Wilderness Chitabe newsletter – February 2026

The Chitabe landscape is simply stunning, as the seasonal rains have encouraged green grasses and blossoming vegetation across the plains. The landscape here is more than just scenery, it is a story waiting to be explored. Furthermore, baobab, jackalberry, and acacia trees stand proudly, with their trunks darkened by the rain. The air is rich with the scent of wet earth and fresh vegetation. Many of the game drive roads are now filled with water, but we still enjoy amazing sightings.

The green season provides excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife, and while visibility can be reduced by tall grasses, unlike in the dry season, the scenery now is spectacular for photography. It’s a great time to see elephants wallowing, birdlife buzzing, and hippos moving through shallow pools.

The Chitabe Concession is famed as the predator capital of the Delta, and it is a fact that Chitabe’s exceptional diversity provides perfect habitat for predators. In addition, Chitabe is truly special, not only in the number of predators, but also in the intimate and authentic encounters that unfold during game drives. Guests and guides are regularly treated to extraordinary sightings of leopards, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

Large prides, like the Matsibe, dominate the plains, and their powerful presence is often accompanied by thrilling and successful hunts and pride dynamics. Chitabe is also a hotspot for the leopards, as we have over 50 leopards recorded on the concession, and they are regularly seen hunting or relaxing in the tree canopies.

Cheetahs patrol the open areas with speed and precision, while hyenas bring their own captivating opportunistic hunting strategies.

When the staff gathers to sing together as a choir on Boma, and other cultural evenings, it’s more than just entertainment, it is a heartfelt expression of the camp’s spirit and unity. The choir performance is always a highlight of our guests' safari experience. 
Culture at Chitabe is built around hospitality, conservation, teamwork, and community connection. As custodians of the area, we rigorously follow the crucial objectives below:

• Educating guests about animals, birds, and ecosystems
• Supporting research and conservation programs
• Respect for wildlife and habitats
• Responsible tourism practices

• Extremely warm hospitality
• Everything was perfect
• Very friendly, attentive, and hospitable staff
• Lovely smiles
• Great food
• Meet-and-greet upon arrival