Chitabe Trails Botswana Safaris

The game viewing, seeing leopard as we had not seen them on a previous safari, and the guides did an excellent job. Overall we enjoyed the relaxing fun atmosphere of camp and with so few people it was as if we were already friends. G.R and B.S., UK

Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.

Botswana Safari Field Reports
Meet our expert Botswana Safari Guides

" best guides = best safaris ~ a bad guide in the best camp will ruin your safari."

Camp Description: Chitabe Trails Camp is situated in a different part of the same island as Chitabe Camp within Botswana's Okavango Delta. Even though the two camps are relatively close together, they are run as totally separate entities, and each camp has its own staff, managers and guides. The camp is ideal for small parties who are looking for their own private camp, as well as those individuals who prefer an even smaller camp. The camp itself is situated on one of the most beautiful islands in the Delta. Surrounded by ancient ebony, leadwood and sausage trees, Chitabe Trails has five tents and usually accommodates six or seven guests in the same luxurious tents as those of Chitabe. A few nights per year we may go to eight guests, but this is not normal. The main difference between Chitabe and Chitabe Trails is that the tents at Chitabe Trails are not raised on wooden decking but are built on the ground. This camp's roomy tents have bathrooms en suite, as well as an additional outdoor shower. Pathways connect the guest tents with the main area. The dining room, lounge and pub areas are under canvas overlooking the waterway in front of the camp. There is a great pool, too.

Game Viewing

Chitabe Trails is strictly a game viewing camp ~ no water activities are offered here. We travel out into the field in the morning and afternoon, returning usually after dark where we can often spot the shyer nocturnal animals. The game drive is in the same area as Chitabe's guests, so the game viewing experience is identical. Wildlife seen here includes Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Cheetah. Wild Dog are among the major game attractions of the area. Guests should also see Zebra, Reedbuck, Red Lechwe, Impala, and all the plains game. Night drives can be very rewarding, giving rare opportunities to view animals such as Pangolin, Civet Cat, Serval, Porcupine and Aardwolf.

Chitabe (and Chitabe Trails) is owned by Dave and Hélène Hamman, two well~known and respected characters in the Okavango. Dave and Hélène have managed a number of camps in the Okavango. It was during their time at Mombo that they really became enthusiastic about wild dogs. They got to know individual dogs and started to follow them on a daily basis and learnt more of their life histories, their trials and tribulations. Three years later they co~produced the book Running Wild ~ Dispelling the Myths of the African Wild Dog, the definitive book on these wonderful animals. Dave's passion for photography and his knowledge of the dogs made him the logical choice to be the cameraman for National Geographic's documentary on the wild dog of the Okavango. They have moved on from Mombo and now have built and own Chitabe ~ camps which are in an area where wild dog are regularly sighted. Hélène oversees the day to day operation from their Maun base, while Dave still spends much of his time on assignment with National Geographic's photographers.

Wild Dog Conservation Fund
A portion of the accommodation charges from each guest goes towards a wild dog conservation fund which Chitabe has established. Dr Tico McNutt began the wild dog research project in 1989, with a study area of about 3000 square kilometres. About 160 wild dogs in ten to twelve packs inhabit this region. Chitabe is part of this study area.

Client Comments

Chitabe Trails is an exquisitely charming and intimate experience. The Chitabe Trails staff have given us a memory of a lifetime. We could never express our full gratitude to you all. We will recommend this special place without hesitation. G.R and B.S., UK

Camp most professionally handled by David and Lesley. They provided anything that we could possibly want. And anticipated to our every need. Charming, intelligent and gracious, they run.a beautiful camp. J.S. Sante Fe, New Mexico, USA

Linda, Charles and Roger are very professional and outstanding hosts. We felt as if we had spent 3 days with old friends. The experience was absolutely magical.
J.F. and V.F., San Juan Puerto Rico

One of the best we've had in many years of African Safaris. One of our top 3 list of places to come back to - great experience. R.G., Merritt Island Florida USA

CHITABE TRAILS
Fact File

LOCATION

o South Eastern Okavango Delta
o Moremi Game Reserve borders the north and east.
o In a private concession / reserve

PRICING

January - end June - shoulder rates
July - end October - highest prices
November - end December - shoulder rates

ACCOMMODATION

Number of tents: 5 luxury rooms in total consisting of:
4 ¾ twin bedded tents
1 kingsize-bedded honeymoon tent
This camp can accommodate 8 guests plus a tour leader or 10 guests in a private group.

Tent details:
o On ground, not on raised walkway
o En-suite facilities within the tent
o Outdoor showers in addition to internal showers
o Fans in all tents
o Verandas overlooking the flood plains
o Mosquito net in the honeymoon suite, other tents all mosquito proofed (so mosquito nets not necessary)
o Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in each room

CAMP DESCRIPTION

Communal Area:
o Private small camp
o Public areas raised off the ground,under canvas
o Pub, lounge and separate dining room
o Pool

GAME VIEWING

Buffalo, elephant, lion, warthog, lechwe, hippo, leopard, cheetah, tsessebe, cerval, aardwolf and wild dog.

ACTIVITIES

Game Drives:
o Land game drives in open 4x4 Land Rovers - the camp has 1x 10-seater Land Rover, ie 8 guests in a vehicle
o Night drives.

Walking Safaris:
o Walking safaris are offered from camp.
o Hides Water Activities
o Guests see lots of water and in years of high water levels (like 2000), Chitabe can offer mokoro safaris.

SUGGESTED DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

All times are a guide only. Times can and do change depending on local conditions.

summer/winter
05h00/06h00 - Wake up call. Light continental breakfast consisting of cereals, tea/coffee/juices and pastries to be served in the dining area.
05h30/06h30 - Depart on morning activity, returning to camp at approximately 10h00.
10h00/11h00 - Brunch wil be served, this will consist of a selection of breakfast and lunch dishes. From now until afternoon tea, guests are at leisure.
16h00/15h00 - Afternoon tea is served - this consists of a selection of sweet and savoury snacks.
16h30/15h30 - Depart on afternoon game viewing activity - drinks and snacks will be served for sundowners during the course of the activity.
19h30/19h00 - Return to camp after dark so guests have a night drive (but could be later if there are good game sitings).
20h00/19h30 - Pre-dinner drinks and snacks are served at the pub.
20h30/20h00 - Three course dinner - generally speaking the starter and desert is served, whilst the main course is buffet style.

21h30/21h00 - Coffee and liqueurs will be served at the camp fire.

ELECTRICITY & WATER

o Camp has a 220v generator. Electricity is run in the kitchen and main areas when guests are not in camp. When guests return from daily activities, generators generally switched off (for peace in camp).
o 12v battery power (charged by the generator) is used for lighting and fans in each guest tent 24hrs a day. Hairdryers etc cannot work here.
o Video battery can be charged by the generator when guests on game drives. Hence bring spare battery and charging unit.
o Solar heated water for showers etc.

DRINKS POLICY

All local drinks beers, wines and mineral water are included in the nightly tariff, with the exception of premium wines & champagne, and premium liqueurs & spirits.

LAUNDRY POLICY

Laundry is done on a daily basis and inclusive in the nightly tariff with the exception of 'smalls' ie underwear, which are not washed due to local customs.

EXTRAS PAYMENT

Curios and or imported drinks will be billed to the guest and settled on check out. Payment can be effected by cash (US$), travellers' cheques or the following credit cards: Visa or MasterCard. If guests feel that they want to tip, our recommended tipping schedule is as follows:
Guides - US$5.00 per person per day
General Camp Staff - US$3.00 per person per day
Specialist Guides (if applicable) - US$10.00 per person per day
(This is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards)

FLYING TIMES

to/from Maun 20 minutes
to/from Kasane 1hr 20 minutes
Kasane to Victoria Falls 20 minutes but allow additional time for customs and immigration

AIR STRIP DETAILS

Located 20 minutes' drive from camp
Licensed for heavier aircraft up to 5700kg MAUW (maximum all up weight), can take aircraft up to King Air size.
Air strip co-ordinates: S19.27.86, E023.22.45

Botswana Reading
Cheetah Hunt Kwando Lebala
Kwando a place of Predators
The Okavango Delta Destination Botswana
Bush Buzz Walking in Selinda
The Okavango Delta
Spirits in Wild Botswana
Delta Dawn