Chitake Mobile Camp
About the Area
The Chitake River flows out of the Zambezi escarpments’ southern mountains and during the dry season, the river turns into a sandy riverbed so that all that is left is a small spring which becomes the only water source for miles around. It is for this very reason that the spring becomes active in the drier months with wildlife congregating around it to drink.
Guests can look forward to a parade of animals, starting from troops of baboons to herds of playful elephants and even the elusive leopard. The lion in the Chitake area are well-known for their hunting skills and guests can be lucky to either witness a kill or the aftermath of one in close proximity to the camp.
What to Expect
There is no driving at Chitake and mornings are spent on incredible nature walks around the Chitake foothills where the search is on for spotting the first animal and afternoons can bring you much excitement as you watch the spectacular game come down to drink for hours on end from the vantage point of a nearby cliff.
One of our best days at Chitake springs was when we saw nearly 2,000 buffalo come to drink in the morning, followed by numerous elephant and later that day a lioness and her cubs, a male lion, a pack of wild dog, several hyenae and a leopard. This wildlife was seen within 5 to 10 meters away…it’s truly an awe-inspiring area of Mana Pools!
Features
- The same spacious Meru style tents with flush toilets and bucket showers, which are used for the Ruwesi Canoe Trail, are set up for the duration of your stay at Chitake.
- Each tent is furnished with large proper beds on steel frames with a comfortable mattress on a wooden base and a bedside table. Paraffin lamps are used throughout the camp.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served alfresco style with a private chef on site each day preparing fresh, wholesome meals.
- The camp is run entirely on solar and there is no WiFi available…which guests find a welcome reprieve from modern life!
- All game activities are done on foot – no vehicles activities are provided so adequate fitness is required for a truly enjoyable trip.