When planning your safari adventure in Western Tanzania, choosing the right accommodation goes beyond just comfort — it’s about experiencing nature in its rawest form while contributing to conservation and supporting local communities. At Chimps Camps, we carefully select lodges that reflect our values of sustainability, community engagement, and authentic wildlife encounters. Let’s explore why Ihama Lodge, Chui Fly Camp, and Sokwe Lodge are the perfect choices for your next safari.
Ihama Lodge — Where Wildlife Meets Serenity
Nestled along the banks of the Katuma River, Ihama Lodge offers a front-row seat to some of Katavi’s most iconic wildlife. The river attracts a vibrant array of animals — hippos wallow in its waters, elephants gather at the riverbanks, and graceful giraffes roam the surrounding plains. For those seeking more than just game drives, Ihama Lodge arranges walking safaris and riverbank walks, offering an up-close experience with the park’s natural beauty. Additionally, the lodge offers unique activities like night game drives, where the nocturnal world of Katavi comes alive, and forest biking, allowing guests to pedal through the wilderness, immersing themselves in the park’s untouched beauty.
Choosing Ihama Lodge means choosing a rich, immersive experience with the region’s wildlife while enjoying a serene stay in harmony with nature.
Chui Fly Camp — A Haven for the Adventurous
For travelers yearning for solitude and unfiltered wilderness, Chui Fly Camp is the ideal escape. Situated in the heart of the Miombo forest or deep within Ugalla River National Park, this camp is designed for those who love being truly off the grid — surrounded by vast stretches of forest and the distant calls of wildlife. The camp also serves as a base for exploring Issa Valley through guided forest hikes, allowing guests to traverse remote trails and discover the region’s natural wonders.
Chui Fly Camp embraces the spirit of adventure and raw exploration — perfect for those seeking to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature.
Sokwe Lodge — Sustainability at Its Core
Sokwe Lodge stands as a symbol of responsible tourism. Unlike many lodges located within Mahale National Park, Chimps Camps deliberately chose to establish Sokwe Lodge outside the park boundaries. This conscious decision was driven by a commitment to reducing human activity within the park, helping preserve its fragile ecosystem and protect the last standing population of wild chimpanzees.
Understanding the impact of tourism on nature, Chimps Camps opted for sustainability over convenience. To further support conservation and make Mahale more accessible to visitors, they established two camps, keeping prices reasonable and drawing more tourists to the area. This, in turn, fosters local economic growth — offering an alternative to overfishing by providing new employment opportunities in hospitality and tourism.
By boosting visitor numbers, we not only open doors for community involvement but also create an ongoing dialogue with local residents, encouraging them to see the value of preserving the chimpanzees’ habitat. Every guest who stays at Sokwe Lodge becomes part of a larger mission — protecting Mahale’s natural heritage while supporting the livelihoods of its people.
More Than Just a Stay — A Commitment to Conservation
At Chimps Camps, we believe that choosing the right lodge is about more than luxury — it’s about making a difference. Ihama Lodge, Chui Fly Camp, and Sokwe Lodge each offer unique experiences, but together they represent our dedication to sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and the preservation of Western Tanzania’s precious ecosystems.
Join us on a journey where your safari not only brings you closer to nature but also leaves a lasting, positive impact on the land and its people.
Ready to explore Katavi, Ugalla, and Mahale? Let’s plan your adventure today!