The actual trekking can be arduous within the 40 square kilometer range that the group covers in the local Kasoge forests; sometimes it's an easy stroll within minutes of camp itself.
It's never short of excitement and fun though - there's a daily update on the Mahale soap opera with chimpanzee supremacy contest battles, squabbles, friendly bonds, intimate exchanges and the daily search for feeding sports  .  Maximum group size for the trekking is 6 clients plus ranger and guide. (There's a strict set of rules for chimp trekking and a separate packing list for Mahale....)
Mahale has around 237 birds, of which a good dozen set most twitching eyes alight.  The park also has 8 other primates and is a good spot for forest species including warthog, wild pig, antelope and leopard (the latter rarely seen but regularly heard around Greystoke)

Facts about Mahale and katavi
Katavi is usually closed 2nd week February, Mahale closes 3rd week March, both reopen at the end of May - so season runs June to mid February.
July/August/September are good months for this safari but that's also the busiest time of year in East Africa - we take bookings a year and more in advance, camps are small and available on a first come first served basis - if you're serious about this safari during peak season then book your space early.
Best time for predators, crocs and hippos in Katavi is October and November - the rains usually start mid November.  Best birds in Katavi are from late September through the rainy season. 
The Katavi skies and light for photographers is best in June.
Mahale's chimps are probably most difficult in June and February when they're regularly quite high in the mountains; a good time to visit is  September/October/November when the chimps are often in the foothills.
Katavi has low season rates from November to camp close in February, Mahale is low season in November/December - except Xmas and New Year period
If you're flexible then visit in October/November/December.
if you're doing 4 nights in Katavi then definitely speak to us about fly-camping for one night!  (A supplement applies and it must be pre-booked)
If you're interested in local culture then let us know as we're very keen to show guests some of the local projects and initiatives in and around the villages of Usevya and Kibaoni. 
MIMAMPI - Forest Environment of the Pimbwe - is a grass roots conservation movement that aims to keep the land buffering the Park under local village control. The trust supports community-based Forest Reserves, Village Game Scouts, as well as honey-projects, schools and local women's development groups.
  Tsetse fly are a small price to pay for outstanding wildlife in Katavi especially, and seasonally in Mahale too - we haven't found any repellent that works but we've figured out how to deal with the critters...speak to us
  Prices are based on minimum of 2 guests sharing and include full board accommodation, Park and concession Fees, all drinks (except champagne), laundry, camp and bush airstrip transfers, all safari activities.
  Children under 8 aren't permitted  on this safari and the minimum age for any walking in Katavi or chimp viewing in Mahale is 12 years.
  We anticipate that Chimp Permit  restrictions will come into effect this season - probably limiting guests to one trek during the stay at a cost of around $150 each.

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