When we first pushed into Katavi way back, no one had signed the park guestbook for a decade; camp was three bedrolls and a fire. We went feral in the freedom of being amongst such concentrations of beasts. Though we've upgraded since then, with comparative luxuries like showers and silverware - we stay faithful to how that felt, and our outpost still sits amongst the elephants, bellowing hippos and tamarind trees.
Large, airy, spacious and classic. Our six tents at Chada Katavi lie deep in the heart of Katavi National Park.
Visitors of all shapes and sizes join us in camp at Chada Katavi.
Set under large and shady Tamarind trees, the camp sits in the heart of the action.
The location of our classic expeditionary camp in Katavi hasn't changed in 20 years.
Walking the wide Chada plain
Crocodiles aestivate in deep caves dug in the river banks in Katavi National Park.
Elephants on a morning drive
An epic moment captured right in front of camp at Chada Katavi.
Katavi has a special kind of magic that means that we live alongside wildlife as we weren't even there.
Dining al fresco in Katavi National Park. With so much space, why not?
Birdwatching from the banks of the river
Giraffe along the river line.
Photo: Henrik Egede-Larsen
The big boys of the bush.
That heart-stopping feeling of being on foot with wildlife, on their turf.
At home in the wilderness.
Set out on foot in the late afternoon, pausing to watch life happening around you.
Shedding
Health & wellbeing
Beds for Meds
We hold dentist outreach clinics to the far-flung areas of western Tanzania where oral healthcare is hard to come by. Our dentist professionals visit schools outside Katavi National Park, as well as giving the Chada staff the once over. The professional team fly into Chada, use it as their base before spreading smiles across the remote areas of western Tanzania.
Life long learning & growth
Investing in education
Using Chada as our base and Nomad vehicles for transport, we facilitate specialist teacher training workshops in the village schools surrounding Katavi National Park. The training aims to equip teachers with skills and tools to better cope with the harsh teaching environments they deal with daily.
The training was conducted by an education organisation from Arusha, The Foundation for Tomorrow. We’re delighted to join the dots for them and give them access to the remote schools in western Tanzania.
Conservation & environment
Supporting conservation partners
Based in western Tanzania, the Landscape and Conservation Mentors Organisation (LCMO) supports communities around Katavi, running conservation, environment, and education projects.
We support the LCMO with intern programmes for conservation field work, fund seat on planes and beds in camp for them and we also invest in their village ambassador programmes.
Our camps bring a safari of extraordinary contrasts. Katavi is about remote, expeditionary safaris. Mahale takes you further off the map, to meet our chimpanzee cousins. Put simply, this is the pinnacle of life-changing safaris.
The cost of a safari does vary, from simple bush camps or tented camps to high-end luxury or private houses. In Tanzania, there is a wide spectrum of accommodation allowing travellers to mix and match, building tailormade itineraries to suit a budget. Specialist tour operators are able to advise on the best options for your budget. Included in the safari cost is access to the wild, expert guides and unique experiences.
Tanzania is a year round destination, especially in Northern Tanzania. So your visit often depends on family schedules or particular wildlife experiences on the bucket list. We love January to March in Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti Plains when the air is clear, nice temperatures and the migration arrives in town for calving season. This is an extraordinary time to be there.
A safari with your family is a magical way to spend quality time with your children, immersed in the wilderness and surrounded by wildlife. Time on safari with your family allows all to disconnect from your busy daily lives. Tailor your family safari with a private guide and vehicle plus make sure you look at family specific properties such as Mkombe's House. When inside the national parks, most camps have age restrictions with 8+ being a general guide.
Much depends on the age of your children, if on the young side then we'd advise not trying to cram too much in to your days but plan your safari in bitesize chunks bringing new excitement around every corner.
Fresh, locally sourced, and surprisingly varied given the remote locations of some camps. Imagine homemade bread, seasonal veg, cooking with delicious Swahili spices. All accompanied by far-stretching views or enjoyed under a shady tree.
Early starts with golden light as the bush awakens, and a fresh cup of coffee by the morning camp fire. Either breakfast in camp or take a bush breakfast to go. Enjoy early morning game drives to observe wildlife before the day gets too hot. In the heat of the day, find a shady spot for a siesta go. After tea, its time for an afternoon foray and sundowners with a view. Evenings are quiet, firelit, and full of stars.
Northern Tanzania is probably the most well known part of the country with the world famous spectacle, the Wildebeest Migration, drawing travellers year round. A full northern circuit brings incredible wildlife from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater and that's before you even get to the Serengeti. Prepare for a density of wildlife like nowhere else in Africa. That being said, the south offers a quieter safari experience in Ruaha and Nyerere. Here you can get off the beaten track in explore some superb game areas. And for us, the ultimate safari combo comes in the west - a big game, wilderness experience in Katavi combines with jaw dropping chimpanzee encounters in Mahale. Over 7-days this safari will blow you away.
Lodges are more permanent, often with solid walls and more amenities available. Tented camp are light touch, with canvas walls, open air and the sounds of bush throughout!
Yes, some camps have minimum age limits, in camp and especially on walking safaris. But there are many brilliant private or family properties that can tailor the age restrictions.