Terra Nova Travel

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Best of Chitabe Lediba Camp

The first safari camp that I ever visited was Chitabe Lediba's sister camp, Chitabe, You can view photos and read about my experience at the original camp from my May 1997 trip.

Robin's Plain Map One unique factor is that David Hamman and Helene Heldring the original owners still retain partial ownership and are very much involved in the camp’s operation. In keeping with Wilderness Camps’ philosophy, Helene and Dave have upgraded the accommodations, the food service and employment of local residents since my stay. Although my original guide Robin Matthews is no longer with Chitabe, his reputation has endured and a flood plain even bears his name. My guide Luke, embodied the new generation of safari guides. Highlights of my return visit were,

The parade of five lioness and their seven cubs en route to the drinking hole.
The dead elephant carcass.
The primate encounters with the curious baboons who enjoyed observing us "kicking tires" i.e. Bush lingo for making a pit stop in the open bush.
The cheeky vervet monkeys stealing lemon slices from behind the bar and Christmas gold glass ball ornament from the bowl on coffee table. In both cases they had a rude awakening when the chomped into the lemon slice and the ornament!

Chitabe's logo is the wild dog. David is a professional wildlife photographer who specializes in photography of this incredible animal. His photos adorn the tent walls and his book “Running Wild” documents the life of wild dogs. The irony is that on both trips I have yet to view the wild dog. All the more reason for me to return ...

Enjoy the slideshow.