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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 513 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Thank you, Lisa! Our trip was wonderful even with the weather disruption. We loved seeing so many different parts of the country, meeting people and experiencing the culture. The desert was surely a highlight for our boys and the creativity and artisanship of everything from food to crafts were a highlight for me. A special shout out to our guide and driver, they became a special part of our trip and we will forever be grateful for meeting them and learning from them. I cannot believe we had to wait three years for this adventure but it was certainly worth the wait! Thanks for all your help building the itinerary, modifying it and troubleshooting during our stay. Leslie B

    MissingLeslie B reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 01 March 2023

  • Hi Lisa and everyone at Tourdust,
    We've had a wonderful time on our holiday and wanted to pass our appreciation to you. Everything has been expertly planned and executed, allowing us to enjoy the holiday to its fullest. Special appreciation to Muhammed, Ibrahim, and Omar, our Atlas guide, cook, and muleteer, who couldn't have done more for us and were just generally wonderful and hardworking. Riad Hanane is a perfect base in Marrakech to complement the trekking as it's ina less touristy area of the medina, which we appreciated. The staff and accomodation was superb.Thank you again for a trip to remember!
    Bob, May, Grace, and Lucas

    MissingRobert B reviewing Marrakech & Mountains Family Trek on 20 February 2023

  • Hello Lisa. We came back from our trip two weeks ago now so I am sending this email much later than I wanted to. Nevertheless, what I wanted to say was thank you very much for helping us organise an amazing trip. Our days in Mafia Island to celebrate my 50th birthday were exactly what I wanted them to be: a fantastic time with the family doing activities that we all love and enjoy in a relaxing, unusual, beautiful place full of sun, surrounded by water, wildlife and friendly people. We swam with whale sharks, did a lot of snorkeling, had two picnics on a beautiful sand bank, watched the sunset over the sea, did a bird watching excursion and tried scuba diving.
    All merit to you because Pole Pole in Mafia Island was your recommendation. I never heard of Mafia Island before and didn't consider Tanzania to start with. It was an amazing place to stay: friendly, relaxed, beautiful, comfortable, with great food and fantastic service. Thanks not only for finding the place but also for your patience as we prepared the trip and I explored options and decided what I wanted. All went incredibly well (places, transfers, flights) and we had a very memorable time together that we will all remember forever - as we still do the safari trip to South Africa you organised for us 5 years ago.
    I cannot wait to plan another trip! I am already thinking about where and when. Hopefully no pandemic will get in the way this time. And I will come to you as my favourite travel agent.
    I copy in this message the Tourdust office because I want them to know how good you are and how much I appreciated the different trips you organised for us (including the trip to India for my parents that was cancelled due to Covid). I cannot thank you enough :o)
    Kind regards, Carol

    MissingCarolina O reviewing Relaxed Bush & Beach Family Holiday in Tanzania on 25 November 2022

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