BOTSWANA - Chitabe Camp & Chitabe Lediba Camp - Okavango Delta
Chitabe Camp and Chitabe Lediba are situated in a private concession on a beautiful island on the border of the Moremi Game Reserve, in the Okavango Delta. The concession is nestled between two main river systems, the Gomoti to the east and the Santantadibe to the west. Here you will find all the scenery you would expect to enjoy on safari - open floodplains, waterways, marshlands, dry acacia and mopane woodlands, riverine areas and open grasslands. The wildlife here is as diverse as it is prolific: from elephant to impala and lion to wild dog. The high numbers of impala in the area means that leopard are often seen.
ACCOMMODATION:
Chitabe Camp is a classic Wilderness Safaris camp, comprised of 8 spacious Meru-style tents, all built on elevated wooden decks amongst the trees of the Okavango Delta. Each tented room has twin beds, en-suite facilities and an indoor as well as an outdoor shower. The thatched dining area, pub and lounge are built on raised decks to provide superb views across the Okavango Delta floodplain, and a swimming pool allows guests to cool off in the heat of the day.
Chitabe Camp also has two elevated platforms located in the reserve, one of which is within walking distance from the camp. Guests can experience a "sleep out" in the Okavango Delta under the stars in full comfort and safety.
ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE:
Safaris at Chitabe Camp include day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, nature walks and spectacular bird watching. The amazing variety of habitats surrounding Chitabe Camp results in an abundance of wildlife ... elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, tsessebe, impala and, occasionally, wild dogs. Night drives also provide opportunities for guests to see nocturnal mammals such as civet, serval, genet, porcupine and aardwolf.
The birdlife is excellent too and varies throughout the year, depending on water levels and season. Raptors are abundant - African Hawk Eagles and Hooded Vultures often nest on the island. Game drives in the palm-filled landscape often reveal Ground Hornbill, Greater Honeyguide, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Red-billed Hornbill, Gabar Goshawk and coveys of Red-billed Francolin.
It is important to note that mokoro excursions are not possible on the Chitabe concession.
Chitabe Camp contributes to the Botswana Predator Conservation Project through their Botswana Wild Dog Research Project. Dave and Helene Hamman, the owners of Chitabe Camp and Chitabe Lediba Camp, have dedicated many years to photographing the African wild dog. Their efforts, combined with the extensive knowledge of Dr "Tico" McNutt, culminated in the book, Running Wild: Dispelling the Myths of the African Wild Dog. Ongoing research, as well as addressing the surrounding communities' attitudes towards these animals, has resulted in a gradual increase in awareness of the plight of the African wild dog.
Chitabe Camp also hosted a two-year Cambridge University study on fire ecology and its effects on rodent populations. The study uncovered vital information about the Delta's small mammal fauna, which has never before been studied in depth. The findings on the impacts of fire will be incorporated into management plans for the Okavango Delta.