Chitake Springs, Mana Pools
ZIMBABWE
Chitake Springs in Mana Pools is a growing talking point amongst photographic guides for producing raw, untamed wildlife action.
There are only three available campsites in Mana Pools National Park, and we have secured one during the prime safari season – when the lack of water during the dry season ensures a steady stream of thirsty wildlife and attendant predators. Our camp - Camp Chitake - is FULLY-CATERED and comfortable – freeing you up to make the most of the drama and expert guides. The action happens a short walk from the campsite, and for the rest, your main activity will be early morning and late afternoon bush walks.
This epic safari is for the adventurous traveller and photographer seeking the ultimate in-your-face wildlife drama and photographic moments of magic
Overview
Length: 6 days / 5 nights
Group Size: Maximum 6 guests and 2 expert guides
Location: Chitake Springs, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Departure Dates: 4-9 September 2023 (all other dates full)
Chitake Springs is a remote area in the southern reaches of Mana Pools NP – on the Chitake River, a tributary of the Zambezi River. The spring is a perennial water source in a usually dry river bed and provides the only water source for concentrations of wildlife. Large herds of buffalos, elephants and other herbivores converge on the water – especially during the late dry season – and predators line the steep river channel banks to ambush their desperate prey as they drink.
TWO EXPERT GUIDES will accompany you at all times on this safari. Your daily walking guide will be an exceptionally experienced and qualified local guide. In addition, you will be accompanied by Villiers Steyn – an accomplished freelance guide, professional photographer and YouTube influencer (aka The Safari Expert).
For a visual Chitake Springs feast:
1. Drool at this gallery of exceptional photographs from our 2020 Photographer of the Year – Jens Cullmann. But be aware that Jens’ observations about the conditions relate to the very peak of the dry season – late October – whereas our safari is during the relatively cooler days of early September. Early September sees the lenghtening dry season forcing wildlife to seek out permanent water sources, before the rise in early summer temperatures.
2. Check out this dramatic video of lions ambushing a large herd of thirsty buffalo. Spoiler alert: One buffalo does not make the trip back out of Chitake Springs.
Prices and dates
Expedition date: 4 to 9 September 2023 (all other dates full) | ||
Per person sharing | US$ 3,400 | 3 spots left |
Per SOLO traveller | US$ 3,420 | 3 spots left |
Price includes:
An overnight stay in Harare at Sunbird Guesthouse, breakfast at Sunbird, transfers, & 4 nights at Camp Chitake. At Camp Chitake, it includes all meals with imported wines, beers, spirits, mineral water, tea, coffee, cordials, as well as use of camping and canoe equipment, activities and professional guide services, personal instruction from professional wildlife photographer Villiers Steyn, park camp site fees and conservation fee.
Price excludes:
International flights, VISAs, excess baggage charges, COVID testing (if required in 2023), travel and cancellation insurance, tips & gratuities, any items of a personal nature.
COSTING ALERT: Additional costs relating to Covid-related requirements in September 2023 may be incurred. We will advise guests once the facts are known.
This safari begins at Harare International Airport, with return road transfer first to Sunbird Guesthouse in Harare, then return ground transfers to Camp Chitake
Why us
We live here, in Africa, and have been doing this since 1991. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early / late or a few kilometers off course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
We are members of:
African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA)
Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA)
✔️ Have Integrity ✔️ Are Legitimate
✔️ Are Audited ✔️ Are Insured
We are insured by Sutcliffe & Co (UK)
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