Greystoke Mahale

The world-famous jungle-chic lodge on Lake Tanganyika, Greystoke Mahale is a camp like no other. With its mountainous rainforest and trekking after chimpanzees, its an encounter like no other.

Tucked between the lush slopes of the Mahale Mountains and the gin-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, Greystoke Mahale is one of Africa’s most iconic and remote camps. Accessible only by boat, and far from any road, it offers a true escape into the wild—untouched, unfiltered, and unforgettable.

This is a place of extraordinary beauty. Wooden bandas, built from reclaimed dhow timber, sit on the edge of a white sand beach beneath the forest canopy, each open-fronted to catch the breeze and bring the lake’s gentle rhythm indoors. From your private veranda, watch as fishing dhows drift by and colobus monkeys leap through the treetops.

But it’s what lies just beyond the beach that makes Greystoke so legendary.

The Mahale Mountains are home to one of the largest wild populations of chimpanzees in Africa. Tracking them on foot through tangled forest trails is a soul-stirring experience - intimate, emotional, and unlike anything else on safari. Led by expert trackers, guests have the rare privilege of observing these intelligent, charismatic creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Greystoke Mahale is more than a camp, it’s a deep dive into nature at its most raw and spectacular. Days here are filled with wonder: hike forested ridgelines, swim in crystal waters, kayak at sunset, or simply relax on the beach with a cool drink in hand.

Evenings bring barefoot dinners under the stars, shared stories, and the sounds of the jungle settling in for the night. Unfussy yet full of character, wild yet deeply comfortable, Greystoke Mahale is for travellers who want to go further, feel more, and be part of something truly rare.

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Greystoke Mahale

about:

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7 Stunning A-frame Bandas, including a Honeymoon Banda
Iconic communal mess & dining
2 night minimum stay
Children aged 8+ welcome
WiFi in rooms
No mobile phone coverage
Massage option (payable)
Chimp-trekking on foot (one of the best things you'll ever do!)
Boat trips and swimming in Lake Tanganyika
Village and Project Visits
Full board with local soft and alcoholic drinks (communal dining)
Return local airstrip transfers by boat (there are no roads a hundred miles)

Low Season: Feb to Mar

Mid Season: June and Oct-Jan

High Season: Jul-Sept

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Greystoke Mahale

full gallery

Views of the iconic shaggy mess-Small.jpg

An evening spent under the stars with great company-Small.jpg

Enjoy your private veranda first thing in the morning-Small.jpg

Luxurious A-frame Banda guests will never want to leave-Small.jpg

Lunch in a shady spot overlooking Lake Tanganyika-Small.jpg

Views from the rear of room 8 across the mountains-Small.jpg

Lazy afternoons in camp-Small.jpg

Drone view of Greystoke with a Dhow on the shoreline-Small.jpg

Time to relax with a book in the A-Frame banda-Small.jpg

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Stunning Mahale skies-Small.jpg

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Greystoke Mahale

rates | inclusions & exclusions:

Greystoke Mahale

Accommodation with all meals & local beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic, complimentary laundry, game viewing activities, emergency evacuation cover, meet & greet from local airstrip.

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Why this Camp..?

(According to Google Reviews)

Greystoke Mahale receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, praised for its stunning remote location, magical atmosphere, and luxurious but rustic bandas overlooking Lake Tanganyika. Key highlights include expert-led chimpanzee trekking, beautiful beaches, and gourmet food. While the remoteness makes for an unforgettable experience, some note that it requires significant travel and is best suited for adults and older children due to the hiking involved.

Positive Aspects:

Exceptional Location & Ambiance:The camp is located in a remote, untouched wilderness on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, providing a unique, magical, and peaceful escape.
Chimpanzee Trekking:Expert and knowledgeable guides lead treks to see chimpanzees, with reviewers highlighting the ability to connect with these intelligent animals in their natural habitat.
Beautiful Accommodation:The bandas offer stunning "rustic luxury" with open-air lofts, allowing guests to feel connected to the surroundings.
Gourmet Food:Despite the remote location, guests consistently praise the fantastic, gourmet food, often enjoyed communally.
Attentive Staff:The camp managers and staff are described as amazing, friendly, and dedicated to making guests feel welcome and well-cared for.
Water Activities:Guests enjoy swimming in the lake from boats and relaxing on the beautiful beach, with the sunset bar being a popular spot.

Things to Consider:

Accessibility:Reaching Greystoke Mahale requires a significant journey, but the remoteness adds to the exclusivity and specialness of the experience.
Not for Young Children:The emphasis on hiking to find the chimps means the camp is best suited for adults and older children who enjoy trekking.
Chimpanzee Encounters:Chimpanzee sightings are not guaranteed and involve trekking to find them in their natural environment.