Wilderness Chitabe newsletter – June 2026

Leopards

June was yet another exceptional month for leopard sightings. Resident females Rose and Mmapula continued to impress as they successfully raise their healthy cubs. Guests enjoyed truly unforgettable encounters, as the cubs explored their surroundings under the watchful eyes of their mothers, climbing fallen trees, practicing hunting techniques, and learning the skills needed to survive.

Moreover, dominant males like Mojeremane, Kigelia, Rradiphala, and Rradikolobe continued to patrol their territories, ensuring Chitabe remains one of Botswana's premier destinations for leopard viewing. We’ve identified about 63 leopards in the Chitabe Concession so far.

Cheetahs

Several females, including our famed Supermom, were also seen successfully raising cubs, while some older sub-adults are still refining their hunting skills before eventually becoming independent.

Lions

The two famous prides of Chitabe (Matsibe and Tsame) remained highly active throughout the month. June brought exciting news with the arrival of a new pride of 15 lions into the Chitabe Concession. Comprising adult lionesses, powerful males, sub-adults, and young cubs, the pride has quickly established a strong presence in the area.

Birdlife

As winter settled across the Delta, birdlife remained spectacular. Raptors were particularly active, with martial eagles, bateleurs, and tawny eagles regularly seen scanning the landscape for prey. Wattled cranes continued to grace the wetlands, and with their vibrant plumage, the colourful lilac-breasted rollers added flashes of brilliance throughout the concession. 

We are pleased to introduce a new level of in-room comfort at Chitabe Lediba. Each guest room is now equipped with a full coffee and tea station and a mini fridge, bringing the room amenities in line with those of Chitabe’s main camp. We remain committed to continually refining our guest experience, ensuring every stay is as comfortable, memorable, and rewarding as possible.

We are delighted to welcome Trust to the Chitabe family as our newest waitress. Trust has quickly settled into her role, bringing warmth, enthusiasm, and a friendly smile to every guest interaction. We are excited to have her contribute to the memorable dining experiences that Chitabe is known for. 

We are also proud to celebrate Tshepo's promotion from the Scullery Department to the role of Waitress. Tshepo's hard work, dedication, and positive attitude have earned her this well-deserved opportunity. Her promotion reflects the commitment to staff growth and development at Chitabe. 

Finally, we are pleased to welcome Leungo to the Chitabe team as our newest Scullery Attendant. Leungo has joined the Kitchen team with enthusiasm and a strong willingness to learn, and will play an important role in supporting our smooth day-to-day back-of-house operations.