Wilderness Chitabe newsletter – January 2026

The concession has responded beautifully, with seasonal floodwaters breathing life into the plains, filling the channels and nourishing the grasses. The forest stands beautiful and green, while open grasslands provide an extensive view. This transformation has drawn an abundance of wildlife, concentrating predators and prey in outstanding ways and creating the dynamic ecosystem Chitabe is known for.  

Furthermore, towering jackalberry, leadwood, and fig trees line the water’s edges, creating cool shaded corridors that attract wildlife throughout the day. Most importantly, the diverse terrain not only defines the character of the Chitabe Concession, but also continually shapes and maps the rhythm of life within it.

This season delivered some of the most magnificent and unforgettable hunts we have witnessed. The lions were seen moving with their inevitably quiet and commanding authority through the tall grass, their patience rewarded in explosive bursts of power as they took down their prey – this month, a giraffe and a zebra, amongst others. 

Leopards were seen draped over the boughs of ancient trees, having dragged their hard-earned meals up into the safety of the canopy, offering guests a rare and intimate sighting. In displays of the pure art of teamwork, the wild dog hunts unfolded with typical speed, co-ordination, and military precision. 

Nonetheless, at Chitabe, the hunt is never rushed and never guaranteed. It is shaped by instinct, timing, and opportunity. Guests are drawn into the process… the tension of the stalk, the stillness before the chase… raw nature playing out without interference. 

And then, as the sun dipped below the horizon, guests returned to camp carrying more than photographs – they carried the highlights that shaped the day, the people who brought the experience to life, and a chase that will remain stamped in their memories forever.

Chitabe is a quiet paradise for bird lovers; here an African fish eagle announces dawn and flocks of carmine bee-eaters wash the sky deep pink. Every moment could be a clip from a birding documentary: wattled cranes stride elegantly through the open grasslands, delicate kingfishers flash electric blue along the water’s edge, and ground hornbills patrol with stately purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply someone who loves nature’s finer details, Chitabe offers unforgettable avian encounters.

The connection with the surrounding community remains the bedrock of Chitabe’s impactful commitment to conservation, education (through Chitabe’s generous educate-a-child bonus), and sustainable livelihoods. The partnership between Chitabe, Shorobe, and Matsaudi villages ensures that the benefits of tourism on this land go beyond the concession boundaries.

At the heart of all this is our Chitabe Family. Our well-trained and devoted staff strive to bring warmth, knowledge, and passion to every guest experience. From the guiding team meticulously interpreting the bush, to the camp crew ensuring guests’ comfort in the wild, each person plays a role in making Chitabe feel like home. Their teamwork, commitment, and deep connection to this land are felt in every shared moment around the fire, and every story told at the dinner table. 

Joseph, the de facto head of the family, has been part of the soul of Chitabe for nearly three decades now. He carries Chitabe’s history in his footsteps, and its values in the way he works – with pride, patience, and genuine care.

Further entrenching the spirit of family, our Chitabe staff members were invited to bring their children to camp on the 16th of January. This affirmed our warm, living camp, where the next generation can grow up respecting the land, the wildlife, and the people who protect it. What’s more, seeing the children safely experience the rhythms of the bush only strengthens our community, passing on conservation values, and reminding us that Chitabe is not just a workplace but a home. Laura, Jess, Kenosi, and Neo did an impeccable job of looking after the youngsters.

As ever, we are looking forward to welcoming new guests and familiar faces back to our rocking Wilderness Chitabe.

Thank you!
Emmanuel Tule