Highlights
- Superb game-viewing
- Guided walking safaris
- Olduvai Gorge and Masai community visits
- Small camp with friendly atmosphere
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EnquireChaka Camp is located in the midst of the Serengeti ecosystem, Northern Tanzania. This semi-permanent camp is designed to move seasonally, following the wildebeest migration through the vast Serengeti wilderness. From December to March it is located in the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Zone, just south of the Serengeti National Park. From late May to October, Chaka Camp moves to the Northern Serengeti, close to the Mara River, where wildebeest cross back and forth from Tanzania to Kenya and sightings of crocodiles are hippos are common. Both of Chaka Camp’s locations are accessed via light aircraft (to nearby Ndutu or Kogatende airstrips respectively) so it is essential to travel light.
The main areas of the camp comprise separate dining and lounge spaces, with a bar and small library. The camp adopts an environmentally-friendly approach serving organically grown local produce when available and recycling waste where possible. Lighting is solar powered, with back-up generator. There is a central charging unit with a universal adapter in the main area, along with a separate rest room. Weather permitting, there is also an evening campfire.
Activities are centred largely on the spectacular game-viewing available from both of the camp’s locations. Guided walking safaris are also offered, although these are dependent on the availability of local rangers. Balloon safaris can be arranged, with prior-booking essential. From the Ndutu-based camp, visits to local Masai communities and the Olduvai Gorge, renowned for the archaeological discoveries of early humans there, are also offered. Note that although the Ndutu area is undoubtedly superb for game-viewing, the high altitude can make for heavy rainfall during peak migration periods so it’s worth planning the timing of your trip carefully.
The accommodation comprises 10 tents in king, twin, triple or family configuration. Each has a private, shaded veranda overlooking the Serengeti ecosystem and an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet, wash basin with running water, and a safari-style bucket shower. Attentive staff provide hot water on request for showers and night-time hot water bottles. Each tent has a power point with universal adapter along with a writing desk, lounge chairs, and a digital safe. There is a morning tea and coffee butler service and a laundry service available at extra cost. In low season it might be possible to pick your tent on arrival and, although there is a good distance of 15-20 metres between tents, some guests may prefer to choose a more secluded spot away from the main area. The camp has an informal, friendly and intimate atmosphere and falling asleep at night hearing the sounds of hyenas and other wildlife is nothing but magical.
Children of all ages are welcome at Chaka Camp. It is important to note that there is no fencing and animals can wander through the camp. Whilst it is true that the wildlife tends to stay away from humans and tents, parents will need to keep a close eye on children and not allow them to wander off or play independently.
Chaka Camp’s facilities are simple but good, with friendly staff offering great service and a good level of comfort without pretension. This is a sound, mid-range choice of accommodation in a beautiful setting.
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024