Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Tanzania / Kigoma / Greystoke Mahale
Greystoke Mahale
Kigoma, Kigoma Region, Tanzania · Independent · High Luxury
Greystoke Mahale was established in the late 1980s by explorer Roland Purcell, who was captivated by the remote beauty and the wild chimpanzee population of the Mahale Mountains. The camp was originally built on a site selected in 1988 and has since become one of Africa's most legendary safari destinations. The current lodge is uniquely constructed from reclaimed dhow wood, salvaged from old boats that once sailed Lake Tanganyika.
- 7 rooms
- Opened 1988
- Neighborhood: Kigoma Municipal-Ujiji
About Greystoke Mahale
- See more images See less images Enhancing lives at Greystoke From enhancing dynamic careers to working with local communities and conservation projects, here are some inspiring stories from our award-winning camp.
History
Greystoke Mahale was established in the late 1980s by explorer Roland Purcell, who was captivated by the remote beauty and the wild chimpanzee population of the Mahale Mountains. The camp was originally built on a site selected in 1988 and has since become one of Africa's most legendary safari destinations. The current lodge is uniquely constructed from reclaimed dhow wood, salvaged from old boats that once sailed Lake Tanganyika.
The setting
1 km from Bangwe Beach. 10 km from Livingstone Museum.
Restaurants and bars
- Greystoke Mess — Restaurant
- Big Bird Bar — Bar
Experiences
- Chimpanzee trekking with expert primatology guides — Trekking through the Mahale Mountains forest to meet wild chimpanzees, including sitting with them, guided by the camp's trackers and guides.
- Sundowners and evening drinks at the Big Bird Bar — Evening drinks at the camp's Big Bird Bar.
- Cruising Lake Tanganyika in a traditional wooden dhow — Trips along the lakeshore of Lake Tanganyika in a traditional wooden dhow.
- Swimming in forest pools and in Lake Tanganyika — Swimming in forest pools in the Mahale Mountains and in the lake.
- Visits to Katumbi village and school — Visits to the children of Katumbi Primary School, supported by the Nomad Trust.
Amenities
- Daily guided chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park
- Swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika
- Sunset cruises and dining aboard traditional wooden dhows
- Forest walks to discover eight other primate species and diverse birdlife
- Eco-friendly bandas with ensuite bathrooms and private chill-out decks
- Kayaking along the lakeshore with glass-bottom boats
Awards
- Africa's Leading Safari Lodge 2025 (World Travel Awards) (2025)
Open Greystoke Mahale in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.