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.
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.
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Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Wilderness ChitabeNestled on a beautiful old Delta tree-island, Chitabe’s rich, earthy colours and African décor ground you in the bush.
Wilderness ChitabeSink into luxury in Chitabe’s authentic, individually styled tented accommodation.
Wilderness ChitabeAs a predator stronghold, Chitabe produces truly intense and rewarding wildlife encounters during day and night game drives.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Dave HammanThe Chitabe Concession supports more than one successful lion pride.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Dave HammanChitabe is known for its rewarding cheetah sightings.
Wilderness ChitabeCool off in the pool after a thrilling morning game drive.
Wilderness ChitabeBoma nights are a safari institution, which guests universally appreciate.
Wilderness ChitabeBoma night celebrates the staff's cultural heritage through the cuisine as well as singing and dancing.
Wilderness ChitabeLasting memories are made over fire-cooked meals enjoyed under Botswana's starlit skies.
Wilderness ChitabeSit by the fire reminiscing over the day's adventures before being seated for dinner in the boma.
Wilderness ChitabeWild dogs feature in almost all wildlife sightings at Chitabe.
Wilderness ChitabeThe indoor dining area for inclement weather days.
Wilderness ChitabeCelebrate an unforgettable day on safari with a traditional meal highlighting local cuisine.
Wilderness ChitabeBreakfast is a tasty affair.
Wilderness ChitabeEnjoy a sundowner in one of the most picturesque destinations in the world.
Wilderness ChitabeTeatime treats are delicious and nutritious.
Wilderness ChitabePrivate dinners offer a truly romantic setting for two.
Wilderness ChitabeThe main area, built on elevated decks, includes a thatched dining space, bar, pool and lounge, and offers prime wildlife viewing.
Wilderness ChitabeAcclaimed photographer and Chitabe co-owner, Dave Hamman's wildlife photography is a feature of the decor.
Wilderness ChitabeDining can be family-style, or à deux, as you wish.
Wilderness ChitabeWatch the passing parade of wildlife at mealtimes.
Wilderness ChitabeThe fire pit in the main area is the perfect spot to wind down before dinner after an exhilarating game drive.
Wilderness ChitabePre-dinner drinks in camp offer wonderful views of this prolific corner of the Delta.
Wilderness ChitabeViews for Africa from the main area deck.
Wilderness ChitabeThe main area lounge is the ideal spot for pre-activity wildlife-watching.
Wilderness ChitabeWhere there are buffalo, there are likely lions not far behind.
Wilderness ChitabeYoung lions at play.
Wilderness ChitabeDiscover the dramatic mix of untamed Kalahari and Okavango wilderness and wildlife.
Wilderness ChitabeCredit: Dave HammanMaintain your step count while on safari.
Standard Twin/Double Tent(s)
Each tent has been individually curated, and features twin beds, with en-suite facilities comprising indoor and outdoor showers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Your Rooms
1x Tented Room/s
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Wildlife
Wilderness Little Vumbura | Kwedi Concession
11 Sep 2024 - 14 Sep 2024
This small, intimate camp embodies all that is best about the Okavango Delta – breathtaking beauty, remote, peaceful island location, abundant game and varied landscapes. Add in the warm hospitality of the people of this region – who are stakeholders in the ecotourism success story of the Okavango – and you have a winning (and beautiful) combination.
With access to varied, game-rich habitats, this six-tented camp nestles beneath the trees of an ancient island forest. A floating jetty connects land with water, and the wildlife experience can include sightings of sable, and African wild dog.
INSIDER'S TIP: Float along a crystal-clear Okavango waterway by mokoro as you scan for reed frogs and waterlilies.
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Wilderness Little VumburaTake a boat trip to explore the beauty of the floodplains, deep waterways, and riverine and island woodlands.
Wilderness Little VumburaSettle down with a book in the main area as you while away siesta time.
Wilderness Little VumburaHeading for sundowners on a boating excursion
Wilderness Little VumburaWater-based activities are a key attraction in this beautiful corner of the Okavango Delta.
Wilderness Little VumburaSpot wallowing hippos from your boat ride.
Wilderness Little VumburaDuring high season the floodplains are inundated, but game drives still deliver at every level.
Wilderness Little VumburaDelightful little bee-eaters are common residents of wetlands.
Wilderness Little VumburaThe magic of a coffee stop on a morning game drive.
Wilderness Little VumburaWaterlilies are a recurring theme on the Vumbura Concession.
Wilderness Little VumburaSurprise tea stop in the bush.
Wilderness Little VumburaOur qualified guides welcome the opportunity to share their bushlore on a walking safari.
Wilderness Little VumburaThe diversity of the Vumbura Concession makes it a photographer's paradise.
Wilderness Little VumburaBrunch is a feast for all the senses.
Wilderness Little VumburaThe dining area showcases Little Vumbura's wonderful wild island setting.
Wilderness Little VumburaMealtimes celebrate delicious local and seasonal ingredients.
Wilderness Little VumburaRound off brunch with an appetising cheese board.
Wilderness Little VumburaSignature dishes use local produce such as ditloo (local black-eyed peas), marula fruits (high in vitamin C and antioxidants) and nutritious nuts.
Wilderness Little VumburaPreparing the dining area for high tea
Wilderness Little VumburaThe main area is configured around its natural surroundings.
Wilderness Little VumburaToasting another spectacular day on safari.
Wilderness Little VumburaEarly morning coffee and a slice of toast cooked over the fire.
Wilderness Little VumburaPre-dinner drinks and a catch-up on the day's adventures.
Wilderness Little VumburaOur highly trained staff will rustle up your cocktail of choice.
Wilderness Little VumburaThe Star Deck is reached by a bridge leading off the dining area.
Wilderness Little VumburaThe magical setting of Little Vumbura's boma.
Wilderness Little VumburaThe traditional singing and dance performances on boma night will have guests on their feet to join in.
Wilderness Little VumburaHappiness is contagious on boma night.
Wilderness Little VumburaView from a tented guest suite.
Wilderness Little VumburaThe wildlife is never much further than arm's length away.
Wilderness Little VumburaTented guest suite interior.
Wilderness Little VumburaEach well-appointed tent, decorated in soft neutral hues with touches of indigo, has a deck with sweeping vistas over the surrounding floodplain.
Wilderness Little VumburaThe spectacular views from a guest tent deck.
Wilderness Little VumburaThe enchanting nighttime setting for the guest tents.
Wilderness Little VumburaWhen the sun sets, the Delta magic comes into its own.
Wilderness Little VumburaThe annually inundated grasslands of the Okavango Delta surrounding the camp are locally referred to as melapo.
A beautiful and intimate camp built on a small tree island beneath the canopy of an ancient Okavango forest. Accessible by boat, Wilderness Little Vumbura is the epitome of island living in the midst of the water wonderland that is the Delta.
Wilderness Little Vumbura’s en-suite tents comprise spacious rooms that lead into a lounge area, featuring large windows that bring the feel of the outdoors in, so that guests can enjoy the beauty of the bush while relaxing in their tents.
There is one spacious family unit which accommodates four guests. There are two rooms, each with their own en-suite facilities, with an inter-leading door connecting the two rooms.
The shared sunken indoor lounge area leads to a shared deck overlooking the surrounding floodplains and wildlife. The intimate nature of the camp remains the perfect choice for exclusive family safaris.
Wilderness Little Vumbura is situated in the Vumbura Private Wilderness Area, known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, and a concession which is leased from nearby rural communities. Ecotourism activities here thus help communities benefit from conservation. Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to take in the plains game and predators that inhabit the area in good numbers. Key mammal species may include seasonal herds of elephant and buffalo, sable antelope, zebra, wildebeest, tsessebe, lechwe, giraffe, lion, leopard, African wild dog, spotted hyaena, and occasionally cheetah.
Walking in the wilderness is a wonderful way of being even closer to nature, observing the smaller creatures and flora you miss when travelling by vehicle. Our expert guides welcome the opportunity to share their bushlore adventures ...
* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.
There is no better way of viewing wildlife, and exploring the crystal clear channels of the Okavango Delta than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). Often providing up close and personal sightings of tiny painted reed frogs and glorious waterlilies.
* Water levels permitting, however, usually possible all year round.
A boat ride along the calm waters of the delta is another idyllic form of water wildlife viewing. Sighting pods of hippo and crocodile is common in the waterways.
* Water levels permitting, however, usually possible all year round.
Cast your line, and try your hand at fishing on a catch and release basis. The camp has a limited supply of basic equipment for your use.
* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.
The birding at Wilderness Little Vumbura is as varied as it is exceptional all year round. In the summer many migrant species are present, while other specials which are regularly seen include wattled crane, slaty egret, chirping cisticola, fan-tailed widowbird, pink-backed pelican and possibly rosy-throated longclaw for the dedicated birders.