Chitabe Walking Trails
Walking on safari has always been regarded as one of the finest ways to get a feel for the African wilderness. Chitabe Walking Trails allows guests to get their feet on the ground and get away from vehicles, to really feel, smell and touch Africa. Set in one of the best areas for walking in the Okavango, it offers a one- or two-night genuine walking trail experience.
The Trail is tailor-made to suit each group's abilities and wants and a professional guide informs and leads the group through the different habitats of the Delta. Nights are spent sleeping out at one of two hides located in different parts of the Chitabe Reserve. One is located at the edge of a floodplain, while the other is set within woodland on the edge of an extensive pan system, boasting abundant elephant activity.
The hides are built on elevated platforms with each person sleeping under a mosquito net with an exceptional view of the spectacular night skies of Africa. Chemical toilets and hot bucket showers are provided. Simple but delicious meals are prepared on the open campfire.
At night, the deep silence is punctuated by nocturnal sounds, from peeping frogs to roaring lion or the hyaena's whooping call. The atmosphere is magical and the highlight of any African safari.
The adventure begins and ends at either Chitabe Camp or Chitabe Lediba, with the optional extension either before or after the trail at one of these Camps. You walk under the guidance of an experienced armed professional guide. The emphasis is on exploring Africa and its wonders at a pace set by you.
We walk a separate section of the Chitabe Concession and will enjoy an undisturbed and pristine wilderness experience to ourselves.
After an early morning continental breakfast at camp, you depart on the first of two stretches of the walk to the hide. The "morning" part of the walk to the brunch spot is at a leisurely pace with time for fauna and flora interpretation along the way. After brunch in the bush, you can relax in the heat of the day in the shade of a tree.
Guests spend time relaxing, which is followed by tea is set up in the bush and then you will embark on the second part of your walk and will arrive at the hide timed to coincide perfectly for you to settle in just before indulging in sundowners at sunset with a glorious view from the decks.
Dinner is cooked over an open fire and you will sleep under mosquito nets under the stars from the vantage point of raised decks with a 360 degree view of the surrounding woodland and floodplains to greet you in the morning.
Camps are specifically outfitted to create that sense of wilderness with a clear emphasis on essential camp comforts and maximum wilderness experience.
After an early wakeup call; tea or coffee and light breakfast, you head out on a morning walk, which heads back to the main camp.
En-route, once again you have the possibility of seeing both large mammals and all the other interesting facets of the environment. While game such as zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and impala are commonly encountered, the focus of the walk is also on medical and traditional uses of plants, the rudiments of tracking, insects and birds. Large species such as buffalo and elephant are also frequently encountered and sightings with predators such as lion are possible.
Either one night sleeping at one of two hides in different areas: one on a floodplain and the other in woodland vegetation.
Hides are on elevated platforms providing amazing views.
