Wilderness Chitabe Concession Newsletter – Nov–Dec 2025

At this time of year, Chitabe explodes into life after the arrival of the rain, with the plains turning a lively green, dotted with wildflowers and fresh grasses. Seasonal and permanent pans and ponds begin to hold water and attract a large number of antelopes, which in turn draw numerous predators from around the Chitabe Concession. Shortly after the first rains, most antelopes start to give birth because food is abundant for lactating females, and that helps them produce enough milk to support healthy calves. There’s also an outstanding abundance of birdlife, as the colourful migratory species arrive in large numbers. 

Chitabe is renowned for its outstanding wildlife as well as rich birdlife, meaning every safari here delivers authentic bush magic. Interestingly, sometimes wildlife at Chitabe camp is not seen, but it is felt, as our guests wake up to lion calls, follow cheetah and leopard tracks; always though, they end their day with sundowners under clear skies that fill with stars. Chitabe is undoubtedly one of the most productive wildlife areas in the Okavango Delta, with exceptional sightings, and every game drive and walk tells a story written by nature.

For instance, for the past four weeks, guests have enjoyed particularly active predator sightings such as leopards mating, lions feeding on a zebra kill, cheetahs hunting, hyenas stealing a meal from a leopard, and wild dogs hunting!  

Furthermore, in November and December, guests can expect to see an abundance of antelope calves, such as wildebeest, impalas, tsessebe, and red lechwe. Birdlife has also been outstanding; we saw a rare sighting where a marabou stork was perched on the same tree branch as a tawny eagle! 

Chitabe’s vision and mission are all about protecting wildlife and keeping the environment as pristine as possible. We rigorously support wildlife research, protect natural habitats, and promote responsible tourism.

Besides conservation, we also sustain a deep connection between people, culture, and the land they call home. Our perpetual objective at Chitabe is to proudly support the communities that are in proximity to our camp – with employment, skills development, and long-term partnerships. Many of our employees come from nearby villages, and they bring local knowledge, pride, as well as a deep-rooted custodianship of the Okavango Delta. At Chitabe, we believe that investing in and improving the livelihoods of the people is profoundly linked to conservation success.

Here too, culture is highly celebrated and respected , extending to storytelling around the fire, and sharing traditional customs, music, and values, which gives guests an unforgettable experience as they connect with the resident Batswanas’ way of life.

The atmosphere in camp is ever-welcoming, and our professional guides deliver insightful and engaging safaris, sharing their deep knowledge of the area with our guests. In addition to that, our dedicated and hardworking hospitality team and kitchen staff have been doing extremely well, receiving wonderful feedback from our guests.

All of us at Chitabe take pride in making our camp feel like home through delivering exceptional hospitality that exceeds guests' expectations. As a result of these unmatched service levels, we have hosted repeat guests like Eva Prueckl, who has been part of the family for the past 10 years. Her loyalty means the world to us, and we’re truly grateful to welcome her year after year.

Besides all that, a thoughtful touch is coming to ‘little sister camp’ Chitabe Lediba next year, as tea stations will be placed in the guest rooms.

On the 9th and 10th of December, the Chitabe staff came together to celebrate the festive season with a joyful Christmas party and team-building event. It was a time filled with appreciation, laughter, shared meals, and togetherness, strengthening the bond that makes our team so special. After the event, each of us appreciated even more how a united team works better, supports one another, and takes pride in what they do; and a united team delivers exceptional guest experiences.

We also have a new Front-of-House Assistant Manager called Beauty. She has been with us for over three months now, bringing to Chitabe her dedication, passion, and a strong sense of leadership.

Moreover, we are also delighted to welcome a new guide, Rob, also known as Robert, to the Chitabe family. Rob is filled with passion and a deep respect for the wilderness, and we are already enjoying his fresh energy.

We offer the following activities at Chitabe: morning and afternoon game drives, night drives, and nature walks, which allow guests to appreciate the little things they might overlook when they are on game drives. They see smaller creatures, plants, and various animal tracks, with the slowest person on the walk determining the amount of ground being covered. On game drives, our professional and knowledgeable guides, most of whom have been with the company for over 15 years, introduce guests to the Chitabe Concession, and its big mammals like leopards, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and other general game.

Our signature magic moment at Chitabe is the Monkey Run – this is when guests leave before the usual breakfast service, taking with them a packed meal, to maximize the chances of early morning sighting opportunities. We also set up bush dinners as well as bush lunches, as another way for our guests to connect with nature.

Ultimately, Chitabe remains devoted to offering authentic, meaningful safaris committed to conservation, community, and exceptional wildlife.

We look forward to welcoming new guests and familiar faces back to the rocking Chitabe camp.

Thank you!
Emmanuel Tule – Chitabe FOH Manager