Chada Camp

an unusually remote safari location

Chada Camp is located in the Katavi area of western Tanzania.

This is one of those extremely remote and magical places that has achieved what can only be described as legendary status. Lots of people have heard of it, but so few have actually managed to visit.

That’s no great surprise, considering that Kavavi National Park really is genuinely remote and inherently expensive to get to. Only a few small planes head out this way each week in season, it’s a full 2-3 hours flying from either Serengeti or Ruaha.

The camp was established back in the 1990s by our good friends, safari legends Roland and Zoe Purcell. Only people as visionary and utterly carefree as them would have the nerve to establish an operation, not only here, but also in the nearby chimpanzee reserve of Mahale Mountains.

In the early years these two camps were known as Boys’ Camp and Girls’ Camp, reflecting the nature of the experience that each delivered. Chada was a camp for serious savanna adventures.

These days, the camp is operated by Nomad Safaris, a company which is renowned for its similar pioneering history and authentic safari values. It may not be as utterly crazy as it used to be, but it does remain a spirited place, by far the best option in this genuinely interesting and blissfully peaceful reserve.

We love the picnic brunches under the big fig tree, with a panoply of animals out on the great open plain serving as a remarkable backdrop. The heaving hippo pools have to be seen to be believed.

If you love real safari and are prepared to pay for this kind of remote authenticity, then Chada Camp should be high on your list. If you’re also interested in the remarkable chimpanzee experience at Mahale, then it’s a no-brainer to stop here on the way.

The camp itself is set in woodland on the fringe of an open plain. It is centred on a pair of simple mess tents, with comfortable lounge and dining areas, leading out to decks and a campfire.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Chada Camp is in eight tented suites, each with an indoor bathroom and outdoor shower.

Activities

Chada Camp provides the following guided activities, not all of which are usually included in the price …

• Vehicle safari
• Walking safari
• Bush meals
• Night vehicle safari: may not be permitted

Katavi tends to feature in an extremely low proportion of trips to Tanzania. It tends to appeal mainly to very experienced safari travellers, who have a very generous budget and plenty of time. Almost everyone combines with the chimpanzee reserve of Mahale Mountains.

The usual stay duration is 3-4 nights, depending on the flight schedules.

Seasonality

The best time of year for safari in Katavi is generally considered to be the Jul-Oct dry season, when the animals converge on the floodplains.

Getting there

Despite its remoteness, Katavi National Park is relatively easy to access, with light aircraft schedules coming in from parks in the north and south of the country to the local Ikuu Airstrip, usually twice per week during the main safari seasons.

Your safari vehicle and guide is provided by the camp in which you are staying.

such an iconic and yet elusive safari location