By a coincidence of geography and geology, Botswana has within its boundaries one of the world's great inland waterways, the Okavango Delta. The Okavango River drains water from the Angola highlands into a depression or trough which collects in a delta spreading over 10000 square kilometres. This is a happy accident because this area would otherwise be an arid desert-like much of the surrounding area.
It is also a happy accident for all the wildlife, providing the life-giving element of water and concentrating vast herds of game. All this happiness extends to the safari tourist who has the privilege and pleasure of seeing all these animals in a sublime and unique setting of water, islands, and savannah. For this safari visitor, there are many fantastic and luxurious camps to accommodate them. Abu, Vumbura and Eagle Island camps are synonymous with the best safari accommodation available.
There is another way of seeing the Okavango, perhaps a more natural way which is closer to nature and a greater wilderness experience; mobile camping has been established in this area for decades. The great advantage is that you have your own personal safari driver and ranger who will stop at any interesting observation point for watching wildlife, or for a picnic or lunch or just to stretch your legs and at the end of the day, you will settle down to an already erected tented camp.
You will there enjoy meals prepared by some of the best safari cooks in the industry. The variety of food that these cooks prepare in a pit oven is truly amazing. Slumming it, you are certainly not. Sleeping in nature on a comfortable bed and mattress with the night stars and animals for company, you will awake with a camp servant bringing you fresh, warm towels and water.
On one memorable occasion, our own Nicky found she couldn't get to sleep as she was too excited by the noise of an elephant with a rumbling stomach who had settled by her tent.
This is the stuff of real safaris. The bonus for me was travelling by mokoro (dugout canoes) through an arm of the waterways and watching the game drink peacefully and in harmony with nature. Many people yearn for adventure yet in our busy urban lives do not have the skills or capacity to do their own camping safari. For them and for many others who just simply want an unhurried and natural safari experience, mobile camping is the answer.
Camping in the Okavango Delta
Qorokwe Camp
Qorokwe Camp is a luxurious safari camp located in Botswana's southeastern Okavango Delta region, offering guests the perfect base from which to explore the diverse habitats and abundant wildlife.
Qorokwe is ideally located in the southeastern Okavango Delta region and offers guests the perfect base from which to explore the diverse habitats and abundant wildlife of this incredible area. An amazing safari experience in Botswana awaits at Qorokwe.
Chobe Chilwero Lodge
Chobe Chilwero Lodge offers 15 luxury stone & thatched bungalows all offering awe-inspiring scenery as a backdrop; the lodge is bordered by Botswana's famous National Park which is elephant country.
A wide range of safari activities awaits, including game drives through the Chobe National Park to spot elephants, lions, and other wildlife, as well as tranquil boat safaris on the Chobe River, offering a unique perspective of the park's rich ecosystems.
Shinde Footsteps Camp
The ultimate destination for those who dream of an authentic, old-school safari experience, Shinde Footsteps Camp offers unparalleled privacy and intimacy, accommodating no more than seven guests at a time. It’s truly a hidden gem, delivering a safari unlike any other.
Nestled in the heart of the Okavango, Shinde Footsteps Camp is the perfect escape from the demands of modern civilization. One of the most magical and serene safari camps for those seeking luxury and adventure in equal measure.
Little Vumbura Camp
The Vumbura private concession in the Okavango Delta is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable safari destinations in Botswana. Offering incredible wildlife sightings and an unparalleled variety of activities, it guarantees an experience that is both thrilling and unforgettable.
Little Vumbura is a luxurious retreat in the heart of the stunning Okavango Delta, offering the perfect mix of exclusivity and comfort. This intimate lodge is ideal for both adventure and relaxation.
Chobe Bush Lodge
Chobe Bush Lodge next to the northern Botswana town of Kasane is the perfect gateway to explore all that this region has to offer; including the safari destinations of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Chobe National Park, Chobe River, and Victoria Falls to mention but a few.
The lodge is ideally situated for adventures along the Chobe River, where you can enjoy unforgettable wildlife viewing by boat, as well as trips to the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Xigera Safari Lodge, with twelve luxury safari suites in this wildlife reserve like no other, offers activities including walking safaris, Moremi mokoro trips, game drives and powerboat outings in total and utter privacy.
Xigera in the Moremi Game Reserve offers visitors the absolute in luxury, service and game viewing activities, one of the best in Botswana's Okavango Delta.
Xakanaxa Camp
Xakanaxa Camp offers up 12 Safari Tents on raised platforms on the Khwai River overlooking that famous Xakanaxa Lagoon that provides year-round boating safari and game drives within the Moremi Game Reserve.
Xakanaxa in the Moremi, is one of the most popular safari camps and game viewing and reserve destinations within Botswana and the Okavango Delta.
Mashatu Tent Camp
Mashatu Tent Camp is a luxurious safari destination situated in the heart of Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve.
This picturesque tented camp offers an African experience, combining home comforts and nature's sounds.
Tent Camp consists of 8 Meru-style tented suites, each fully furnished with modern amenities and creature comforts, while the surrounding wilderness offers a range of activities, including night game drives, guided nature walks and bird watching.
A stay of 3-5 nights is recommended for a truly unique African bushveld experience.