Situated in a raised and mixed grove of acacias, kigelias and tamarinds, and consisting of just a mess tent and 6 luxury safari tents, Chada Katavi makes no concessions to the unnecessary. Largely a brown canvas build, with black netting used to create the illusion of walls and zones, the mess tent contains a bar, seating area, a dining area and veranda. Open and airy during the day, it is cosy and warm at night.
The en-suite sleeping tents are large and well equipped. Twin or double, the beds are comfortable, the sheets Egyptian cotton, and the furniture and soft furnishings are limited to clothes stands, hand-woven rugs and sensible camping chairs and tables. The bathrooms of Chada Katavi contain long-drop toilets and bucket showers, which – quite rightly – retain the thrill of a classical safari.