The Beast Retreat - Western Tanzania.

Activity/Tour

This itinerary takes you to some of the most remote and wildest National Parks in Africa. These destinations are exclusive, wild, exciting and filled with adventure.

Departing from Arusha, you will fly to Katavi National Park and spend 4 nights at Chada Tented camp. Game viewing in Katavi is superb, with high concentrations of animals and almost no other tourists or tour operators. There are no limitations to off road driving and walks and fly camping (if pre booked) can be arranged in most areas of the park.

Continuing the adventure of western Tanzania, you will fly to Mahale Mountains on the western edge of Tanzania, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Here, you will spend the next 3 nights in this tranquil tropical paradise. With no vehicles in this park, your focus will be treks into the mountains to encounter the wild Chimpanzees in the forest, bird-watching, fishing, sailing, Kayaking and snorkeling. Far from the madding crowds - these destinations make you feel that the world has stood still in these locations.

Typical Day

Katavi National Park is one of the great wildlife experiences of the world. Miles from anywhere, it has almost mythical status, and, it's believed, a greater density of mammals than in any other Tanzanian reserve. In the midst of this "megabeast" land sits Chada Katavi, man's retreat for the last decade. Spend your days exploring wild open spaces, see the last great herds of buffalo in East Africa, up to 1,000 head, fly camp under the stars, and return to the rather civilized campaign HQ, which is nothing short of splendid; six large, romantic and airy tents with fine wooden furniture, comfortable beds spread with crisp cottons, and bush-deluxe bathrooms.

At night the mess tent and library is the place to be, with silverware and glasses shining in the lamplight. From its elevated vantage point on a peninsula that rises out of Miombo woodland, the camp is perfectly placed for amazing views out over the wide Chada Plain. The canopy of tall trees is a great source of shade and food for the abundant animal and bird life. This means seeing great game often without even having to leave the camp.

This is the place for the wildlife connoisseur, and the traveller who thinks the African bush can offer up no more surprises. Happily indulged, watching the elephants head out to water as dusk falls, you feel like one of the last great pioneers; binoculars in your hand, Africa filling your head.

GREYSTOKE MAHALE

On a far flung beach along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, below a huge story-book tropical forest lies the tiny sanctuary of Greystoke Mahale. The forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains rise behind camp, home to the world's largest known population of chimpanzees, with approximately 1000 individuals inhabiting the national park. Each day you can venture out into the forest, to observe and commune with these, our closest relatives, as they groom, wrestle and forage across the leafy floor.

Your home at Greystoke Mahale is one of six exotic wooden bandas looking out across the soft sand beach, with interiors fashioned from dhow timber. The bandas are open fronted, with dressing rooms set behind, adjoining bathrooms accessible via a short boardwalk with hot and cold water, and upstairs chill-out decks; designed with flair, generosity and passion for even the most demanding castaway. And if a day's "chimping" wasn't enough, you can snorkel or swim in the clear waters (there are over 250 species of cichlid in the lake) fish or kayak along the lake shore.

It is a physical place, but also strangely undemanding. Perhaps because it seems to have been created for Great Apes themselves: figs, flowers, sun, shade, and water.

Age range, type of group

Suitable for single travellers and groups f up to 12 persons maximum. Singles pay a handsome single supplement so best to travel in pairs. These locations are extremely remote (4 to 6 hours flight to nearest hospital) so not ideal for older people in need medical attention. Age limit is 12 for all Chimpanzee treks.

Sleeping and meals

High quality tented camps - as featured in Conde Naste Traveler and many other publications.

Restrictions

None

Rates

This is apackage inclusive of flights with mall aircraft starting and ending in Arusha in Tanzania. Prices are all inclusive of accommodation, meals, drinks and all activities except fly camping and exclusive use of vehicle.

Price quoted is based on low season. Includes all flights, accommodation, drinks and meals. All activities, park fees and airport taxes.

Excludes gratuities.

2008 Season and Rates
Low Season ($5155 pp) - Single supplement $1030
High Season ($5995 pp) - Single Supplement $2060

2009 Season and Rates
Low Season ($6135 pp) - Single supplement $1750
High Season ($7200 pp) - Single Supplement $2300
Please enquire for dates.

Discounts Offered

Bookings within one month of departure may be subject to between 5 and 10% discount on the accommodation portion of the package. This will depend on the season booked.