Greystoke Mahale is quite simply one of the most isolated and beautiful camps in Africa. Situated in the heart of Mahale National Park, on the shores of its famous lake, it is the very definition of barefoot luxury.
Small and discreet, Greystoke Mahale sits on a beach as white and pristine as any to be found in the Seychelles or coast of Zanzibar. From this most isolated position it looks out over the shimmering waters of Lake Mahale, and in the opposite direction, the densely wooded hills of Mahale NP, home to some of Africa’s last remaining wild chimpanzee.
Greystoke Mahale is an intimate camp, with just six beach bandas. It is equal parts stylish and rustic in appearance. Constructed from thatch and recycled dhow timber, the rooms are beautifully furnished and generously sized, with space enough for a large double bed, separate dressing area, upstairs viewing deck, and full en-suite bathroom. Each banda enjoys a view of the lake.
Greystoke Mahale is run as an eco-camp and the facilities are naturally quite limited—don’t come expecting a pool, spa and gym—but then it’s the location that makes Mahale special. There’s an open dining pavilion on the waterfront, where superb meals are served by hosts Doug and Magdalene.
NB. Greystoke Mahale is closed between March and June.
Accommodation
Greystoke Mahale offers just six open-air bandas, constructed from dhow wood and bamboo and set a few feet back from the beach. They are totally open at the front (thick curtains offer privacy), so as to allow in the breeze and make the most of the lake views. They have two floors, with an upstairs deck/lounge and a ground-floor bedroom, bathroom and separate dressing area. One of the bandas has an extra bed on the upstairs deck, and functions as a family unit. The bandas are spaced well apart so as to ensure privacy.
Inside, Greystoke Mahale’s rooms are quite simply furnished, with rustic furniture cut from recycled dhow boats and driftwood. This is an eco-lodge, so expect a few compromises—hot water, for instance, is heated as needed on kerosene burners.
Dining
Meals at Greystoke Mahale are usually taken communally in the shared dining pavilion, which is situated directly on the beach overlooking the lake.
The food is marvellous. A light buffet breakfast, consisting of cereals, fruit, cooked eggs and bacon/sausages is served each morning from 7am. Lunch is a selection of cold salads and meats, and assorted cooked dishes, with lots of veggie options. Dinner is a delicious three-course meal, preceded by drinks at the Sunset Bar.
Activities
There are no rigid activity schedules at Greystoke. The chimp visits take place in the morning, but the afternoons are free for you to fill as you please: explore the surrounding forest on a bird-watching tour, take a dhow boat onto the lake, visit the hippo pool, or simply relax on the beach.
Child Policy
Greystoke Mahale accepts children aged 12 and over. A family banda (three beds) is available on request.
