Camp Chitubu: Our full report

Set in the rugged northern reaches of Hwange National Park, Camp Chitubu is part-owned and run by renowned ...

... guide Julian Brookstein and his wife, Ashley. Located close to Mandavu Dam and Sinamatella Camp, the focus here is exploring the surrounding hills on foot and by vehicle with a top-quality guide.

We first met Julian and Ashley Brookstein while they were managing Camp Hwange in the mid-2010s, a time when Julian was also one of the camp’s top guides. Since then, Julian and Ashley have branched out to establish their own business, with Camp Chitubu being their first venture in Hwange. Though not their first camp, they’ve said that returning to Hwange felt like coming home. While Camp Chitubu is entirely separate from their Camp Hwange, you can certainly feel the influence of their time there - and in our opinion, that’s not a bad thing.

Accommodation at Camp Chitubu consists of six standard tents and one family tent. While these are referred to as "tents," the accommodation is far from basic. Each custom-designed tent features large mesh windows, allowing the sounds of the bush to filter in and providing a natural breeze during the hotter summer months (October to March). Inside, a king-size or twin beds are flanked by bedside tables with reading lamps, and the gauze windows and door flaps keep insects at bay so there’s no need for a mosquito net. In one corner of the bedroom, you'll find a luggage rack with an integrated safe, along with mosquito repellent, bug spray, and an emergency air horn. Although there is plenty of storage space, we thought additional lighting would be helpful at night for finding items in the luggage; a headtorch proved invaluable. A comfortable chair and a small table with a flask of iced water—topped up daily or on request—complete the space.

At the back of each tent, behind a partition, is an ensuite bathroom. A large vanity unit is equipped with twin hand-painted sinks and mirror. To one side, you’ll find the toilet, and to the other, a shower. It’s worth noting that the toilet is not in a separate cubicle, and the shower area is not entirely screened off from the main bedroom. This semi-opens etup may not be to everyone’s taste. During our stay, we also felt the shower area could benefit from better screening to prevent water from splashing. Additionally, the bath mat placed by the shower was extremely slippery on the bathroom floor, which we've flagged and hope will be addressed for safety.

Outside, in front of each tent, sheltered beneath the tent's canvas roof, there are a couple of campaign chairs for soaking in the scenic view of Hwange’s rolling hills.

During our visit in July 2023, the family tent was still under construction, now complete, this tent consists of one double and one twin room, with a shared bathroom. This tent is located slightly away from the other tents for added privacy.

Sandy paths connect the rooms to the main area, which is a large open-plan space beneath a stretched canvas roof. On one side, a cozy lounge area with comfy sofas offers a relaxing place to unwind, while on the other, a large communal dining table looks out over the same expansive views. At the back of the main area is an quirky self-service bar and the dining table where buffet-style meals are served. The open, airy feel of the main area, coupled with the sandy floors and relaxed atmosphere, gives the camp a welcoming and laid-back vibe.

Just a few steps down from the main area, you'll find the camp’s fire pit, surrounded by comfy chairs, perfect for an evening aperitif or a morning coffee to kick-start the day.

Activities at Camp Chitubu primarily focus on game drives and walking safaris. During our stay, we enjoyed a thrilling walk while tracking a large herd of buffalo near Mandavu Dam. As we progressed, we realised we weren’t the only ones stalking the herd, and the walk culminated in an exciting - albeit largely obscured and unsuccessful - lion hunt. Although our stay was short, it was clear that this area offers plenty of wildife action. It was a true pleasure to be out with Julian, one of Hwange’s top guides. While Julian doesn’t guide all visitors to Camp Chitubu, he is there as often as he can be, and when he’s not, he ensures that equally skilled guides are there to take his place.

Our view

Part-owned and run by renowned guide Julian Brookstein, Camp Chitubu is a comfortable, unpretentious camp nestled in the rugged hills of northern Hwange. While it is not a luxurious or extravagant camp, it is a very comfortable option. However, Camp Chitubu’s true appeal lies in the sharp focus on exceptional guiding.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Zimbabwe

Geographics

Location: Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Ideal length of stay: Given the remote nature of the camp, we'd suggest at least three nights here.
Directions: Most travellers staying at Camp Chitubu will fly to Sinamatella Airstrip or one of Northern Hwange's other airstrips before transferring to the camp in an open-game viewer.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: With advanced notice, Camp Chitubu can cater for more dietary requirements.

During our visit in July 2023, we enjoyed a range of simple, well-presented and delicious food.

The day started with a quick hot drink and a muffin before heading out early on a game drive. After the drive, we returned to camp for a breakfast of toast, pancakes, fresh fruit, cereals and yoghurts. Eggs, sausage, tomatoes, and bacon were also offered and cooked to order.

We only stayed for one night during our visit, so we didn't have a chance to enjoy lunch. However, options typically include light meals such as salads, pasta, or quiche. Lunch packs can be arranged on request.

Dinner at Chitubu is typically a three-course meal. We enjoyed an excellent tomato soup with crisp cheese and a freshly baked bread roll. This was followed by chicken with chimichurri, creamed spinach, and boiled carrots. This was well-cooked, although, for our tastes, there was perhaps a little too much garlic in the chimichurri. Finally, we had a melt-in-the-middle chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream, a crowd-pleasing classic that hit the mark.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Private dining and meals in the bush are available on request.

Children

Attitude towards children: Camp Chitubu welcomes children of all ages
Property’s age restrictions: Children aged 13 and under are not permitted on walking safaris.
Minors must share a room with a responsible adult when staying here.
Families with children under 12 are usually required to book private activities at an addtional cost.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: Camp Chitubu can provide a camp bed for children to share a room with their parents. This would make the tents feel a little cramped, and there is limited privacy between the bedroom and the shower, so this isn't an ideal solution.
Generally recommended for children: Julian and Ashley raised their own children in the bush so families will feel welcome at Camp Chitubu.
Notes: The camp is unfenced, so children must be supervised at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes: There is a back up generator.
Communications: There is WiFi in the main area and in the tents.
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Each tent has and ensuite with solar-heated hot running water and flush toilets.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: There is a first-aid kit on site and the guides are trained in first aid.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: All guests are accompanied to and from their chalets at night by an armed guide. Air horns are provided in the chalets to attract attention in case of an emergency.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all of the chalets and in the main area at Camp Chitubu.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Night drive

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A same day laundry service is offered subject to the weather.
Money: There are small safes in each tent for money and personal effects.
Accepted payment on location: Any additional payments are rare here; most things are included. Any additional payments and tips are best made in US dollars cash; card payments by Visa and MasterCard can be taken but are processed off-site.