Chimp trekking at Greystoke-Mahale with Africa Geographic Travel: What to expect and how to prepare

The best time to visit falls between May and October, which corresponds to the dry season in this part of Tanzania. The high rainfall levels from November until April can make the paths extremely slippery and challenging, with the added disadvantage that the chimpanzees prefer to spend less time on the ground and more in the canopy. As is the case with any primate trekking safari in Africa, a good pair of boots (preferably two) is essential, and waterproofing for all photographic equipment and belongings is always a good idea!

Chimp trekking at Greystoke-Mahale with Africa Geographic Travel

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After your Northern Tanzania safari, we recommend a combination off-beat extension to Mahale, other Western or Southern Tanzania wildernesses depending on your safari activity and wildlife preferences. Thereafter, harmoniously conclude with a beach rest and relaxation visit to the Eastern coast of Tanzania with varied seashore, cultural and historic experiences available, including the spice island of Zanzibar, the secluded Ras Kutani beach, idyllic private islands of Mnemba, Fanjove and Lazy Lagoon or a bush and beach experience at Saadani National Park. The options are endless!MAHALE SAFARI EXPERIENCE - RECOMMENDED FOR 3 NIGHTS STAYMahale Mountains National ParkMahale Mountains National Park in western Tanzania is an outstanding African travel wilderness on many counts. It is inaccessible by road and must be reached by boat along the coast of Lake Tanganyika, the longest, deepest, oldest in Africa, and second largest freshwater lake in the world. The park is justly famous for over 800 wild chimpanzees, more than any other East or Southern African park including the famed sister Gombe. Apart from the wild chimps, there is the M group of 60 or more who have been comfortable to human presence by Japanese researchers headed by the late Dr. Toshisada Nishida since the 1960s. These can often be seen on a Mahale chimpanzee tour with AfricanMecca, but since they are vulnerable to many human diseases, strict rules are in place for the safe conduct of primate safaris in Tanzania.greystokemahale4

Travel west of the Maasai Mara to the land of Great Apes, trekking up dormant volcanoes through impenetrable forest for once-in-a-lifetime encounters with endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and the elusive golden monkey.

Perhaps someday in the future I will return to Africa but if that does not occur, what an experience to end my travels to the African continent! Thank you for answering all our questions, keeping us up to date on any developments with our safari and gorilla trekking, and providing an adventure of a lifetime!!!!

Tanzania is perfect for travelers looking for a quintessential safari, with diverse landscapes, authentic culture and huge herds of animals. For the most part, Tanzania focuses on game drives as the primary mode for game-viewing; however, there are properties that offer walking safaris (Serengeti Bushtops), crater walks (Entamanu Ngorongoro), boating (Sand Rivers Selous), chimp trekking (Greystoke Mahale) and fishing (Rubondo Island). In shoulder and green season, there are great multi-day walking options.

The next 3 days are focused on chimpanzee trekking. Each day you will head into the forest with your trained guide and hike the trails in search of the chimpanzees. The distance and duration of the hike can vary from an hour to several hours each day depending on the location of the chimpanzees within the forest. The hike usually lasts longer in wetter conditions and less in dry conditions due to their preference for the higher and lower slopes in these respective seasons. Once the chimpanzees have been located you will have an hour each day to observe their behaviour and take photographs. It must be noted that sightings are never guaranteed but over a 3 day period it would be unlucky not to locate them on at least one of the days. Depending on how long the hike takes you may have time in the afternoon for activities on the lake such as fishing.

A great ape photo safari is very challenging from a photography perspective as the forest is dark, with bright highlights breaking through. That is why, on this chimpanzee photo safari, you have a professional wildlife photographer on hand. I have been trekking chimpanzees in Mahale for over a decade now and each morning I will help you get set up with the correct camera settings. I will also give you lessons on relevant photographic topics to help you in the forest. On this great ape photo safari you will enjoy three chimpanzee treks! 2ff7e9595c