Camp Chitubu: Our full report

Set in the rugged northern reaches of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, Chitubu is close to Mandavu Dam.

The camp opened in 2022, and is part-owned and run by renowned guide Julian Brookstein and his wife, Ashley, with a focus on 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, 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 National Park. Though it’s not their first camp in Zimbabwe, they've said that returning to Hwange felt like coming home. You can certainly feel the influence of their time at Camp Hwange – and that's not a bad thing.

Camp Chitubu overlooks a small waterhole in the Sinamatella region of Hwange, Accommodation at Camp Chitubu consists of six standard tents and one family tent - though these "tents" are far from basic. Each is custom-designed and 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). In front of each tent, sheltered beneath a canvas roof, are a couple of campaign chairs for soaking in the scenic view.

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 en-suite bathroom. A large vanity unit is equipped with twin hand-painted sinks and a mirror. To one side you'll find the toilet; 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 – a semi-open set-up that may not be to everyone's taste. We also felt that the shower area could benefit from better screening to prevent water from splashing. Additionally, the bathmat placed by the shower was extremely slippery on the bathroom floor, which we've flagged and hope will be addressed for safety.

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

Sandy paths connect all the tents to the main area: a large, open-plan space beneath a stretched canvas roof with expansive views. On one side, a cosy lounge area with comfy sofas offers a relaxing place to unwind, while on the other is a large communal dining table where buffet-style meals are served. At the back, a quirky self-service bar comes into its own. The open, airy feel of the whole area combines with sandy floors and a relaxed atmosphere to give a welcoming and laid-back vibe.

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

Activities at Camp Chitubu focus primarily 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 our 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

Camp Chitubu has an enviable location in a remote corner of northern Hwange. While it is not a luxurious or extravagant camp, we found it to be both comfortable and unpretentious. The camp’s true appeal, however, lies in its sharp focus on exceptional guiding, reflecting the commitment of its part-owner and renowned guide, Julian Brookstein.

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-sided game-viewing vehicle.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: During our visit in July 2023, we enjoyed a range of simple, well-presented and delicious meals. With advanced notice, Camp Chitubu can cater for a variety of dietary requirements.

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 cheese crisp and a freshly baked bread roll. This was followed by a well-cooked chicken dish with chimichurri, creamed spinach and boiled carrots – 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: Under 18s must share a room with a responsible adult when staying here.
Children aged 13 and under are not permitted on walking safaris. 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 by a parent or guardian 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 an en-suite bathroom with solar-heated hot running water for the shower and basins, and a flush toilet.

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 tents 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 is a small safe in each tent for money and personal effects.
Accepted payment on location: Any additional payments are rare here; most things are included. If required, payments and tips are best made in US dollars cash; card payments by Visa and Mastercard can be taken but are processed off-site.