A classic expeditionary camp in a million acres of mammals.

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

Enhancing lives at Chada

From enhancing dynamic careers to working with local communities and conservation projects, here are some inspiring stories from our camp in western Tanzania.

Photography intern trips in the west

Chada has hosted several intern photography trips over the years. Katavi is a photographers dream and ideal spot of wilderness for our interns to learn their trade with wide open plains, enormous herds of buffalo and not a human soul in sight.

Health & wellbeing

Beds for Meds

Bringing bright smiles to the west

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

Teacher training in neighbouring schools

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

Support for the LCMO

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.

Western Tanzania safaris

Our Western Tanzania 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.

Reviews

C. Hollister

Review for chada

Incredible Experience at Chada

This park provides an incredible experience!
I was looking for a less visited park than the Serengeti. So glad I chose Chada, Katavi! So many animals, so diverse, so wild! Julius Bella is an incredible guide! I hope to return with my other child, and will absolutely want Julius to be my guide ag...

B. Dickstein

Review for chada

Memorable Trips of Our Lives

The staff at Nomad’s Chada camp made my wife’s and my stay at Katavi one of the most memorable trips of our lives. We learned so much about the animals, park, and Tanzanian culture from our guide and hosts. It was a uniquely wonderful feeling to be pampered in the middle of a vast wilderness!

M. Christine

Review for chada

Friendly and Professional Workers

Very nice Area. Mindful. Workers - friendly and professional.

E. Bains

Review for chada

Exceptional Experience

An utterly exceptional experience. The team went out of the way to make the stay special. Brilliant wildlife, brilliant food, and brilliant memories.

J. Carpenter

Review for chada

Wonderful Experience, Fabulous Staff

A wonderful experience from start to finish. Fabulous staff made us so welcome and nothing was too much trouble ! Would highly recommend

FAQs

What is the difference between a lodge and a tented camp?

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!

What I wish I knew before going on safari

Always take a good pair of binoculars. And slow down. Take time to enjoy and area or the safari camps. There is sometimes nothing more special than spending the afternoon or early morning on your veranda and letting the wildlife come to you.

What is the typical food when on safari?

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.

How long are the drives between camps?

It depends, some are short hops, others can be full-day journeys. Often, the journey is the experience and can become the ultimate game drive as you traverse different areas of National Parks.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Tanzania?

We advise against drinking the tap water in Tanzania and as such, we provide safe drinking water in all camps and vehicles so guests can remain well hydrated throughout their trip.

Is there Wi-Fi in our camps?

Yes we do have WI-FI at our camps - in the most remote locations the Wi-Fi can be limited to your tent or the main mess. We try to keep wi-fi in the tents so the mess and lounge area continue to be social and communal areas.

What's included in a safari?

Typically: accommodation, meals, drinks, park fees, your expert guide and activities.

How many days is enough for a Tanzania safari?

Many people underestimate how immersive a safari experience is. Time in the bush can be tiring – most mornings you will be up before sunrise as the wild wakes up your day continues into long evenings spent under the stars. If you’re travelling with children, we always recommend a private guide and exclusive vehicle (included as standard with Nomad) that means a lie in here and there is always possible. 

There is no rule for the number of days on safari but we would recommend taking your time in each location and not rushing through safari parks. Give yourselves time to stop and immerse yourself in the area. Many travellers consider a pit stop at the beaches of Zanzibar or Mafia Island to re-charge post safari and before they head back to the real world.

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