Camp Chitubu

For people who know about these sorts of things, Julian Brookstein rates among the best of Zimbabwe’s safari guides. So it was big news back in 2022 when Brookstein and his wife, Ashley, opened their own camp, located on a ridge in a remote part of the Sinamatela area of northern Hwange.

The couple, who cut their camp management teeth at Camp Hwange for about a decade before spreading their wings and launching their own business, promised to deliver safari experiences that compelled and amazed guests. And three years on, by the sounds of the positive feedback the camp’s getting – that’s exactly what they’re doing.

It’s a far from flashy camp - more in the comfy category. And knowing the land like they do, it’s no coincidence they chose this spot for their Chitubu home. Over 100 different species of mammal and more than 500 species of bird live here.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that your expeditions into the bush on foot or in a safari jeep will be led by the great man himself. But you can rest assured that the team he has trained and inspired shares his passion for the exceptional, so whoever’s your guide, you’ve plenty to look forward to.

It's all about the safari

People book Chitubu for the quality of the day and night game drives and walking safaris.

Previous visitors have tracked herds of buffalo, and got up close to lion, elephant, hyena, wild dog, antelope and more.

You’ll get your chance to explore the northern hills, and are advised to keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the predators that prowl the shores of Mandavu Dam (just 2 miles from camp).

Binoculars are essential accessories that you should definitely make room for in your bags.

A traditional camp

Book here for an authentic safari experience, not if you’re looking for every luxury under the sun. The focal point of camp life is the Bedouin-tented communal area, where a big table plays host to mealtimes you’ll share with your fellow guests. With only 6 dual-occupancy tents and 1 four-berth family tent, there’ll only ever be a maximum of 16 of you.

Buffet style breakfasts and lunches are served here, with three-course dinners to round off the day’s culinary delights. The open plan lounge is the place to relax on sofas, perhaps with a drink you’ve helped yourself to from the self-serve bar.

Just a few steps away, the open air firepit with chairs arranged around it, is great for gatherings any time of day.

Where you’ll sleep

Soft, sandy paths connect the communal areas to your accommodation which will be one of 7 custom-designed Bedouin tented rooms, each with a veranda where you’ll be able to find a sunny or shady spot (as you prefer) to sit and enjoy uninterrupted views of the salt pan, hills and waterhole.

It’s perfectly possible to view game without raising your head off your pillow in your kingsize or twin bed, as you can enjoy floor to ceiling views from most areas of your tent.

A shower with brass fittings awaits at the rear of the tent, sharing space with a flush toilet and twin, hand painted wash basins. Expect hot running water to flow from the taps, courtesy of the camp’s solar heating set-up that powers the whole camp sustainably, another sign of the Brookstein’s love of and commitment to the natural world in this part of Zimbabwe.