Chitabe Lediba Camp is situated in in the Chitabe Concession, some 28,000ha of tree-filled savannah's, floodplains and one of the wildest habitats in the region. It is surrounded on 3 sides by the neighbouring Moremi Game Reserve, itself encompassed by Botswana's Okavango Delta. 'Lediba' is a local word for a remnant lagoon that is now a waterhole.

The immediate area is shady, due to wooded glades but there are few open plains. In a sharp contrast with the areas further north, it's largely forested with an interesting combination of riverine forests, mopane and acacia woodlands, interrupted by sporadic lush channels.

Chitabe Lediba Camp is smaller than its sister, Chitabe Camp and offers the same exciting opportunities for game viewing, but in a much more intimate surrounding. This makes this camp the ideal destination for smaller groups and in particular it is geared up for families. They pride themselves and have an excellent reputation for their 'unfailingly friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable staff, who are always willing to chat about the camp and the surrounding wildlife.

Access to the main area is via a newly-constructed wooden walkway, elevated about 1m off the ground. Once inside the beautifully designed thatched area the bar, complete with very comfortable seating area is on the left, and a large dining table with wrought iron chairs to the right. A selection of wildlife and birding magazines are available and the steps from the main area lead down to a round 'boma' with a fire - in the centre. Comfortable directors chairs are provided to enjoy after dinner stories around the camp fire.

Another wooden walkway leads to the 'loo-with-a-view' and further on to the small swimming pool, complete with sun loungers, the ideal spot to enjoy superb panoramic views over the floodplains. Not far from here is the camp curio shop, which stocks a variety of branded safari clothing, local Okavango crafts and surprisingly, a selection of silver Ethiopian crosses!

The dining, lounge and pool areas have a superb view of the small lediba, and guests can view a multitude of wildlife which comes daily to drink from the comfort of the camp itself. The food at Chitabe Lediba is of a consistently exceptional standard and the delicious meals are served buffet-style, and guests dine together.

Breakfast is served on the deck as the sun rises, and usually consists of cereal, fruit, muffins, tea and coffee. After the early morning game drive a cooked breakfast is available along with a selection of salads and bread. Afternoon tea is savoury and sweet snacks, as well as a slice or two of cheesecake and mini quiches, washed down with iced tea.

Dinner is a particular highlight with a delicious starter of grilled tomato and aubergine stack with balsamic glaze, followed by a mouthwatering mushroom stroganoff, served with a selection of fresh 'al dente' vegetables and butternut squash chunks with cinnamon. Afters is Botswana's equivalent of a sticky toffee pudding – with cream! The chef is able to cater for all dietary tastes – vegetarian, vegan, gluten free etc. as long as they are informed in advance.

Electricity is supplied by a generator that is turned off on when guests return from their activities. This reverts the camp to its peaceful and tranquil setting. A system of inverters and batteries take over, with enough power to supply lights/fans throughout the night. Hair-dryers are not allowed.

Accommodation comprises of 5 raised, luxury and spacious Meru-style tents of which 2 are suitable to be converted into family units, as there are adjoining bedrooms. The en-suite bathrooms have flushing toilets, sink and the outdoor showers have a great view of the Delta. Rest overnight on a huge comfortable 4 poster bed, complete with mosquito net.

Due to large populations of dangerous game, and the fact that Chitabe Camp is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after dark. Alarm sirens or whistles are provided in the rooms in case of emergency.

Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah can be seen at Chitabe. Plains game such as zebra, tsessebe, giraffe, kudu and impala are also resident. On occasions, the African wild dog can be seen. Night drive sightings include genet, civet, serval, porcupine and rarely, the aardwolf.

The Chitabe area has an excellent reputation for birdwatching. Amongst the population that can be identified include Pel's fishing owl, slaty egret, brown snake eagle, marsh harrier, tawny eagle, black coucal, black egret, martial eagle and the African fish eagle, whose haunting cry can often be heard in camp.

Okavango Delta Lodges | Botswana

Game drive

Chitabe Lediba Camp has both morning and afternoon game drives, the tried and tested periods for game viewing. These short safaris take place in the same area as Chitabe Camp, so the viewing experience is identical. There is also the opportunity to explore and enjoy a breathtaking variety of landscapes and habitats to en-route, and the afternoon drives usually return after dark in the hopes of spotting the shyer, nocturnal animals.

The Chitabe Trail

The Chitabe walking trail is still considered to be one of the most exciting ways to get really close up to nature. On the Chitabe Trail, an armed guard will accompany you on an informative and adventurous tour through the different habitats of the Delta.

Other interests

There are also 2 elevated platforms which are utilised either for a 'sleep out' or as a game viewing platform by day.

Children are welcome at Chitabe Lediba Camp but some restrictions apply. 12 years and over are welcome but unfortunately 7 years and under are not accepted. The camp may accept children from the ages of 8 – 12 years old, if a private vehicle is booked and requested in advance.

Please note: When children are accepted at this camp, they tend to be kept separate from other guests. The walkways to the rooms are raised fairly high off the ground. The camp does have family rooms for those with children, which is essentially a luxury double tent with the bathroom in the middle.