CHITABE TRAILS CAMP
Okavango, Botswana

Chitabe Trails Camp

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.

Camp Description

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 eight guests in the same luxurious tents as those of Chitabe. 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. Chitabe Trails offers a fantastic walking experience and for those enthusiastic guests who really want to experience the bush - we offer "sleep outs" at one or both of the hides on the concession. The hides are raised off the ground and guests sleep under mosquito nets and dine around the fire.

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 also found in the area. Guests should also see Zebra, Reedbuck, Giraffe, Kudu, 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.

The Owners

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 Botswana. 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 has developed into a career and he spends most of his time working as a photo-journalist on various wildlife and cultural articles for magazines around the world. In 1996 Dave and Helene were awarded a tender by the Botswana government to build Chitabe and Chitabe Trails camp , which was completed in July 1997. Hélène oversees the financial and accounting aspects of the company, while Dave still spends much of his time on photographic assignments.

Location

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

Accomodation

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

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.

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

Electricity

Guest 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

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.
R.H. and J.H., Isle of Man, U.K.

Thank you so much for a completely brilliant time. The food, the animals, the drinks, the pool, everything was completely brilliant.
S.B. and T.B., U.K.

Small place, nice staff, very relaxing atmosphere. The personal touch was much appreciated.
A.A., USA

Chitabe Trails is an experience like no other!! Our hosts made us feel like we were in their home and the staff were fabulous too. What a fantastic introduction to Africa, I'll be back!!
S. C., Australia

An experience of a lifetime, something we will never forget!! The hospitality was first class, the atmosphere unbeatable and the leopard was a special treat!! We hope to return some day in the future!!
J. K-B & D. M., USA

Wonderful people at a beautiful camp and absolutely fantastic cuisine!! Thank you for adding the most special memory to our honeymoon!! We could not have asked for more!!
K. & C.A., USA

My husband and I have recently returned from a month's stay in Southern Africa, 6 nights of which were spent in your camps in the Okavango Delta. Our first stop was at Little Vumbura camp and we were so impressed by the warmth and friendliness of all the staff that I wanted to write to you direct to highly commend them. Nothing was too much trouble for Shanny, Laura or Brendan and they were excellent company at all times. Pride of mention, however, must go the guides, Doctor and Kit, who were superb and worked extremely well together as a team. Doctor's enthusiasm was infectious and his knowledge outstanding, each game drive took us to a different part of the area with fresh and exciting sights each time, to say nothing of the wonderful scenery on its own without animals or birds. Please pass on to them our thanks for making our stay so enjoyable and keep the magic going!
G. & A. L S., U.K.

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