of old fishing dhows. The open-fronted rooms look out onto the white sand beaches and the glistening lake beyond. Each has a private dressing room to the rear and an en-suite bathroom reached by short boardwalk and equipped with a powerful, hot water shower and flush loo. Every banda also boasts a private deck, the perfect spot to absorb the beauty of the surrounds and while away the afternoon.
The central dining area is found on the beach and offers delightful meals, while the bar sits on the rocky headland to the north providing the ideal place for watching the enchanting descent of the African sun, with a cool refreshing drink in hand.
There are a variety of activities offered both on land and on the waters of Lake Tanganyika including snorkelling, fishing, swimming and hiking the many forest trails leading up to the peaks overlooking the camp. The highlight of Greystoke Mahale however, is undoubtedly the chimps that inhabit the mountain forests; there is no better place in the world to experience the life of our closest relative.
