Situated on one of the most beautiful tree-filled islands in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Chitabe Camp is an intimate and charming lodge in a private concession south of the Moremi Game Reserve.

What makes the area enthralling is its unique combination of habitats – like the floodplains sprinkled with ilala palms, classic open savannah, and dense acacia and mopane woodland - that are home to a diverse collection of game and bird species. The ecotones, which are the transient sections where one habitat starts becoming another, are especially interesting. Birders can undertake guided walks in search of red-billed francolin, gabar goshawks, and African hawk-eagles, while night drives will find you on the lookout for nocturnal creatures like big-eyed bushbabies, genets, quill-shaking porcupines, civets and hooting owls.

Accommodating a maximum of 16 guests at any time in individually decorated, modern Meru-style tents, Chitabe Camp has been constructed to offer incredible views of the surrounding floodplains, and its elevated walkways meander through a thicket of jackal berry trees. Even the gym has views of the plains, meaning you will not miss a passing journey of elegant, undulating giraffes…

Highlights

• Day & night game drives
• Guided walks on request
• Excellent game viewing & superb birding
• Gym & swimming pool
• Only 8 tented suites
• Bush Buddy children's program

Activities

• BIRD WATCHING
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS
• NIGHT DRIVES
• SPECIALIST GUIDES

Rooms

Standard Twin Tent

Each of Chitabe Camp’s eight suites is spacious, tastefully furnished, and inviting. Hardwood floors extend to a private verandah with lovely floodplain views that tempt you to relax on a comfortable chair with a book, gently serenaded by birdcalls in the shady trees above. Glass windows keep the Meru-style tents cozy on cool winter nights, while fans and shade netting allow breezes through on warm afternoons. The large beds are elegantly draped with walk-in mosquito nets. Separate en suite bathrooms feature double basins, flush toilets, and indoor and outdoor showers.

All tents have charging stations and are individually decorated in a contemporary style with cheery pops of color and unique wildlife photographs that capture the magic of the Okavango Delta.

Facilities

Chitabe Camp’s main lodge is built on elevated wooden platforms connected by walkways that meander through a forest of jackal berries or African ebony trees. The building houses a dining room and a separate lounge and bar area that faces west overlooking a floodplain, perfect for enjoying the spectacular fiery sunsets. To one side of the bar, a walkway leads to a delightfully cool plunge pool set about with inviting loungers, ideal for spending a lazy afternoon watching the wildlife parading by. Or work up a sweat in the gym, without missing any of the animal action.

On the other side of the bar, a cozy library building houses a collection of fascinating titles for you to enjoy, and adjacent to it is a well-stocked gift shop with a wide selection of African artifacts and craftwork.

The Bush Buddy program has been specially designed to give children from six to 17 a taste of bush life and to appeal to their various interests. A dedicated member of staff will ensure they are kept entertained and educated through activities like frogging in the wetlands, night drives after dinner, and drumming or dancing lessons!

Dining

Most meals are enjoyed in the vaulted, thatched dining room, where the buffet always features a variety of wholesome home-cooked dishes. From early morning muffins still warm from the oven at breakfast and tea or coffee in bed, to delicious gourmet breads baked daily for brunch and crunchy fresh salads, the menu tends toward healthy and hearty fare. Meals taken communally allow you to enjoy the conversation and banter of like-minded safari-goers, but if you prefer a romantic private dinner, the staff are happy to arrange an intimate meal in the library or on the pool deck below the stars.

On some evenings, the boma area off the walkway is an inviting space lit by lanterns and a roaring fire, where delightful traditional meals are cooked on the open coals.