Wilderness Chitabe Newsletter – April 2026

In April, the entire Chitabe Concession was still alive and refreshed by late rains, but starting to slowly transform. As the month progressed, we began to receive the first inflow of water from the highlands of Angola, filling the channels and low-lying areas. The vegetation was still thick early in the month, then gradually started to thin in some areas. This subtle change created open spaces, adding variety and depth to the landscape. In addition to all this, the environment is still buzzing with life, and birdsong in the air. The area has been energised by the seasonal changes, attracting a variety of species.

Set in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Chitabe is more than just a destination. It’s a place where the wild characters write their own stories. For instance, we have the powerful lions (the Matsibe and Tsame prides) roaming the open plains, while leopards like Mojeremane and Rose are often seen draped elegantly over a tree branch with a kill. Most interestingly, a tender new story has begun. Resident leopard Rose, has given birth to two cubs. As she is a first-time mother, we are watching the progress of these tiny tykes closely.

Moreover, African wild dogs are also back in the concession, and the alpha female is pregnant, which is absolutely thrilling news. Equally thrilling, the cheetah called Supermom is also back in the Chitabe Concession. As her name implies, she’s known for more than her elegance and speed – that is, for her success as a mother. She has consistently defied the odds, raising her young ones with great success. 

And apart from the predators, Chitabe is heaven for bird enthusiasts. Elusive birds like the Pel’s fishing owl call hauntingly from the riverine forests. We have also been seeing wattled cranes, secretarybirds, and slaty egrets, with African hawk-eagles commanding the sky. 

Most of our staff come from nearby communities, carrying with them a deep-rooted connection to the land. Our guides (Ebs & Phin) have been with the company for almost three decades, and they are great storytellers, trackers, and naturalists. With their deep understanding of the wildlife and animal behaviour, they transform every game drive into a journey of discovery for guests. What sets the Chitabe team apart is not just skill, but the shared commitment to making every guest feel at home.

In a recent act of community support, Chitabe’s owners donated food hampers to Shorobe Primary School to support the school’s breakfast feeding programme for the entire second term. This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the communities around us. Most importantly, a reliable meal plays a critical role in improving learners' academic performance and behaviour.