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Chaka Camp

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Superb game-viewing
- Guided walking safaris
- Olduvai Gorge and Masai community visits
- Small camp with friendly atmosphere

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Overview

Chaka 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.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 529 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil

    MissingPhilip R reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 01 September 2023

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

  • Hi Lisa, Thanks for your email! It was amazing thank you! We had the best time, everything ran smoothly (aside from a break-down due to faulty clutch on day 1 of the tour, but our guide / driver sorted that and we were back on track by that evening). Saw all the things we wanted to see, even a mum and cub cheetah. Our boys have had such a different holiday and a fab taste of the world! Thank you so much for organising this for us. We’d definitely recommend our guide/driver (Tuhafeni) and assistant (Frans) again. Nicola

    MissingNicola T reviewing Highlights of Namibia - Family Group Tour on 18 August 2023

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