Chitabe Camp has some of the best game viewing in the Delta. This is no surprise as the Chitabe concession is bordered on three sides by the rich Moremi Game Reserve; thrilling predator sightings are common though the game viewing is interestingly varied. Chitabe is a classic tented camp offering a traditional safari with a strong reputation for excellent guiding.

The Chitabe concession offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Botswana- and this is saying something! With a high concentration of predators – including lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena – the game drives are frequently action packed. The area is rich in elephant and buffallo too. This is a pretty area of the Okavango, made up of seasonal plains dotted with woodlands and open grasslands. Though relatively small it packs a big punch!  The vegetation is varied here, which supports a variety of wildlife though impala, tsessebe, kudu and red lechwe are the plains game which dominate this concession.

2025 Update: Chitabe Camp closed in January 2025 for a complete rebuild, reopening on 16 April 2025 as a more luxurious tented camp. Images of the new tents will only be released in April. 

The new guest tents have been designed for spacious comfort – doubling the size of the old tents, the new tented rooms at Chitabe are an impressive 113m² and will feature insulated walls, ceilings and floors to added comfort. For added comfort in the hotter months, the new rooms now feature advanced evaporative air coolers, these are 90% more efficient than traditional air conditioners in Botswana’s dry climate. Each room will feature an indoor lounge area, as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and a minibar allowing guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy refreshments at their convenience.

The colours aim to create a serene sanctuary – with neutral tones and large windows to maximise the views. As before each tent will have a private viewing deck, as well as en suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers.

The camp is accessed by wooden walkways which lead to the main lounge area. The main area is a large thatched structure which has been beautifully designed to complement the natural surroundings. The cleverly designed bar, hewn from a single trunk of a sausage tree, is fully stocked with a wide variety of drinks. At the centre of the main lounge there are large steps leading down to a round boma with a fire pit. The small library boasts comfortable sofas, but most importantly has great views over the fertile plains. Brunches and dinners are served in the dining room which is a large thatched open-sided room, with superb views.

A secluded hide in front of the camp offers guests a relaxing spot to view the wildlife. Chitabe also has a small curio shop selling traditional Okavango crafts and baskets made by the local staff.

The swimming pool is positioned overlooking the plain in front of camp and is surrounded by sun loungers and naturally shaded by the enormous trees above: it is a great place to cool off in the heat of the day.

The Chitabe Concession supports a varied range of animals and birds. Chitabe Camp’s area is only about 10% permanent water, rising to over 50% during the flood months, so activities are strictly land based. For those looking to experience a water safari in the Okavango we recommend combining a stay at Chitabe with a water based camp, such as Vumbura Plains or Little Vumbura, amongst others.

There is nevertheless a lot to see: the private reserve combines fascinating open floodplains with wooded islands and perennial Delta and is host to a wide variety of wildlife. Chitabe is a great area for seeing buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion. In fact, the area is particularly known for its African wild dog sightings. The camp lies within the Botswana Wild Dog Research Project’s research area and guests at Chitabe Camp are almost certain to see these fascinating and rare animals. Game drives from the camp take place both day and night. In addition, walking safaris are available: this activity allows guests to really feel, smell and touch Africa and are led by experienced guides.