Tanzania : Mahale Mountains

Mahale Mountains National Park was created in 1985 and is predominantly a Chimp sanctuary to some of the last remaining wild chimpanzees in Africa. The Park borders the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the Rift Valley's deepest lake with abundant fresh water fish and crystal clear waters. The vegetation is thick and rich with permanent water supplies and supports a number of species normally associated with West Africa, for example; Colobus monkey and brush tailed porcupine. More recently Lion, Leopard and Buffalo have been seen on the outskirts of the National Park.

click on the photos for a larger version

Greystoke Camp
This is a luxury camp situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika with the dramatic Mahale Mountains (peaking at 2460 metres) rising sharply behind. There are no roads for 60 miles so the camp is completely remote and secluded yet many personal touches have been added to the camp, making your stay as welcoming and comfortable as possible. With only a maximum of 12 guests at any one time you are guaranteed personal attention, each of the 6 rooms face the lake and have private bathrooms to the rear. The only way to camp is by the 45 foot Dhow; The Isabella who gently motors down the shoreline passing fishing villages and areas too thick with vegetation for human inhabitants.

Once you arrive in camp you chose your own timetable, a highlight is viewing the habituated chimps, this varies from watching them hunt to hours of grooming and confirming the hierarchy, they are addictive to watch and you will find yourself transfixed by their behaviour. The National Park is a walker's paradise and there is a good chance that you will also see Colobus monkeys, warthog, bushbuck, a number of reptiles and many fascinating plants. You can also canoe, fish (fresh-lake sashimi is a regular in the dining tent) and snorkel in the lake, which has a phenomenal number of colourful freshwater fish. Mahale Mountains is one of the most rewarding and peaceful national parks in Tanzania.

click on the photos for a larger version

dinner on the beach	the beach with mountains behind	a dhow with the mountains behind

dining table	mess from the bar	shower