AFRICAN SAFARI TOUR | AFRICAN ADVENTURE SAFARI

TANZANIA SAFARI - SECRETS OF THE WEST/CHIMPANZEES

4 Days

Tour Type: Fly-In Lodge Safari

Tracking chimpanzees is a remarkable experience, and this African Safari Tour makes an ideal add-on to a longer Tanzania Safari. You can also enjoy beautiful forest walks, dhow trips on Lake Tanganyika, snorkelling and fishing on this wonderful 4-day/3-night fly-in safari.  

Highlights include: Chimpanzee tracking in Mahale Mountains National Park, Dhow trips on Lake Tanganyika, impala, eland, topi zebra and buffalo wander on the short grass plains of Katavi National Park,  stunning beachside accommodation, exhilaration and relaxation in breathtaking location

Itinerary

Day 01, 02 & 03: Mahale Mountains / Katavi National Park

On arrival at Arusha Airport you will be met by a safari representative who will assist you in boarding your shared charter flight to Mahale or Ikuu Airstrip (Katavi).  Shared charters depart at 08:00 on a Monday and Thursday.  On arrival at the airstrip you will be transferred to Greystoke Camp.  

On a far-flung beach along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, below a huge story-book tropical forest, is the tiny sanctuary of Greystoke Mahale. As you make your approach to Greystoke by dhow, the outline of the camp is visible against a backdrop of deep green forest and pale beach. The water is as clear as gin, the air scented, and the living very easy indeed. The slopes of the Mahale Mountains rise behind camp, home to the worlds’ largest known population of chimpanzees. Within hiking distance is one such group of 60. Every day you can venture out into the forest to observe them, our closest relatives, as they groom, wrestle and forage across the leafy floor. With no roads for miles and miles, everything is done by foot or boat. As if a day's chimping was not enough, you can kayak along the lakeshore, snorkel or fish, have a private barefoot dinner on the beach or get friendly in the wildly thatched mess.  

Your home at Greystoke Mahale is in wildly exotic wooden bandas looking out across the beach, with interiors fashioned from seasoned dhow timber. The six-suites are open-fronted, with adjoining bathrooms, and upstairs chill-out decks, designed for the most demanding castaway. The focal point of Greystoke is the bar and dining area rising up from the sand and loosely modeled on traditional Tongwe architecture. The mess stands out on the beach, and is a thatched Tongwe chief’s hut which has two soaring prow-like wings. The upstairs area, with its cushioned rare books and specialist primate library has four decks that look out to every point of the compass, and are the perfect vantage points to sit and appreciate this incredible place. For some evening pizzazz, there is the bar of all bars on the rocks of the headland, complete with twinkly mirrors, fresh sushimi, iced vodka, and a view looking way out west across the mighty waters of the lake.  

A trek through the rainforest takes you to Mahale's chimpanzees. Tracking the primates is all part of the experience of observing the nine species of primate, of which the endangered chimpanzee is the most famous. Sixty chimps live in the mountains close to camp, and have become habituated to human presence over two decades of contact. There is also the opportunity to observe leopard, bushbuck, bushpig, and a multitude of birds and butterflies. The waters sparkle with over 250 species of tropical fish.

After a morning of hiking through the rainforests there is no better way to recoup your energies than on the soft sand beach, and the waters of the lake. This area seems to have been created for the Great Apes with figs, flowers, sun, shade and water. A natural opulence seeps into the camp. Lamplit dinners on the dhow serve lake-fresh sashimi and ice cold cocktails, the perfect end to the day.  

Your stay is on a full board basis including scheduled activities and park fees. Activities include chimpanzee tracking, forest walks, dhow trips on Lake Tanganyika, snorkelling and fishing.  

Day 04: Arusha Airport

Day at leisure, until your transfer to the airstrip where you board your shared charter to Arusha.  Shared charters depart at 12:20 from Ikuu Airstrip and 13:40 from Mahale Airstrip arriving at 18:30 in Arusha where your Tanzania Safari ends.  

Safari Price:US $3,645 to $3,709 pps

Notes:
Rates are based on a minimum of two guests travelling, scheduled departures on a Monday and Thursday, Greystoke Camp is closed from mid March to beginning of June.

Price Includes:
Meet and greet on arrival, twin / single accommodation, meals on a full board basis, all drinks except champagne, laundry, scheduled domestic flights: Arusha Airport / Mahale / Arusha Airport, scheduled game activities as specified, Tanzania National Park fees, airport taxes, emergency medical evacuation insurance  

Price Excludes:
Gratuities and all items of a personal nature, meals and drinks not specified above, sightseeing and excursions other than those specified, transfers to Arusha Airport (day 1) and from Arusha Airport (day 4), visa fees (if required)

Photo Copyright: Wild Africa Safari Co, Greystoke Camp, African Safari Tour

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