Tanzania & Mahale
 

Anyone visited the chimps lately? Which camp would you recommend?

Most stay at Greystoke, which according to the balance of the accommodations you're considering, would fit the bill, if available. There aren't many choices at Mahale.

Nkungwe seems to have more luck with the chimps. Have heard Nkungwe is working on updating the camp/tents etc. Have you heard this too?

To my knowledge Greystoke, Nkungwe and Flycatchers are all using TANAPA trackers. Chances to see the habituated chimp group should be the same at all camps, however it depends on movement and current location of the chimps. One day they are nearer at one camp, next day they've moved to an area next to another camp.

For my Mahale visit in 2001 I chose Flycatchers. Flycatchers were the only operator who offered cultural visits to villages outside the park. They also have very good relationships to TANAPA and the scientists at nearby research station. The park warden visited our camp to answer questions re chimps and tourism, and I also had good talks with leading chimp researcher Mike Huffman who visited our camp several times. Since accommodation isn't such important on my safaris, for me it was by far best value for money.

Greystoke offered the typical "exclusive" stay, reducing contacts to locals and researchers to a minimum. Even the role of local trackers was quite different, reducing them to silent helpers (I had opportunity to join one of their walks). After all what I've heard I don't expect that this has changed much. Thus if you're only after the chimps and want to have a nice stay, Greystoke is certainly the best choice.

Can't say much about Nkungwe, they were just building up the camp for their first season.

Thanks for all the information.