Reviews of Chitabe Lediba
Wildlife sightings and reviews
86 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Chitabe Lediba and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Chitabe Camp review"
We were met from the airstrip by the camp manager Jack, a larger than life character, who was a fantastic host who was full of stories and hospitality and who remained that way throughout our stay.
The camp had 5 tents but during our stay, only 3 were full. Chitabe had just been refurbished and it showed, with the tents having good design and finished to a high standard. Useful assecories like plug sockets and refillable water bottles were included. The weaknesses of Little Kwara were not in evidence here, with good natural light entering the tent and the outdoor shower being uncovered, with nice views of the surrounding area, whilst remaining private.
Staff were friendly and formal but lacked the family touch of the previous camp which led to a lesser but still a nice experience. Food was not as tasty or served as homely compared to Little Kwara. An evening meal in the Boma was a nice touch and lots of effort from camp staff made for a good evening.
The whole camp was built on stilts providing a safer environment but lost the sense of being in the wild a little because of it. The 'loo with a view' was stunning and watching an Elephant less than 10 metres away from it was surreal.
Game activities were game drives only and our guide was Ebes. The volume and variety of game was impressive and the terrain allowed much easier game viewing providing us with our best sightings, especially of Leopard and Cheetah of the whole trip. However the drives were not as fulfilling or as enjoyable as game drives experienced at the Kwando camps.
Game drives were at a much slower pace and despite the amazing sightings, we were left with a feeling of 'could have been so much better' due to unneccesary pauses in the drives, for example on more than one occasion we viewed Kudu from a far distance (over 100 metres away) when we had seen them earlier at much closer distance.
Our guide was a keen and talented bird watcher (his tracking of a Pels fishing owl was amazing) and despite having no keen twitchers on the Jeep, tried to to instil a bird watching mentality to the drives. This would have been acceptable, if there had been no signs of game around, but this was not always the case. A reluctance to go off road and track an animal, unless a visual had been ascertained was frustrating compared to what we had witnessed at other camps.
Brilliant sightings but one brilliant sighting was tainted by our guide leaving a leopard sighting to go look for his lense cap! Whilst the other vehicles followed the amazing cat we stayed still to search the vehicle for the missing camera equipment.
Overall, we enjoyed Ebes friendly and infomative guiding style and on other trips would have been raving about the sightings we saw whilst with him but unfortunately we were spoilt by the determination of the guides at the other camps to go that extra mile.
In summary the camp facilities were the best we stayed at during our trip and we enjoyed our experiences whilst at Chitabe" See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
"Chitabe Lediba review"
My only negative comment is the camp itself. We were told that it is due to be refurbished in 2011 and it needs it. Compared to the rooms at Chitabe main camp, the rooms at Lediba look very tired and the bathrooms are not the cleanest. Given the choice, I would stay at main camp until Lediba has been refurbished." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
"Marvellous game at Chitabe"
We saw 8 leopard incl cubs, on the ground and in the trees with their kill, 8 lion incl cubs, a cheatah and loads of elephant, kudu etc and a llarge herd of Buffalo" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Chitabe Lediba or Chitabe Minor?"
A major missing item was a universal charging point in the room. There was a socket but to neither UK nor South African standard. This limitation is overcome in other camps by providing a universal adapter in each room as was available in the central lounge area. Our main criticism lies with the seeming subordinate nature of the camp to Chitabe Main. Our managers seemed to come and go. I think we had 4 in our 4 days. In addition Main seemed to be short of guides so our guide spent a lot of time popping into Main to pick up and deliver 2 guests who had no guide. One of the reasons we choose the smaller camps is that one seldom has 6 people in the Landrover. 10 guests means at least 2 guides for the camp and in theory never more than 5 in the vehicle. Due to the Main camp refugees we had 6 in our vehicle for most of our 4 days. Irritating with constant safety briefings and waiting for late comers but since the guides were not available not a matter for on the spot complaint. Lediba is sold as an idependant entity. We felt it is being treated as a reserve facility for Main camp.
Throughout all this Anthony was a terrific guide. We missed nothing and he is one of the best." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
"Chitabe Lediba review"
Relatively little game to see but still enjoyable.
As site faces south, there was little sun to sit in during the mid-day break." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Great guiding and wildlife"
Josie and Kenny were very good hosts and we were sorry to hear that Josie was leaving the bush as she will be a loss to the team. Staff were not quite as friendly as at out other camps but many were quite young and may have been a little shy. There were no service problems at all, it was just that service as not always with a smile.
Food was good - plenty of it and it was nice to be able to help ourselves at all meals so that we did not waste food. Everything seemed freshly prepared and meal times were sociable. We particularly enjoyed the evening that we had dinner around the fire with more traditional local food.
Our tent was perfectly adequate - clean and tidy and nicely furnished. We were told that the camp is closing for maintenance after Christmas and we would hope that this extends to the tents. They are a little tired, particularly the bathrooms areas. The completely outdoor shower was great though and surprisingly private and it was nice to sit on the terrace with babboons bouncing on the roof of the tent.
The guiding and wildlife were the best parts of Chitabe. Newman was our guide and we felt privileged to learn so much from someone who clearly loves nature and seems to know about everything. Newman was retiring and we were just about his last guests but he was still keen to get out early to show us things and share his knowledge. We saw a lot at Chitabe and it was rare to be out for long without a new and exciting sighting of something - baby hyenas at their den, 40 vultures fighting over a dead giraffe, a python wrapped around a poor baby impala and a leopard with her cub. In fact, we saw a different leopard each of the 4 days we were at Chitabe and felt very fortunate indeed." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Stunning game in a great setting"
Guiding was competent rather than outstanding (here and elsewhere). It was unusual, however, to be asked to interrupt my close-up leopard viewing and sit back, to allow the guide to take photos (we don't take any photos ourselves). And once or twice the game wandered off as we sat there, while he reviewed his digiital gallery of recent shots! But we took it in good humour, as the overall experience was amazing.
We saw a pack of 20 wild dogs on 2 separate occasions; a group of 3 cheetah about to hunt, 2 who had climbed a tree to get a better view; 3 different leopard sightings, 1 by the camp at night, and one extraordinary encounter. We came across an apparently abandoned tiny baby baboon, and followed it until it led us to his mother's corpse. As we drove away, a leopard emerged from the bushes and dragged his new baboon kill off into the thicket and ate it in front of us - leaving the tiny baby orphaned and crying for its mummy. No sentiment in the bush. We saw plenty of lion too, honey badgers on the road at dawn, monitor lizard right by the car, and lots of elephant - including one lone male who joined us for our sundowner.
The only activities offered were day game drives, although a spotlight was held up as we returned after dusk to camp - prepare to see lots of scrub hares and not much else.
On our last night, the camp staff gave us a delightful surprise, welcoming us back from our afternoon drive with a private dining outside our room, complete with candles, oil lamps and personal at-table service. Very romantic and charming way to end our stay there.
The park was beautiful, with lots of green open spaces and water, to offset the dryer areas. All in all, awesome as the young people say nowadays." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Chitabe Lediba review"
That apart, all was great." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Chitabe Lediba review"
We found lots of other animals here and the night drives were particularly productive, I think because the guide was so good. We went out with Newman.
The staff here went out of their way to be hospitable. For a couple of nights we were the only guests, and one night they surprised us with a candlelight dinner on our deck!
Spectacular place. Although Duma Tau rates right up there too, this was the best camp of the three for us." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"The camp we didn't get to!"
Mombo is a top of line camp with all mod cons yet still retains an open, friendly and informal atmosphere. The wildlife viewing opportunities are fantastic and the guides (in our case Lebo and Emang) go out of their way to seek out the uncommon. In our case, this was a chance to observe one of the white rhino recently re-introduced to Botswana and a very exciting sunset drive overland in pursuit of a wild dog who was honing in on a herd of impala. Then there was: the leopard ( in camp and another later in a tree with a fresh kill), the lioness with two new cubs not previously seen by the guides, the hippo who ambled past our tent ....etc.
Top marks, and all the better since we had not intended to be there.
Re Chitabe Lediba: during the course of our trip, we did meet other travellers who had been there, all of whom reported highly favourably on the camp and the quality of the wildlife viewing. The ratings above and below are for Mombo:" See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
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Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.
Little Vumbura
On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.
Shinde Camp
With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.
Splash Camp
Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.
Sandibe Safari Lodge
The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
Chitabe Camp
In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.
Shinde Footsteps
Small and very rustic, Footsteps across the Delta focuses on walking safaris; it also runs a special children’s programme so is particularly suitable for families.
Gomoti Plains Camp
Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.
Tubu Tree Camp
A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.
Nxabega Tented Camp
Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.
Vumbura Plains
Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.
Kwetsani Camp
Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a traditional safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion and buffalo interaction that is often found here in broad daylight.
Baines' Camp
Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.
Stanley's Camp
In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.
Duba Explorers Camp
Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.
Little Tubu
Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.
Pom Pom Camp
Pom Pom Camp lies amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery. Come for idyllic mokoro trips and great birdwatching, and accept that big-game sightings here are a bonus.
Pelo Camp
In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
Xaranna
Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.
Jao Camp
In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.
Seba Camp
Seba Camp is a luxury camp in a lovely location that offers the full range of water and land safari activities, depending on the time of year. This camp is particularly suitable for families.
Abu Camp
Abu Camp is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb elephant-back safaris and opportunities to walk with them too.
Rra Dinare
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Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
Duke’s Camp
On a remote island within a vast private concession, the eclectic Duke’s Camp is nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains of the Okavango.
Kiri Camp
Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.
Okavango Walking Safari
The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.
Atzaro Okavango
With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.
Mokolwane
Deep in the heart of the Okavango, Mokolwane promises adventure in a largely untouched area.
Sitatunga Island Camp
Sitatunga Private Island: in this pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, even the name is evocative.
North Island
Deep in quintessentially 'Okavango' territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, promises to be a great combination from a team who know all about the best in the Okavango.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
Qorokwe Camp
Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.
Eagle Island Lodge
Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.
