Camp Chitake
Chitake Spring
3 Nights/4 Days
Photographic
Walking
Professional Guide
Camp Chitake is a rustically comfortable stationary camp located near the Chitake Spring. The Spring is a hidden gem nestled deep in Mana Pools National Park. The Chitake Spring is an area of crucial importance to a great variety of wildlife occurring in this southern part of Mana Pools National Park. Water flows strongly out of the ground and flows for up to a kilometre along the otherwise dry riverbed of the Chitake River. The Chitake River rises in the Zambezi Escarpment on the very southern boundary of the Park, and connects with the Ruckomechi River, which in turn snakes across the valley floor to the mighty Zambezi, 70 kilometres away. Once the rains have begun properly, there is a torrent of water flowing in these systems but that generally dries up by April. As more of the surrounding waterholes dry, the spring becomes the focus of survival to hundreds of thousands of creatures.
The high and rugged escarpment is only 8 km away but game has to come down from the hills for water. The mixed Mopane, Combretum and Acacia woodlands of the vast valley floor are home to many thirsty animals. As the dry season progresses the concentrations of wildlife increase, accompanied by huge flocks of doves, starlings, lovebirds, sparrows, finches, hornbills and sand grouse.
With such a diverse array of wildlife on the menu, this is the ideal spot for predators – lion, leopard, hyena, painted hunting dog, mongoose, snakes and a plethora of birds of prey enjoy the fine dining. Vultures are often seen in large numbers waiting for their next meal.
Of course, the greatest shows are put on by the grey herds of thirsty elephant and huge black masses of buffalo. Experience the closeness and excitement of Chitake by camping right on the edge of the river and exploring its mini sandstone gorge and wild woodlands, brimming with nature. Long walks are taken out from the spring area to go up into the different habitats of the hills or, when it is very dry, one can make a hide in the bushes near the water, blend into the environment and let everything come to you.
Chitake can be an extremely intense experience for the true naturalist and someone who likes to feel the challenge of nature. When walking you have to concentrate particularly carefully on your surroundings, often remaining silent for hours to let the game close in. Sounds are amplified at night in the narrow riverbed; the bushes around one threatening to release some bundle of tooth and claw!
For the avid birder there is no disappointment, as with the combination of dry and wet, woodland and open scrub, mountain and plain, there are well over 300 possible bird species to be seen.
Due to the structure of the environment, a naturalist will discover bats, rodents, porcupine, honey badgers, bugs, beetles, butterflies, moths, hissing ants, spiders, scorpions, beautiful plants, giant baobabs, tracks and spoor.
This is not a “lodge”. This is not a game drive. Chitake is for people who understand Africa away from the standard brochure.
For the “Africaphile” who like their wildlife wild!
Safari Includes:
- Services of fully qualified professional guide.
- All activities.
- Use of all camping equipment.
- All meals and snacks.
- All drinks (soft drinks, beers & alcohol).
- Complementary laundry (time permitting).
Safari Excludes:
- ALL NATIONAL PARKS FEES (contact Natureways or your agent).
- Charters & Transfers into and out of Mana Pools National Park.
- Any personal expenses.
Safari Calendar
Shown below are safaris currently open to join. If these safaris don’t fit in with your required dates please contact us, we can open up new safaris for a minimum of 2 people!
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Odyssey General Information
DAILY ROUTINE
Guests will be awakened early, warm water will be placed in your basin outside each tent while freshly brewed coffee awaits you on the campfire. Everyone will have the opportunity to have something to eat before setting out on their safari. Guests do have the option of going for an early morning walk or game drive before breakfast or for the avid fisherman there is time to pull out a fishing rod. The routine is tailored to suite the individuals on the safari, the camp will be packed up by our staff to ensure that guests spend as much time as possible doing safari activities or simply enjoying their surroundings.
ABLUTIONS
Natureways Odyssey Safari Camps have no permanent ablution facilities however the camp does come with the luxury of long drop toilets and for night use all tents have en-suite chemical toilets. Guest can also revel a luxurious hot shower underneath the expanse of the Africa sky.
BACK UP STATUS
All Odyssey Safaris are fully backed up with a Natureways team and 4×4 vehicle. The team will take care of all our guests’ needs and camp chores. During our mobile safaris the camp will be taken down and all equipment and guests luggage will be transferred to the next campsite by vehicle after guests have left for their day’s walking.
EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
All camping equipment is supplied.
Our Odyssey Safaris are true bush camps, offering rustic luxury – there is no electricity, no permanent structures and no plumbing. A taste of the way safaris used to be, a truly authentic African bush experience. The camps are eco-friendly, designed to be erected and dismantled within hours, leaving not trace on the environment.
Natureways has custom built tents to guarantee guests comfort, tents are spacious walk-in style with en-suite toilet facilities for night use and comfortable beds with fresh linen. The tents are mosquito proof with mosquito gauze on the roof so guests can lie in bed and enjoy the night sky, all our do have tents have flysheets to ensure guests to not get wet if it does rain.
Each camp comes with the luxury of ablution facilities as mentioned above. Odyssey camps are fully equipped with a kitchen accompanied with an experienced bush cook, bar facilities and dining area as well as waiter service.
FOOD
All produce is brought in fresh and meals are prepared in camp by one of our experienced bush cooks. All breads and pastries are freshly baked on open campfires. Vegetarian or other dietary preferences can be catered for providing Natureways is warned 4 weeks prior to the safari.
- Breakfast: may consist of cereals, yoghurt, muffins, biscuits, pancakes, toast and jams. On the guests last day of safari a full English breakfast will be laid out for guests to enjoy.
- Lunch: usually fresh quiche, meat pies, etc. with varied selection freshly baked bread, salads and cheeses.
- Dinner: full 3 course meals with various starters, delicious main courses and sumptuous deserts all eaten by candlelight under the stars, accompanied by a bottle of wine (imported).
DRINKS
All Odyssey Safaris include a supply of local beers, spirits, minerals, cordials, mineral water, tea, coffee and imported wines. Drinks are served by our friendly camp staff whilst guests relax in the peace and tranquillity of the safari. We recommend guests contact Natureways if they do have any drink preferences i.e. a particular brand of local beer is preferred. Guests are also free to bring their own beverages, cooler boxes can be set aside for this purpose. There is no limit to the amount of beverages guests can bring.
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