Wilderness Chitabe’s location places it at the heart of a complex and beautiful mosaic of habitats, and this diversity results in Wilderness Chitabe being one of the most storied of all Botswana’s areas. Experienced, passionate guides are inspired by the intricate and dynamic landscapes to deliver wildlife experiences few other locations can match.
Eight elevated, meru-style guest tents provide the perfect human habitat, while a stroll along the elevated walkways connecting them to the main area is a safari experience in itself. Day and night drives, and guided walks, showcase the varied wildlife and landscapes of the Okavango.
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.
INSIDER'S TIP: Learn more about the African wild dog packs of the area; if you’re lucky you’ll see some of these endangered carnivores.
Images
Video
Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessWhere better to relax at the end of a stimulating day than the firepit in camp.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessInspiration for the Chitabe guest suite rebuild was drawn from the rich diversity of the surrounding landscapes, blending contemporary design with natural elements.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessWhere there are buffalo, there are likely lions not far behind.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessChitabe's neutral palette is enhanced with warm accents, and the thoughtfully chosen furnishings create a welcoming atmosphere.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessChitabe's decor seamlessly integrates the beauty of nature with refined luxury.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessDining options at Chitabe take full advantage of the panoramic views and constant wildlife parade.
Wilderness Chitabe Credit: WildernessCo-owner Dave Hamman's striking fine art photography is integrated into every aspect of the camp's design.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessYoung lions at play.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessWith staff who have shared in Chitabe’s story for decades, you can always count on a familiar face in camp.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessThis iconic Okavango Delta camp is known for two things: exceptional wildlife and an unmistakable sense of being home.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessRelaxing around the fire before - and after - dinner, is an unmissable safari ritual.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessDining can be family-style, or à deux, as you wish.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessBoma night celebrates the staff's cultural heritage through the cuisine as well as singing and dancing.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessDelicious, healthy meals, thoughtfully designed by Chitabe's Executive Chef, are a consistent culinary delight.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessFeast your eyes, then feast on a delectable array of culinary treats.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessCool off in the pool after a thrilling morning game drive.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessInsulated canvas walls, ceilings and floors enhance comfort, ensuring the guest suites remain cool and inviting.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessThe vision behind the redesigned guest suites was to craft a space that blends timeless elegance with a profound connection to their natural surroundings.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessThe thoughtful combination of textures, natural light and unique details ensures that each suite allows guests to unwind and reconnect with the landscape in an authentic, meaningful way.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessEach suite's private shaded deck opens onto sweeping views of this corner of the Delta.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessStep into the indulgent outdoor shower for a refreshing take on this daily ritual.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessChitabe's cheetah population has had a healthy boost in recent years thanks to the concession's famous female Supermom, who has successfully raised numerous cubs to adulthood.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessExplore a dramatic mix of untamed Kalahari and Okavango wilderness and wildlife on private conservation land at Chitabe.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessChitabe's location, nestled on a beautiful old tree-island, sets the quintessential African safari tone.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessWild dogs feature in almost all wildlife sightings at Chitabe.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessThe Chitabe Concession supports more than one successful lion pride.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessLions are just one of the big cat predators that are resident on the Chitabe Concession.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessChitabe is known for its rewarding cheetah sightings.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: WildernessChitabe has an exceptionally high density of leopards on the concession, where as many as 50 individuals have been recorded.
Standard Twin/Double Tent(s)
Set on a beautiful tree island on a private concession, Wilderness Chitabe offers an exceptional blend of creativity and comfort, perfectly suited to the extreme temperature swings of the Okavango Delta: spacious tents feature innovative cooling systems, and offer sweeping views across the floodplains. Interiors draw from organic textures and earthy tones, while the guiding – as ever – is world-class.
Each tent has been individually curated to enhance the tent experience, the suites feature insulated canvas walls and roofs, creating a “coolbox” environment that maintains a light, airy feel. Stretch tents overhead provide shade while adding elegant, sweeping lines to the architecture. Thoughtful lighting enhances the ambiance throughout the day, while aged brass, wood, and textured wallpaper in the bathrooms add to the organic aesthetic. The spacious interiors have high ceilings, twin beds with en-suite facilities comprising indoor/outdoor showers, large insect-proof mesh openings, and private shaded decks opening to horizon-wide Delta views.
The personalised touch and impeccably styled tented accommodation is strongly influenced by Helene and Dave Hamman, whose renowned photographic artwork of African wild dogs, and big cats adorns the walls. Wilderness Chitabe’s warm, generous and loyal staff complete the perfect guest experience.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Sarah de Pina
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Sarah de Pina
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Sarah de Pina
Credit: Sarah de Pina
Credit: Sarah de Pina
Credit: Sarah de Pina
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Sarah de Pina
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Sarah de Pina
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Sarah de Pina
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Sarah de Pina
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Sarah de Pina
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Sarah de Pina
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Night Drives, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights
Game drives reveal the rich wildlife of the area, from predators to their prey. Diverse habitats characterised by acacia and mopane woodland in the east, and typical Okavango habitats in the west: palm-dotted floodplains, wooded islands, tranquil waterways and dry woodland – make this a wildlife experience few other locations can match. Key mammal species include giraffes, buffalos, lechwe, tsessebe, elephants, lions, leopards, spotted hyaenas, cheetahs, and African wild dogs.
Wilderness Chitabe’s guides – masters of their craft, many with over two decades of experience in this area – read the land like a well-worn map. They don’t just track predators; they anticipate their every move. They don’t just drive; they navigate the Delta’s tangled paths with instinct and precision. Every game drive, every golden-hour sighting is shaped by years of deep respect for the land and its wildlife. The game is relaxed, at ease in the presence of vehicles – an unspoken testament to the guides’ respect, patience, and years of ethical wildlife viewing.
Many of Wilderness Chitabe’s guides are enthusiastic photographers. They are trained not only to offer wildlife photography advice, but to interpret wildlife and put guests in the best position to make the most of their photographic safari.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Afternoon to evening drives provide opportunities for you to see nocturnal mammals such as civets, genets, and bushbabies; as well as owls and perhaps leopard.
Every game drive, every golden-hour sighting is shaped by years of deep respect for the land and its wildlife. The game is relaxed, at ease in the presence of vehicles – an unspoken testament to the guides’ respect, patience, and years of ethical wildlife viewing.
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Walking safaris with skilled guides offer you the exciting opportunity to come across wildlife on foot, as well as observing the small wonders you might miss when travelling by vehicle.
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Credit: Wilderness
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
The birdlife is excellent and varies throughout the year, depending on water levels and season. Species include African hawk-eagle, ground hornbill, scarlet-chested sunbird, red-billed hornbill, gabar goshawk and red-billed francolin.
Wilderness Chitabe is part of an internationally recognised IBA – Important Birding and Biodiversity Area – making birdwatching a very rewarding activity.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness is committed to combating climate change by implementing various sustainable energy solutions. One of these is reducing dependence on fossil fuels, with the aim of being carbon neutral. Take a tour "back of house" to see the solar operation in action, and uncover more about our eco-friendly practices.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Wilderness
Your Stay
3 Nights
All Inclusive - Bed and All Meals
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Wildlife
Wilderness King's Pool | Linyanti Concession
Wilderness King's Pool consistently delivers the best dry season game viewing in far northern Botswana. Situated on the border with Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, Wilderness King's Pool is in an area vital to the seasonal movements of elephant herds, and to the survival of rare roan and sable antelope. Looking down over the Linyanti River, and up from the safety of sunken hides gives guests unexpected angles from which to witness great wildlife moments.
Seven well-appointed twins and one suite, all of canvas, wood and thatch, soak up the views of the lagoon. The main area, deck and bar offer uninterrupted views, with closer proximity to the water, while parts of the roof extend down to ensure privacy.
INSIDER'S TIP: Special highlights include sundowners on the Queen Silvia barge and time out at the unique underground hide!
Images
Video
Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessKing's Pool overlooks a lovely oxbow lagoon
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessThe ancient Batswana craft of weaving is expressed in a number of architectural details
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessSpecial care has been taken to balance privacy, safety and comfort
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessThe camp's refreshed look and feel celebrates the romance of a bygone era
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessThe camp is named after the King's Pool Lagoon
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessMenus are redesigned to complement every safari season
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessNamibia is just a stone's throw from the Linyanti
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessDine alfresco overlooking the lagoon
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessGuest suite and pool deck
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessA serene outing on the Queen Silvia barge
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessDine like royalty at King's Pool
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessScenic helicopter flights have been introduced, based at King's Pool
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessElephants congregate to drink and bathe
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessOne of the Linyanti's legendary male lions
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessWhat a moment!
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessElephants are regularly seen near camp
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessThe Queen Silvia barge at Kings Pool (seasonal, dependent on water levels)
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessGiraffes make their way through the woodland
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessThe Linyanti is famous for its amazing wild dog sightings
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessLeopards are regularly seen on the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessTake home a hand-crafted memento of an unforgettable safari
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessUnwind in front of the bush TV overlooking the lagoon
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessStaff are proud to demonstrate their amazing basket-weaving skills
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessBreakfast on the deck overlooking the lagoon
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessWell-informed staff are always on hand for any guest requirements
Wilderness King's PoolCredit: WildernessMagical sundowner time after an enthralling day at King's Pool
Set in the heart of the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, the camp celebrates the romance of its history, retaining the traits of a traditional safari camp with renewed authentic, yet modern, Batswana flair.
Each guest tent has a large bedroom and lounge area leading to a veranda that embraces the glorious views of the lagoon.
Special care has been taken to balance privacy, safety and comfort whilst inviting the outside in, to create a signature immersive Wilderness experience. In keeping with our commitment to driving sustainable tourism and operating with a light eco-footprint, the camp was refurbished in 2019, reusing or retaining much of the existing material from the previous camp – the superstructure, thatch roof, carved front doors and salvaged timber doors.
The ancient Batswana craft of weaving is expressed in a number of architectural details. This theme is evident throughout the interiors, with abstract embroidery images and hand-painted basket murals. Earthy, rough textures are punctuated by warm copper – in handles and other details – adding richness and depth to the architectural mood. Accents of teal are used throughout to enhance the neutral bronze and copper colour palette.
The King’s Pool Suite has two separate rooms (sleeping four guests in total), each with its own en-suite facilities, and sharing a private plunge pool and outdoor sunken lounge – perfect for families, a group of four adults travelling together, or a couple preferring more space and luxury.
Please note that one of the bedrooms is slightly smaller and has no outdoor shower. It is a standard guest tent and not suitable for children.
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Sala, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Bird Watching, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Massages, Night Drives, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Viewing wildlife on a game drive is a thrilling experience. The varied woodland habitats and ancient floodplains along the Linyanti fault line make the Linyanti an essential part of any Botswana itinerary. Some of our guests have described it as utterly breathtaking. A safari to Africa is worthy of being on every travellers' must see destination.
Catch sight of nocturnal creatures on a night drive along the channel. An intriguing opportunity for you to see animals that you may never have heard of and are more unique, such as genets, civets, and bush babies. The other exciting element of night drives is the chance of seeing cats at their most active.
On request, nature walks with skilled, armed guides are wonderful ways of getting close to nature and observing the smaller things you miss when travelling by vehicle.
There are two hides in the vicinity of Kings Pool from which to view and photograph animals and birds. One is located at the western end of camp and the other is an original underground hide, with the water at eye level making for a unique camera-friendly perspective
End the day with sundowners, relaxing on the elegant, colonial-style Queen Silvia barge floating down the Linyanti River. While the camp and its lagoon take their name from King Gustaf of Sweden who honeymooned here in the mid 1900s, the name of the barge romantically commemorates his wife. The newlyweds fell in love with the beauty of Botswana – a feeling that was mutual as the country fell in love with them too, and Botswana fondly named Queen Silvia the Dancing Queen!
* Water levels permitting.
Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment is on offer on a catch and release basis.
* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.
Birding is outstanding at Wilderness King's Pool, with the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve an internationally recognised Important Bird Area (IBA), particularly for birds of prey like Dickinson's kestrel and water birds, from fish eagles to herons, and African skimmers. In the summer months, southern carmine bee-eaters nest near camp. Keep your binoculars close at hand!
Massages are available for you to enjoy in the privacy of your tent. A range of beauty treatments created to restore your body’s natural balance and soothe away your stresses.
Your Stay
3 Nights
All Inclusive - Bed and All Meals
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife