Chiefs Camp

a very pricey but slightly mainstream property

Chiefs Camp is located in the Moremi Central area of the Okavango Delta area in northern Botswana.

The camp is set amongst a stand of mature hardwood trees alongside a seasonal lagoon around half way down Chief’s Island.

Entering the main building, we first encounter a small reception area and gift-shop. Passing through into the main space, with a very pleasant lounge to the right and a bar to the right, leading out to broad terraces above the lagoon. Further to the right is the main dining area, whilst out front, a little lower than the main deck, is a very nice campfire area. At the far end of the deck is a very nice swimming pool. There is also a small spa building.

One aspect that we always appreciate is the amount of animals which can be seen in and around camp. The lagoon out front is often dotted with various visitors, notably elephants, hippos and zebras. Within the camp itself it is often possible to see vervet monkeys, baboons and impalas, whilst several elephants often come into camp to search for the tasty seed-pods which fall from the trees around the guest tents. Some guests have even encountered hyenas and leopards on the paths between the rooms.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Chiefs Camp is in twelve large canvas-and-thatch structures, which are accessed along a network of ground-level pathways. Each room has a large private verandah out front, with double doors leading through the canvas wall into the main bedroom. The bed is set under a very large mosquito net, with a small seating area in front. There is an indoor bathroom with conventionally plumbed basin, shower and toilet, plus a further shower outside.

Activities

Chiefs Camp provides the following limited range of guided activities …

• Vehicle safari
• Mokoro canoe safari (May-Sep)
• Helicopter safari (not included)

When it comes to trip shapes and durations in Botswana, most visitors combine 2, 3 or 4 lodges by light aircraft over 6-12 nights, one or two of which will usually be here in Okavango Delta, combined with the Linyanti Waterfront and/or Makgadikgadi areas.

These trips are often done in combination with further nights at the Victoria Falls and/or down in the Cape.

The usual stay duration in Moremi Central tends to be limited to just 2-3 nights, since the range of activities is reduced compared with the surrounding concessions.

Seasonality

The Moremi Central area can be visited year round, but there are considerable seasonal variations.

The Jul-Sep dry season is the classic time to visit the Okavango Delta and is generally considered to be the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals are drawn to the water from surrounding areas. Temperatures can drop towards freezing at night, particularly during Jul-Aug, but the days are perfect for safari. There are also very few insects around. The flood in this central part of the delta should be strong at this time, turning large parts of the area into a gorgeous water-world, but receding fast into September. This is very much the high season in terms of prices and visitor numbers.

Oct-Dec is the hot wet season when temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high, particularly during Oct-Nov, in advance of the rains. With the floods having receded in most areas, the wildlife tends to become very concentrated around the few remaining water sources, making for very strong wildlife viewing. Boating activities may become less widely available except at those camps with access to permanent deepwater channels. If rainfall arrives, it is usually in the form of short showers and has little effect on safari. Some animals may disperse, but sightings remain strong. The majority of camps are significantly discounted during this period.

Jan-Apr is the main green season, when the area experiences the majority of its rainfall and temperatures and humidities have dropped. At this time the landscapes are green and beautiful with lots of babies around, providing a great contrast to the harshness of the dry season. Dec-Feb threatens the greatest chance of prolonged cloud and rain. As the seasonal waterholes become replenished, some animals disperse from the area in search of better grazing, but sightings remain strong. The majority of camps are significantly discounted throughout this season.

Getting there

Access to Okavango Moremi Central is by light aircraft from Maun and Kasane or other camp airstrips. Each camp is served by its own local airstrip.

usually combined with at least one other camp in Botswana