Wilderness Chitabe reopens, offering a reimagined safari after transformative rebuild

For nearly three decades, Wilderness Chitabe has been renowned for its exceptional wildlife encounters and deep commitment to conservation. Nestled within a private 22,000-hectare concession in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, this legendary camp has reopened following an extensive and carefully considered rebuild that enhances its sustainability, comfort, and immersive safari experience.

“Chitabe has always had a soul of its own, shaped by the land, the wildlife, and the people who bring it to life. It has been our privilege to nurture this special place, and we are excited to welcome guests back to experience its next chapter”, said Helene Hamman, Wilderness Chitabe Co-owner. “We have designed the new suites to provide an unrivalled backdrop for profound Delta safari experiences. Chitabe is truly a wildlife haven, and with these enhancements, we are confident that it will continue to captivate guests as the ultimate year-round destination”.

The reimagined camp introduces eight spacious guest suites, which are now double the size of the previous accommodations. Elevated on steel frameworks to minimise environmental impact, the suites feature insulated canvas walls and stretch-tented roofs, maintaining naturally cooled interiors. Advanced evaporative air coolers – 90% more efficient than traditional air conditioning – ensure comfort even in the peak of summer, while significantly reducing energy consumption. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding ecosystem, the interiors seamlessly blend organic materials such as wood, leather, and wool. A muted colour palette, accented with rich, warm tones, pays homage to Chitabe’s deep connection to the land, offering guests an immersive and refined safari experience.

Chitabe’s exceptional location within the NG31 private concession – bordered by Moremi Game Reserve and flanked by the Gomoti Channel and Santantadibe River – sets it apart. Its diverse landscapes – floodplains, woodlands, marshlands, and open grasslands – support an extraordinary concentration of wildlife found in few other places in Africa. The concession is a year-round game-viewing paradise, where prides of lions, packs of African wild dogs, leopards, cheetahs and other predators thrive. More than 50 individual leopards have been recorded in the area, a testament to the region’s incredible biodiversity. Elephant, buffalo, zebra, and giraffe roam alongside impala, tsessebe, and kudu, while Chitabe’s location in an internationally recognised Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) makes it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers.

Expert guiding remains at the heart of the Chitabe experience, with guides who have spent decades interpreting the Delta’s rhythms. Their intimate knowledge and deep respect for the land shape every game drive, walking safari, and golden-hour sighting, creating an experience that is both exhilarating and deeply enriching. Many guides are also experienced wildlife photographers, offering guests invaluable insights into capturing the essence of the ecosystem.

Beyond the impressive wildlife encounters, guests can look forward to an elevated culinary journey which highlights the flavours of the Delta. The camp’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its eco-conscious design to its light “food-print” and operational ethos, with solar power, sustainable cooling systems, and conservation initiatives woven into its daily operations. It also actively supports conservation and community projects, funding aerial wildlife surveys, backing wild dog and leopard research, and contributing to Botswana’s most comprehensive wild dog database since 1997. On a community level, Chitabe invests in local education, wildlife coexistence programmes, and staff development, reinforcing its role as a responsible custodian of this pristine wilderness.

“For almost three decades, Chitabe has been more than just a safari destination – it has been a home, a place of deep connection between guests, guides, and the land itself. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, Chitabe remains dedicated to delivering unforgettable safari experiences while honouring the essence of the Delta’s wild, untamed beauty”, concluded Helene.

The article Wilderness Chitabe reopens, offering a reimagined safari after transformative rebuild first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.