Greystoke Mahale Packing List
Packing for your Greystoke Mahale safari is like preparing for any safari destination; you’ll need comfortable clothes, swimwear, good shoes, and casual evening wear for open-air beach dinners. However there are a couple of specific items we recommend which are outlined below. Pack as light as possible, remembering that the charter flights (often in small aircraft) have a maximum baggage allowance of 15kg per person. Please note that there is daily laundry service included.
PACKING FOR THE SEASONS OF MAHALE
June – October – these are the drier months in the forest but it can be a little chilly in the mornings and evenings from June to August so a light jacket and/or fleece is a must. In October we can get the odd rain shower so a waterproof jacket is a good idea.
Nov – March – this is the rainy season so a light rain jacket will be useful, but the camp will provide ponchos. Waterproof walking boots and optional gaiters to keep the mud off your trousers are also a good idea.
- Walking in the forest can be very humid and often warm so lightweight clothes are best, with no layers.
- Good walking boots or shoes. Hiking in the forest can be strenuous and long, so comfortable, supportive footwear is essential for chimp trekking.
- Full length lightweight trousers and long sleeve shirts are a must for the walks as you might find yourself walking through nettles and buffalo beans (a type of creeper). Day packs are also a good idea to carry water and other items with you.
- Walking clothes should be bush colours; so browns, greens, greys, and beiges. Bright colours and white are not so suitable as it highlights your presence in the forest.
- Shorts and t-shirts in any colours for days on the beach.
- Flip flops, sandals or bare feetare perfect for walking around camp.
- Socks. Long socks (or gaiters) to tuck your trousers in to stop ants crawling up your legs.
- Cameras are a must, and we’d definitely recommend bringing a good telephoto lens as often the chimps can be quite high up in the trees above your head. Please note you cannot use flash photography whilst in the forest, and if you’re using a print camera we’d suggest you use high-speed film.
- A good tip for people who wear glasses is to bring either anti-fog wipes or spray as the combination of the humidity in the forest and the surgical mask (provided) can mean that glasses and cameras get fogged up.
- Binoculars are great for the forest birdlife (if you’re lucky you might spot crowned eagles circling overhead).
- the camp provides shampoo, conditioner and bio-degradable soap in the rooms, but please bring any other cosmetic or medical items that you might require.
- You will find insect repellent in the rooms, but if you have a preferred brand we’d recommend you bring it, as not all brands are available in Tanzania.
- Don’t forget waterproof sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat. We look forward to welcoming you to our paradise.
