Greystoke Mahale

Destination

Mahale Mountains

Mahale is an evolutionary triumph, where the clock seems to have stopped early, at the right time. For man - part fish, part forest animal - it couldn't be more sublime. There are few places left on earth that might rightfully be called Eden, and the Mahale Mountains is one of them. The mountains soar to 8,000 feet above the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, which at 420 miles long and 30 miles wide, is a veritable inland sea. The nearest road is almost 100kms away, and that is the most minor of tracks. The slopes of the Mahale Mountains rise behind camp, home to the world's largest known population of chimpanzees. Within hiking distance is one such group of 60. Every day you can venture out into this deep and magical forest to observe them, our closest relatives, as they groom, wrestle and forage across the leafy floor. Mahale is a physical place, but strangely undemanding. Perhaps because it seems to have been created for Great Apes; figs, flowers, sun, shade, water.

Directions To Greystoke Mahale

Greystoke Mahale i located in the Mahale Mountains National Park.

Area Attractions

The forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains are home to the world’s largest known population of chimpanzees, with approximately 1000 individuals inhabiting the national park. At Greystoke Mahale, each day you can venture out into the forest, to observe and commune with these, our closest relatives, as they groom, wrestle and forage across the leafy floor. Chimp trekking time is variable, and dependent on where the chimps are that day; they could be right in the forest behind the camp, or further up the mountain, a possible 5 hour trek away. The paths up the mountain, are not always steep, but the walking can be strenuous so it helps if you're fairly fit. Good sturdy but lightweight walking boots/shoes are a must. Please note that only children over the age of 12 can view the chimps. By visiting Mahale, you’re also helping to support the most vulnerable members of your extended family. Habitat loss is the greatest single threat to animal extinction today, but the National Park fees levied to visitors here make sure this particular habitat remains secure - not just for over 1000 wild chimpanzees, but a vast array of other living things.