It’s a deeply respected tradition at Chada to escape from main camp and sleep out in the real middle of nowhere. It’s what we LOVE doing. There is no place in the world that feels like Katavi, and nothing gets you quite as close to that feeling than fly-camping.
The trick is to leave as much as possible behind: stuff, other people, current affairs. This is your chance to see Katavi like we did before we had a “proper” camp. (Some may argue this is the "proper" camp.)
There’s a million wild acres of Katavi to head into, where humans hardly ever venture. Part of our skill is keeping you safe in such a wild place, the other is picking the perfect campsite, beside open floodplains, under the shadiest trees, for the widest stretch of night-sky.
Just somewhere hidden, deep in the park; the more out there, the better. We’ll choose our site for beauty, water, shade, and space. We’ll find somewhere we can look out from, across the many miles of wilderness; somewhere to see – and not be seen; somewhere to observe life from another angle.
A string of camps in some of the wildest places on the planet. A front row seat to the best wildlife in Africa. Backstage is the engine room for opportunity.
Fly-camps are so-called after the fly sheet, from when explorers camped with no tents, just under a single tarpaulin for shade cover. They are the essence of safari, because as we strip away all but the essentials from camp, we free ourselves from other distractions, and retreat into Nature.
We’ve been fly-camping since the very beginning, and we’ve turned it into a fine art. Just enough - but not too much - camp to be safe and comfortable: mosi-net shelters and comfy bedrolls, bucket showers hung in a makeshift canvas bathroom, a few chairs and little fold-up table. Job done.
But it’s not about the kit. Fly-camps are like getting VIP passes to the wildlife, giving you total access as you walk and sleep in the open air. Chada is brimming with animal life: these days will just be you and your guides, in amongst elephants, herds of buffalo, hippopotami, lion and much more.
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.
Usually it is 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag. This is not a hard and fast rule so do check with your tour operator or aviation company. These are small bush planes, and is a good way of making sure you pack light.
Yellow Fever vaccinations are required if you are arriving from endemic countries. Other recommended vaccinations include tetanus, diptheria, polio, hepatitis A and typhoid. You will also need to consider hepatitis B and malaria prevention medicines. In all cases, you must seek advice from your medical professional.
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.
Yes you can charge your devices whilst on safari. Most camps have connection points in the tent or room. Also, in most safari vehicle there is charging points available so you can keep all your cameras and phones topped up and never miss that wonderful sighting.
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.
Yes, English in widely spoken in Tanzania, especially in camps and by safari guides. Swahili is the main language and knowing a few words and phrases will always earn you a smile.
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.
