Chitabe Camp is situated on an island in the south eastern area of the Okavango Delta in a private concession amidst 28,000 hectares of wilderness, bordering the well-known Moremi Game Reserve.
Overview
Chitabe Camp is relatively small with only 8 rooms, so potentially a maximum of 16 persons. There are raised wooden walkways that lead to the main communal area of the camp, which has a lovely thatched lounge and dining area. From here there are sweeping views of the floodplain. There is also a refreshing and essential pool for down time to escape the midday sun.
Food & service
The food is incredible, the service just as fine.
Rooms
The rooms contain a vast en suite shower, along with a refreshingly wonderful outdoor shower too. The rooms come with a gorgeous sweep of style; light and spacious with unique artistic touches. Carved wooden birds sat in my bathroom and a stunning photographic print on canvas in my room of San bushmen taken by Dave Hamman, owner of Chitabe. Please note there is no Wi-Fi at the camp.
Activities
Activities here include day and night wildlife drives to see creatures like serval, genet and the more elusive aardwolf, walking in the bush and birding. The terrain is a mix of marshlands, more arid acacia areas, open plains with a mix of dry and wetlands, mopane woodlands. The diversity in turn attracts great numbers of wildlife – from buffalo and cheetah, to leopard, elephant and the rare wild dog. The bird life is prolific, sightings of African hawk eagle, gabar goshawk, scarlet chested sunbirds and much much more.For small groups wanting exclusivity, Chitabe Lediba, sister camp, is absolutely perfect with only five tents, including two family rooms.
Note: there is an ongoing wild dog research project based at Chitabe. The African wild dog numbers are in peril and the various projects are highlighting the issues and increasing awareness. Chitabe also has hosted researchers from Cambridge University for a number of years.
Impact
Conservation
Chitabe supports the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust, the longest-running large predator conservation research programme in Botswana. Founded in 1989, it initially focused solely on the African wild dog, before branching out into wider large predator conservation research. Chitabe assists the programme financially and logistically, by providing funds and guides to assist with data collection.
The camp has, since 2009, helped support an annual Aerial Survey of the region to establish accurate data on local wildlife populations. The camp is also 100% solar powered, while water treatment and reverse osmosis filtration helps reduce water and plastic waste.
Community
Chitabe proudly hosts an annual two-day Christmas party for staff and their children, offering the families a range of conservation lessons, wildlife drives, and fun activities.