Reserva Nacional La Chimba

Reserva Nacional La Chimba is a protected area in Chile.

Reserva Nacional La Chimba at a Glance

Location
Atacama Desert & Norte Chico, Chile, Central & South America
Coordinates
-23.533924, -70.336060
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Reserva Nacional La Chimba

Nearest airport: Unknown Airport, 385 km away.

Weather & Climate in Reserva Nacional La Chimba

The warmest temperatures in Reserva Nacional La Chimba occur in February, averaging 18.6°C (up to 22.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 12.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in March with average rainfall of 0.1mm. Average humidity: 72.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 17.8°C (rainfall: 0.5mm)
  • February: 18.6°C (rainfall: 0.3mm)
  • March: 17.9°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • April: 15.6°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
  • May: 14.2°C (rainfall: 0.5mm)
  • June: 13.0°C (rainfall: 2.1mm)
  • July: 12.4°C (rainfall: 1.1mm)
  • August: 12.5°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
  • September: 12.8°C (rainfall: 0.4mm)
  • October: 13.7°C (rainfall: 0.4mm)
  • November: 14.5°C (rainfall: 0.5mm)
  • December: 16.1°C (rainfall: 1.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Reserva Nacional La Chimba

The best months to visit Reserva Nacional La Chimba are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 17.82°C, rainfall 0.5mm, sunshine 12.8 hrs, humidity 72.9%
  • February: Great, temperature 18.57°C, rainfall 0.3mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 71.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 17.95°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 72.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 15.6°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 75.9%
  • May: Good, temperature 14.23°C, rainfall 0.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 72.4%
  • June: Good, temperature 13.04°C, rainfall 2.1mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 72.1%
  • July: Good, temperature 12.41°C, rainfall 1.1mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • August: Good, temperature 12.49°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 73.3%
  • September: Good, temperature 12.82°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 73.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 13.65°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 12.4 hrs, humidity 72.5%
  • November: Good, temperature 14.54°C, rainfall 0.5mm, sunshine 12.9 hrs, humidity 74%
  • December: Great, temperature 16.15°C, rainfall 1.4mm, sunshine 12.8 hrs, humidity 72.8%

Wildlife in Reserva Nacional La Chimba

Home to 26 recorded species including 12 waterbirds, 6 birds of prey, 3 marine & freshwater, 2 iconic birds, 2 tropical birds, 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Reserva Nacional La Chimba

Based on average temperature of 14.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 73%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 15°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Reserva Nacional La Chimba

42 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

Similar Parks in Atacama Desert & Norte Chico

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Chile

Travel advisory for Chile

Reserva Nacional La Chimba FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Reserva Nacional La Chimba for wildlife viewing and comfortable exploration?

The ideal time to visit Reserva Nacional La Chimba is during Chile's spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), when temperatures are milder and more conducive to exploring its unique desert and coastal landscapes. These periods offer excellent conditions for observing the diverse flora and fauna without the intense summer heat or potential winter fogs.

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter at Reserva Nacional La Chimba, given its desert and coastal environment?

Reserva Nacional La Chimba offers a fascinating blend of desert and marine wildlife. Visitors can often spot guanacos and various fox species in the arid interior, while the coastal areas are home to diverse seabirds like pelicans, cormorants, and even Humboldt penguins.

What specific health precautions and safety measures should I consider when planning a trip to Reserva Nacional La Chimba?

While Reserva Nacional La Chimba is known for its arid climate, visitors should be aware of a moderate malaria risk and take appropriate precautions like using insect repellent and consulting a doctor about antimalarial medication. Additionally, given its low crowding level (2/5), it's advisable to inform someone of your itinerary, especially when exploring trails independently, and carry sufficient water for the desert environment.

Beyond wildlife observation, what types of activities and trails are available for visitors within Reserva Nacional La Chimba?

Beyond wildlife viewing, Reserva Nacional La Chimba provides excellent opportunities for hiking along well-marked trails that showcase its dramatic desert landscapes and stunning Pacific Ocean vistas. Photography enthusiasts will find ample subjects in the unique geological formations and the contrast between the arid land and the vibrant sea.

What are the typical entry costs and how accessible is Reserva Nacional La Chimba for independent travelers?

Entry to Reserva Nacional La Chimba typically involves a modest fee, which supports the park's conservation efforts. The reserve is best accessed by rental car from Antofagasta, approximately 15-20 kilometers away, offering flexibility for exploring its various sectors and viewpoints.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.