Chada fly-camping: Our full report
In a place as big as Katavi National Park, it's possible to travel long distances exploring many areas and ...
... still not see any other vehicles. To help reach the more distant corners of Katavi, the Chada Camp's team can arrange one- or two-night fly-camping trips. These are often combined with walking safaris to help you to appreciate the sheer scale and remoteness of this park.A few members of staff will go ahead to set up the camp, which consists of small fly camp cube 'tents' of mosquito netting with comfy mattresses, proper quilts and pillows, a (hot) bucket shower and a long-drop toilet. You'll return from your drive or walk to a cold drink, a roaring fire and a first-class dinner under the stars in one of Africa's most remote locations.
During our four night stay at Chada Camp in September 2018, we had one night of fly-camping and it was easily a highlight of the stay. In a far away spot on the edge of the Chada Plain, we watched the sun sink into the horizon in front of us and woke up to hippo and buffalo dotted across the plain in the distance. The seven-strong team of camp staff were discreet in their attentive service, not detracting from the quiet and remote sense, but still ensuring we were looked after as well as in the main camp. Knowing that you're the only people in the bush for miles around, and being able to see the stars from your bed, was magical.
Note that this is available (for a supplement) as part of a trip including Chada Camp; fly-camping in Katavi should always be arranged in advance. Your tent at Chada Camp is held for you during the night of fly-camping in the event of inclement weather or a change of heart.
Our view
While the set up is simple, fly-camping from Chada is perfectly comfortable and offers the chance to experience the bush in the remotest sense. We feel that being out on your own, in one of the least-visited parks in Tanzania, is a very special experience for the adventurous traveler who wants to add a whole new dimension to their safari.
Tanzania expert
Geographics
- Location
- Katavi National Park, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- 1-2 nights
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- The food at the fly-camp is of the same style and quality as at the main Chada Camp, despite the remote set up.
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Outdoor Dining
Special interests
- Walking safaris
- Walking safaris are usually integral to fly-camping trips - and both combined give a really great sense of this amazing wilderness area.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Fly-camping is only possible for children 16 years and above.
- Property’s age restrictions
- 16 and over
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Chada fly-camping
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Chada fly-camping have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
50% success
50% success
50% success
50% success
50% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is no power supply or charging facilities.
- Communications
- There is no WiFi.
Sustainability
Mitigating the human-wildlife conflict
Chada Fly Camping understands the importance of effectively collaborating with the local community around Tanzania’s wilderness. Community involvement is a driving force in their decision making, taking needs such as education, health, and community development into consideration when evolving their business. Consequently, they sponsor relevant community workshops and outreach programs, and fund both school and medical resources. The camp also takes pride in employing local people, investing in training to build their skill-sets.
Mitigating the human-wildlife conflict around Katavi National Park is also a priority at Chada Fly. Village ambassadors are hired and the camp is involved in the running of environmental based activities for youth, such as beekeeping, tree planting, and bird watching, thus raising awareness about the perks of a peaceful human-wildlife cohabitation and the need to protect the environment. Guests are encouraged to learn more about these projects and are offered the opportunity to engage with members of the local community including the youth club, local lion defenders and beekeepers, thus ultimately experiencing authentic village life.
See more great sustainability projects in Tanzania
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- The camp is guarded by an armed ranger and askaris throughout the night.
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
Other lodges in Katavi National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Chada Camp
Chada Camp, in the heart of Tanzania's remote Katavi National Park, is a serious safari camp in a wild and relatively inaccessible part of Africa.
Katavi Wildlife Camp
Katavi Wildlife Camp is a simple tented camp – one of only four in the remote Katavi National Park – with good wildlife sightings all year round.
Mbali Mbali Katavi
Mbali Mbali Katavi is a luxury, tented camp situated in the centre of Katavi and the only camp in the park with a swimming pool.
