Overview
One of the wildest places in East Africa
A stay at Chada Katavi is all about being totally immersed in the wild. Surrounded by wide open spaces, this stylishly simple bush camp offers you a back-to-basics wildlife experience. Little has changed since the Nomad Tanzania founders first established the camp two decades ago, except now you’ll find a few more added luxuries, like silverware and showers. But it remains the ideal outpost from which to discover the rich wildlife of the area.
It’s an intimate camp with six spacious and comfortable East African safari tents. With wide open fronts, you’re treated to outstanding views of the plain and the animals that pass by. You may even find you don’t need to venture off your veranda, so regularly do animals appear. In fact, the shady fruit trees frequently attract elephants, and large herds of buffaloes are known to linger and graze on the plains.
The region in general is known for its high concentration of game. In addition to the elephants and buffaloes, you’ll find Katavi is home to lions, leopards, crocodiles and hippos. The camp operates between June and October, which is when viewing is at its peak. Hundreds of hippos congregate at the last water holes, while crocodiles dig caves in the riverbanks to wait out the hot weather.
Facts
At a glance
-
Six canvas tents
-
Mess-style dining tent
-
Fire pit
-
Observation decks
Experiences
-
![Chada Katavi Safari Tanzania 8]()
Game drives
Accompanied by Nomad Tanzania’s experienced guides, you can head out on morning and afternoon game drives. Full-day drives are also available, but are best when booked as part of a privately-guided safari since most activities are shared. Private guides and vehicles are available if booked in advance and a supplement is paid. You can also pre-book night drives.
-
![Chada Katavi Safari Tanzania 15]()
Walking safaris
Head out onto the open plains on foot and discover nature as you’ve never seen it before. You’ll be accompanied by a guide and an armed scout. You may find yourself viewing a group of elephants up close, spotting birds flitting around the pools and hippos wallowing beneath the surface. The bonus of not being in a vehicle is that the wildlife may allow you to venture closer.
-
![Chada Katavi Safari Tanzania 6]()
Fly camping
Take a walk out to the flycamp where you’ll spend the night under the deep African skies. Enjoy a three-course candle-lit meal and a glass of wine before settling down in your small mosquito-netted tent which is complete with a soft mattress, sheets and feather pillow. Gazing up at the stars and hearing the animal sounds in the darkness as you drift off is a truly memorable experience. Your guide and armed ranger will be nearby at all times.
Community & Culture
Nomad Tanzania believes that for them to make an impact on conservation they must also ensure that the local communities benefit from keeping the area and its wildlife safe. The Landscape and Conservation Mentors Organisation (LCMO) runs conservation, environment and education projects in the communities around Katavi National Park. They appoint village ambassadors and run youth clubs, aimed at encouraging people and wildlife to coexist peacefully. Their creative approach to education includes bee-keeping, bird-watching, tree-planting, open-air movie nights and dance festivals. Chada Katavi proudly supports the youth club and village ambassadors programmes.
Conservation
Chada Katavi supports various conservation organisations that protect at-risk wildlife and combat human-wildlife conflict, poaching and the illegal bushmeat trade.
Footprint
The rustic lodge is exclusively solar powered and all its drinking water is filtered locally. Their energy footprint is already low and they are currently working to introduce a new waste management system to make it even lower. They are also committed to reducing single-use plastics with the aim of being completely plastic free in the near future.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
-
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
-
Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
-
Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
-
Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
