About Place
- "An extraordinary safari experience."
- "Unrivaled wildlife sightings in a pristine environment."
- "Intimate and luxurious wilderness adventure."
Reasons to Visit
- Exclusive Wildlife Encounters:
- Situated in a private concession for intimate, crowd-free experiences.
- Diverse habitats, from open floodplains to dense forests.
- Rich variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, and wild dogs.
- Focus on Sustainable Tourism:
- Commitment to conservation of the unique ecosystem.
- Eco-friendly practices, including solar power and minimal environmental impact.
- Luxurious Accommodations and Exceptional Service:
- Well-appointed tents with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, and private decks.
- Exceptional service providing a perfect blend of luxury and wilderness.
- An unforgettable stay with a balance of adventure and comfort.
Visa
- United States: Visa not required for stays up to 90 days.
- United Kingdom: Visa not required for stays up to 90 days.
- European Union: Visa not required for stays up to 90 days.
- Canada: Visa not required for stays up to 90 days.
- Australia: Visa not required for stays up to 90 days.
- India: Visa required. Can be obtained online (e-Visa) or at Botswana embassies.
- China: Visa required. Must be obtained prior to arrival from a Botswana embassy.
Travel Expenses
- Travel to & from Destination:
- Charter flight from Maun to Chitabe Camp: $500 per person (round trip)
- Total for 2 people: $1,000
- Hotel Cost:
- Chitabe Camp: $1,500 per night per tent (double occupancy)
- Total for 3 nights: $4,500
- Food Cost:
- All meals included in the camp's package
- Activity Cost:
- Game drives, bush walks, and mokoro excursions included in the camp's package
- Near Destination Travel Cost:
- All transfers within the camp area included
Total Estimated Cost: $5,500 for a couple
Best Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and First Safari Arrive at Maun Airport and take a short charter flight to Chitabe Camp. Check into your luxurious tent and relax with a welcome drink. Enjoy a light lunch at the camp's dining area. After settling in, embark on your first game drive in the late afternoon, from 4 PM to 7 PM, to explore the diverse habitats and spot various wildlife. Return to camp for a delicious dinner featuring local cuisine like seswaa (slow-cooked beef stew) at 8 PM. End the night with star gazing and stories by the campfire.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Bush Walk Start your day early with a morning game drive from 6 AM to 9 AM, capturing the vibrant wildlife activity at dawn. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast. At 11 AM, participate in a guided bush walk to learn about the smaller flora and fauna, ending at 1 PM. Lunch will be served at the camp's restaurant, featuring grilled bream (local fish). In the evening, go on another game drive from 4 PM to 7 PM to witness different wildlife behaviors. Enjoy a traditional braai (barbecue) dinner at 8 PM. Relax with a nightcap around the fire pit.
Day 3: Mokoro Excursion and Night Safari After breakfast, take a mokoro (dugout canoe) excursion from 9 AM to 11 AM, gliding through the waterways of the Okavango Delta and spotting aquatic life and birds. Return to camp for lunch, trying a dish like morogo (wild spinach). Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps with a swim in the camp's pool or a nap. After an early dinner at 6 PM, head out for a night safari from 8 PM to 10 PM to observe nocturnal animals. Conclude the day with a quiet evening on your private deck, listening to the sounds of the bush.
Day 4: Photography Workshop and Departure Join a photography workshop after breakfast from 8 AM to 10 AM to learn tips on capturing the perfect wildlife shot. Take a final game drive from 11 AM to 1 PM, savoring the last moments of your safari. Enjoy a farewell lunch featuring pap (maize porridge) and chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish). After lunch, check out and transfer to the airstrip for your charter flight back to Maun, where you will connect to your onward journey.
Safety Tips
- Always follow the guidance of your safari guide.
- Do not wander outside the camp boundaries alone.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
- Avoid wearing bright colors that may attract animals.
- Carry necessary medications and a basic first aid kit.
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Be cautious around water bodies due to crocodiles and hippos.
- Secure your valuables in the camp’s safe.
- Respect the local culture and customs.
- Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures at the camp.
Flights
- From Johannesburg to Maun: South African Airways, 1.5 hours, ~$300 per person
- From Maun to Chitabe Camp: Charter flight, 30 minutes, ~$250 per person
Hotels
- Chitabe Camp: $1,500 per night
- Chitabe Lediba Camp: $1,300 per night
- Sanctuary Chief's Camp: $1,800 per night
- Mombo Camp: $2,200 per night
- Vumbura Plains Camp: $1,600 per night
Contacts
- Indian Embassy in Gaborone, Botswana: +267 391 4685
- Local Police: 999
- Ambulance: 997
- Firefighters: 998
Country
Closet Airport
- Maun Airport (MUB)
Nearest City
- Maun
Heritage Sites
- Okavango Delta (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Airlines
- South African Airways
- Air Botswana
- Airlink
Currency
- Botswana Pula (BWP)
Languages Spoken
- Setswana
- English
Real Story
The Journey of the Okavango Delta's World Heritage Status:
The Okavango Delta, a jewel of Botswana, achieved its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, but this recognition was the culmination of decades of dedicated conservation efforts. The journey began in the early 20th century when explorers and naturalists first documented the incredible biodiversity of the region. Their reports highlighted the delta's unique ecosystem, where the Okavango River spreads out into the Kalahari Desert, creating a lush oasis teeming with wildlife.
In the 1960s, the Botswana government recognized the ecological importance of the delta and began implementing policies to protect it. This period saw the establishment of Moremi Game Reserve, the first reserve in the delta, which aimed to safeguard critical habitats for elephants, lions, and other iconic species. Conservationists and local communities worked together to promote sustainable land use practices and to ensure that the benefits of tourism were shared with those living in and around the delta.
By the late 20th century, the Okavango Delta had gained international attention as a premier safari destination, attracting tourists from around the globe. This influx of visitors brought economic opportunities but also posed new challenges for conservation. The Botswana government, alongside organizations like the Okavango Research Institute, intensified efforts to balance tourism with environmental preservation. They implemented strict policies on wildlife management, anti-poaching measures, and sustainable tourism practices.
The final push for UNESCO World Heritage status began in the early 2000s, driven by a coalition of conservationists, scientists, and government officials. They compiled extensive research and documentation to demonstrate the delta's outstanding universal value. Their efforts paid off in June 2014 when the Okavango Delta was officially inscribed as a World Heritage Site. This designation not only recognized the delta's unique ecological and cultural significance but also provided a framework for its long-term protection.
Today, the Okavango Delta stands as a testament to the power of collaborative conservation. It continues to thrive as a haven for wildlife and a source of cultural pride for the people of Botswana, ensuring that future generations can experience its wonders.
Cuisine
Local Cuisine: Botswana’s cuisine is simple yet flavorful, often centered around fresh, local ingredients. A staple dish is seswaa, a slow-cooked beef stew, traditionally prepared by boiling meat with onion and pepper until it’s tender enough to shred. Another local favorite is morogo, wild spinach cooked with tomatoes and onions, often served as a side dish. Pap, a type of maize porridge, is a common accompaniment to many meals. For a unique treat, try vetkoek, deep-fried dough balls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sometimes filled with minced meat or jam.
Culture and History
Chitabe Camp is nestled in the heart of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique ecosystem and vibrant wildlife. The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas, where the Okavango River flows into the Kalahari Desert, creating a lush and diverse habitat that supports a rich variety of flora and fauna.
The culture of the region is deeply influenced by the indigenous communities, such as the San (Bushmen) and the BaTawana. The San people are among the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, with a history that spans thousands of years. Their traditional knowledge of the land and its wildlife is unparalleled, and they are renowned for their skills in tracking and bushcraft. The BaTawana, a subgroup of the larger Tswana people, are the primary ethnic group in the area and have a strong cultural connection to the delta’s resources, particularly through fishing, hunting, and cattle herding.
Visitors to Chitabe Camp can experience this rich cultural heritage through interactions with local guides who share stories, legends, and traditional practices. The camp itself is committed to sustainable tourism, working closely with local communities to ensure that tourism benefits the region economically and culturally. This collaboration includes employment opportunities, support for local schools, and contributions to conservation efforts.
The history of the Okavango Delta is marked by the dynamic interplay between the natural environment and human activity. Over the centuries, the delta has been a haven for wildlife and a vital resource for the indigenous peoples. Today, it continues to be a focal point for conservation efforts, aiming to preserve its unique biodiversity for future generations.