Botswana is a truly fantastic safari destination with a great diversity of animals in its vast wilderness areas, a variety of activities to enjoy and a range of accommodation, from simple tents to opulent luxury, to suit all tastes. Here are some of our favourite camps offering some of the best experiences Botswana has to offer.
Mombo Camp
The name “Mombo” has been synonymous with safari excellence for many years and a complete redesign and rebuild in 2018 has cemented this camp’s reputation as one of the very best in Africa. Looking out over one of the Okavango Delta’s floodplains from the lodge’s extensive raised wooden decks it is possible to see an incredible variety of animals and the game viewing just gets better when exploring the private concession on game drives that consistently deliver some of the best animal encounters anywhere on the continent. The waters of the Okavango River bring rich nutrients to the tip of Chief’s Island producing a habitat that is a place of plenty for herbivores and predators alike. The nine luxurious suites are incredibly spacious with a lounge, free standing copper bath and a wooden deck complete with plunge pool, sunken seating area and suspended double bed. Prolific wildlife, luxury accommodation, a pristine wilderness setting and superb food, service and guiding combine to make a stay at Mombo Camp hard to beat.
Kanana Camp
Kanana enjoys an enviable location on a private concession in the Okavango Delta, an area of diverse habitats that is home to an immense variety of animal and bird life. The camp is able to offer a range of activities so no two days are the same. Game drives on open vehicles allow guests to get close to Africa’s big game while on guided walks the bush can be experienced from an entirely different perspective. When the floodwaters rise, take to the channels and lagoons on motorboat excursions or embrace the tranquillity of this watery world on a slow and gentle mokoro canoe ride. Birding enthusiasts will marvel at the variety of avian life here and a particular highlight is the nearby heronry which, from July onwards, sees spectacular numbers of nesting herons, pelicans and storks. Guests at Kanana are accommodated in seven spacious ensuite tents and a two bedroom family tent and the camp also has a sleep out platform for an unforgettable night under the African stars surrounded by the nocturnal sounds of the bush.
Muchenje Safari Lodge
Chobe National Park can be busy as there are a number of larger lodges around the town of Kasane and day trippers coming over from Zimbabwe and Zambia but Muchenje Safari Lodge is located in the quieter western part of Chobe. Its hillside location commands great views over the floodplains to the Chobe River and its 11 chalets offer comfortable accommodation with wooden decks on which to relax and take in the vistas. The park is known for its large numbers of elephants and there are also good numbers of buffalos, zebras, lions and various antelope species which you can see on game drives and on boat cruises on the river. Muchenje’s guides will also take you on bush walks around the lodge to discover the smaller things often overlooked on game drives such as insects, animal tracks and plants. As the lodge is situated outside the national park they can also take guests on night drives to seek out some of the nocturnal creatures. Muchenje is a friendly, informal lodge that offers fantastic value for money.
Oddballs’ Camp
On the whole Botswana is an expensive destination but Oddballs’ Camp is an exception to the rule offering a great value safari in the heart of the Okavango Delta. At this rustic camp guests are accommodated in comfortable canvas rooms set on raised wooden platforms with a small seating area looking out over the bush. Your private bathroom includes a flush toilet and a traditional safari bucket shower. Despite its lower price tag Oddballs’ really delivers on the safari experience as one guide is assigned exclusively to two guests. Your private guide will take you on mokoro canoe trips along the channels and waterways to islands where you will then explore the bush on foot. With no motorised activities and simple but comfortable accommodation Oddballs’ Camp really lets you get close to nature in this iconic safari destination.
If you're thinking about taking an incredible trip to Botswana, take a look at just some of the itineraries we offer such as Classic Botswana Safari and Selinda Adventure Trail
If you are interested in staying in any of the amazing lodges mentioned in this blog, get in touch with our experts by calling 020 7843 3500 or email us at info@africatravel.co.uk
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