Wilderness Chitabe in Botswana’s Okavango Delta has reopened following an extensive rebuild aimed at improving sustainability, guest comfort and operational efficiency.
The camp, located within the private NG31 concession bordering Moremi Game Reserve, now features eight guest suites that are double the size of the previous structures. The new accommodation units are elevated on steel platforms to reduce environmental impact and use insulated canvas walls and stretch-tented roofs for passive climate control. Evaporative cooling systems, reported to be 90% more efficient than conventional air-conditioning, have been introduced to further reduce energy consumption.
The rebuild is part of broader sustainability efforts by Wilderness. Chitabe now runs on solar power and maintains a low environmental “food-print” in its culinary operations. The camp continues to contribute to long-running conservation initiatives, including aerial wildlife surveys and leopard and wild dog research programmes, while supporting local education and staff development.
The NG31 concession is recognised for its high-density predator populations and diverse habitats, making it a key area for year-round game viewing. More than 50 individual leopards have been recorded in the area along with lions, cheetahs, African wild dogs and large herds of elephant and buffalo.
Guiding remains a core component of the guest experience. Many of Chitabe’s guides are long-serving and have additional skills in wildlife photography, enhancing the interpretive quality of safari activities.
