Chitake Springs lies in the southern part of Mana Pools below the Zambezi escarpment, far from the easier riverfront around Nyamepi. In the dry season, water emerges in the Chitake riverbed and draws wildlife from a large surrounding area. Buffalo herds, elephant, kudu, baboons, lion, leopard, hyena, and wild dog all use the corridor.
The attraction is rawness. Campsites are basic or completely wild, access is by 4WD only, and the terrain is enclosed enough that encounters can happen at close range. Chitake is best visited with an experienced guide or as part of a specialist safari. It is one of Mana's great places, but it is not forgiving of inexperience.