Greystoke Mahale -
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Highlights
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The LodgeThe main area is a large rustic wood and thatch building situated in the center of the beach with the dense green forests of the Mahale mountains directly behind. The spacious open plan structure has a dining area and a small seating area on the ground level. Upstairs there is a relaxing lounge area where guests can make use of the games or books on offer or quietly absorb the stunning views of the lake. There is a small sunset bar on the rocks in the corner of the beach which is a lovely place to have a drink in the evening.
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AccommodationThe 6 bandas are set further back than the main area, tucked into the edge of the lush rainforest and all boast spectacular views of the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganika. The bandas are tall open style wood and makuti thatch roof structures with wooden verandas in the front and a raised area to relax. The bandas are simple but beautifully decorated in keeping with their surroundings and the ‘barefoot luxury’ theme of the lodge. Guests are treated to plenty of thoughtful touches to make their stay very comfortable. Nomad, the renowned safari company that owns Greystoke, pride themselves on using locally sourced sustainable material throughout their lodges and this is very apparent in Greystoke. Most of the furniture is locally sourced reclaimed wood stripped from old disused traditional dhow boats from local villages.
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Activities and AdventuresThe main highlight of this lodge is certainly the exceedingly rare opportunity to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The Mahale Mountains are a very important region for the conservation of these remarkable animals and the area in which Jane Goodall’s famous research was conducted on chimpanzees. Chimp treks from Greystoke vary in terms of duration depending on the chimp’s current location but they are always very professionally conducted and guests will always be accompanied by a scout and expert guide, many of whom know the animals by name. It is clear that the well being of the animals is paramount and therefore guests may enjoy them without feeling they are being intrusive or impeding them in any way in their native habitat. In addition to seeing chimps in the rain forest, guests are often taken past stunning waterfalls and there are a myriad of other species that one might spot along the way such as; bushbucks, various birds, bushpigs, butterflies and colobus monkeys.
After a tiring trek through the forest there are other less strenuous activities on offer like dhow sunset cruises or kayaking across the crystal clear lake. Swimming is not recommended from the shore due to the odd appearance of a hippo or crocodile so guests are taken by boat into the deep clear and unoccupied water in the afternoon for a dip. Guest are also offered the opportunity to visit the local village and learn about the local culture and Nomad's ongoing community development projects. |
