Chitabe Lediba Camp
Highlights
- One of the best game viewing areas in Southern Africa
- Diversity of habitats and wildlife including all the big cats
- Classic camp with attentive staff and comfortable rooms
- The camp operates primarily on solar power
Location
- NG31 Private Concession
- Southern Okavango Delta
- Northern Botswana
Chitabe Lediba is ideally suited for groups or extended families traveling together. It is the sister camp to the renowned Chitabe Camp, known for its consistently excellent wildlife viewing.
The Chitabe concession is bordered on three sides by the Moremi Game Reserve, which is the core protected area of the Okavango Delta and one of the best game viewing destinations in all of Southern Africa.
Chitabe is home to very good numbers of predators, including lion, leopard, spotted hyena, cheetah, and African wild dog. Plains game densities are also very high, with large numbers of elephant, impala, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, greater kudu, red lechwe, tsessebe, warthog, and hippo.
The 108-square-mile (280-sq-km) Chitabe Concession is characterized by a variety of typical Okavango habitats, with seasonal, palm-dotted floodplains, wooded islands, tranquil waterways, and dry open woodland, all of which ensure a year-round high-quality game viewing and birding experience.
Chitabe Lediba offers just five spacious elevated tents connected by raised walkways that lead to the main camp area. Each tent offers a large bedroom and a bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers.
Main lounge area at Chitabe Lediba.
Chitabe supports Wild Entrust Africa, which serves as an umbrella organization for all large predator conservation research (lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, and African wild dog) in Botswana. The camp is also committed to raising the living standards of its employees by a number of means, including annual school education donations and generous profit-share payouts.
Wilderness Safaris are one of Africa's leading safari operators and they strive to minimize energy consumption at all their camps. Chitabe Camp is powered by a combination of solar power and a diesel-powered generator. Hot water is heated by means of thermodynamic solar energy units. This system uses very little energy and guarantees hot water.
Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Okavango Delta.
An elephant visits Chitabe Lediba.
About the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's greatest safari destinations and offers an incredible diversity and abundance of wildlife. The Okavango is an UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Often referred to simply as "the Delta", the Okavango is characterized by an ever-changing network of waterways that originate far to the northwest in the highlands of Angola. The Cubango River flows into northern Botswana and spills into the flat expanse of Kalahari sands, where it fans out into a shallow trough formed by tectonic faults beneath the sand.
The annual 'flooding' of the Okavango brings in rich sediments that provide nutrients atop the sands, which in turn creates a diverse ecosystem of permanent and seasonal waterways, deep-water lagoons, papyrus beds, palm-covered islands, seasonally flooded grasslands, and woodlands. The rich fresh-water environment changes year-to-year depending on the level of the floodwaters making it one of the most dynamic wildlife destinations on Earth.
A lion pride relaxes as possible rains approach.
Wildlife in the Okavango Delta is diverse and includes all of Africa's Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Commonly seen herbivores include giraffe, plains (Burchell's) zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, tsessebe, common reedbuck, greater kudu, waterbuck, buffalo, elephant, and warthog. Both species of rhino are found, albeit in small numbers. The Delta is also home to red lechwe and sitatunga, both of which are water-dependent antelopes.
The abundance of herbivores means that predators are common in the Okavango. Commonly seen species include lion, leopard, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, and African wild dog. Cheetah are sometimes seen in the larger grasslands like those on Chief's Island. Less frequently encountered predators include serval, caracal, honey badger, and various species of mongoose.
The abundance of water in the Okavango provides habitat for Nile crocodiles and hippos, both of which are seen easily at any of the safari camps located near the Delta's permanent water. Primates in the Delta include chacma baboon, vervet monkey, and bush baby (galago).
Birding is outstanding in the Delta, with over 400 species possible. A typical safari day can easily produce over 100 species for an avid birder.
An elephant family in the Chitabe concession, Okavango Delta.
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
5 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 3 three-quarter-bedded luxury tented rooms. Mattress converters are available that transform the beds into a king-sized bed (to be arranged prior to arrival).
- 2 family units comprising 2x three-quarter-bedded rooms, each bedroom with its own en-suite facilities. The main bathroom includes an indoor shower, outdoor shower, double-basin vanity and separate toilet. The second bathroom has an indoor shower (no outdoor shower), double-basin vanity and separate toilet. The two tents are separated by a board walk with separate entrances and there is an inter-leading indoor passage connecting the two units. There is a shared outdoor deck with seating area.
The canvas tented suites are built on an elevated deck, with double sliding door entrance and elevated wooden walkways connecting the tents to the camp's main area.
The suites are wheelchair accessible and include double-basin vanity, separate toilet, an indoor shower and an outdoor shower offering spectacular views.
Guest tent bedroom.
Guest suite amenities include wooden louvre shutter and mosquito-screen sliding doors, and mosquito netting for the beds. Hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided during the chilly winter months.
Other items and features in the guest suites include:
- Outdoor sitting area overlooking floodplains.
- Writing desk and chair.
- Coloring books and pencils (for all ages), reading glasses.
- Mosquito net.
- Tea and coffee making facilities.
- Hairdryer.
- Water-cooled pedestal fan.
- Electronic safe and individual security pouches with numbered tags.
- Adaptor charging facilities.
- Yoga mat
- Weights (02 x 2.5kg weights).
- Complimentary in-tent Wi-Fi.
- Personal amenities, including seasonal bathrobes, slippers, liquid soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, room spray, insect repellent, insect spray, mosquito coil, shower caps, vanity kit with cotton tip swabs and cotton wool pads, sewing kit (on request), tissue dispenser, liquid washing detergent (for smalls), laundry bag, and umbrella.
Chitabe Lediba Camp can accommodate a maximum of 10 adults and 4 children in total: 2 adults in each of the 3 tented rooms, plus 2 adults and 2 children in each of the 2 family units.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and local beverages including wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding premium imported brands and Champagne.
- Twice-daily safari drives in open game-viewing vehicles and other scheduled camp activities (accompanied by experienced guides).
- Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
- Wi-Fi access.
- Tourism Levy & VAT.
Excludes:
- Purchases from the Safari Trading Store.
- Premium imported beverages and Champagne.
- Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 5 or 6 depending on the helicopter used (morning or afternoon).
- Tsodilo Hills (UNESCO World Heritage Site) excursion to learn more about Botswana and the history of the San people - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 10 (via scenic helicopter flights only).
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
Single Supplement
A single supplement will apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.
Children
Children 6 years and older are accommodated.
- For families travelling with children between 6 and 12 years of age, private activities need to be booked and paid for.
- Children between 6 and 16 years of age must share with an adult/s in the same room.
- The minimum age for walking activities is 13 years (subject to season and availability of a qualified walking guide).
Facilities
Chitabe Lediba is a small, private camp that is ideal for groups or families traveling together.
Main guest area facilities include:
- Lounge, library, dining and bar area on raised wooden platforms linking thatched communal area with guest tents.
- Pool in main area.
- Evening camp fire.
- Traditional boma for dining under the stars.
- Safari Trading Store.
- Reading area with a selection of reference books.
- Collection of children’s books and activities.
- Guest toilets in main area.
- Wheelchair friendly main area.
Activities
Activities included in the rate:
- Day and night game drives in 3 x 10-seater open 4x4 Land Rovers.
- During winter months hot water bottles (on early morning game drives only), blankets, and lined ponchos are provided.
- A pair of Olympus binoculars is available in each of the game drive vehicles for guests to share amongst themselves whilst game viewing and may be requested from our guides.
- Birding.
- The camp has a supply of bean bags for guests to use to steady their camera while on a game activity, as well as camera rests that mount onto the vehicle for added stability.
- Guided nature walks. A full team of qualified walking guides are available to facilitate walking requests all year round. During the transition season from March to June and dependent upon annual rainfall, flora in the area flourishes, giving predators ample coverage which make walking conditions unfavorable. Requests are subject to the discretion of the Camp Manager.
Optional activities at additional cost:
- Private activities on offer (subject to vehicle availability, which needs to be booked and paid for in advance). Please note the private vehicle is only available to guests at Chitabe Lediba and cannot be booked by guests at Chitabe Camp.
- Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 5 or 6 depending on the helicopter used (morning or afternoon).
- Tsodilo Hills (UNESCO World Heritage Site) excursion to learn more about Botswana and the history of the San people - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 10 (via scenic helicopter flights only).
Example of a typical day:
- Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
- Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
- Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap or discussion around the fire before retiring.
Great Good Fair Poor
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WHEN TO GO
The Okavango Delta offers very good wildlife viewing opportunities all throughout the year, but there are seasonal variations in terms of weather that may be a consideration when planning your visit.
The high season in terms of tourist demand is during the dry months between June and October. The latter part of the rainy season is the low season.
The winter (June through August) is dry and cool and wildlife may be easier to find as rain water is evaporating and the rivers and deeper waterholes become more frequently visited by the animals.
During the middle and later stages of the rainy season, the grass becomes tall and the bush becomes lush and thick, which makes for lovely colors, but makes spotting wildlife more difficult.
Chitabe Lediba is open year-round.
Summer / Rains
Northern Botswana, including the Okavango Delta receives most of its rain between December thru February, which is the summer season. November and December are wonderful months to visit the Delta, with only occasional rainstorms and most rain coming in short showers, which bring relief to the thirsty land after the dry season.
January and February typically experience afternoon downpours on most days, but all-day rain is very uncommon. By the middle of March, the rains become much less frequent and the grass and bush have grown long and thick. Mornings become cooler by the end of March.
In spite of being summer, the rains keep temperatures from becoming overly hot, although humidity and insect life are at their peak. Days are mostly overcast or partially cloudy, with dramatic skies and a lovely green color to the landscape. Afternoon temperatures average 88°F (31°C), but mornings are very comfortable at around 65°F (19°C).
Baby animals are in abundance, especially impala lambs and warthog piglets. Migratory birds arrive to breed and dramatically increase the number of species and overall numbers, particularly in the lagoons and pans, which are full of rain water and food for the aquatic species.
Unlike the dry months (May through October), when the middays can be very warm, causing wildlife to minimize activity and seek shade from around 10am til mid-afternoon, the overcast skies in the summer often mean that animals are active throughout the day, offering many more hours of game viewing.
Autumn
March, April and May are Fall season months and the beginning of the dry season in the Okavango, with rains very uncommon from around mid-March. The landscape is still lush and green, with sunny days and comfortable temps; afternoons average 84°F (29°C). Mornings are comfortable, but a fleece and base layer may be needed for the first hours on game drive.
Migrant birds fly north and water in the lagoons and rain pans is drying up. Permanent waterways in the Delta are however rising, as the 'flood' water from the Angolan highlands is now reaching the Delta.
Morning temps are around 54°F/12°C and afternoons average 79°F/26°C.
Winter / Dry Season
June through August is winter and the vegetation is drying and going dormant. The Okavango flood water is peaking but the surrounding landscape is mostly brown and yellow. Dust and sand particles in the air is on the rise. Game viewing is superb, with elephant and buffalo herds congregating along permanent water.
Mornings can be chilly to very cold at around 45°F (7°C). Warm clothes, including winter hat and gloves are needed for the open-air game drives. Dress in layers, as the temps do rise quickly during the day, with middays reaching 79°F (26°C).
Spring
September and October are the driest months as the landscape and animals eagerly await the coming rains. Game viewing is phenomenal, with all lagoons and rain pans completely dry and animals congregating around permanent waterways. The flood levels are down and the grass and vegetation mostly dried.
Days are warm, sunny and often cloudless and by mid-morning, most animals are seeking shelter in the shade and awaiting the evening temps to drop. October can be brutally hot and dusty and even smoky as sporadic grass fires can occur.
Safari camps are mostly full to capacity, with guests adhering to guide books saying this is the only tome to visit (not true of course!) Temperatures in October can easily reach 95°F (35°C) or even hotter.