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
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.
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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The Okavango Delta
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