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
Okavango Spirit Houseboat
Okavango Spirit Houseboat is an unforgettable safari experience located on the pristine Okavango River in the Panhandle region of Northern Botswana.
This safari houseboat features seven luxurious en-suite cabins with private decks and glass doors for maximum privacy and incredible views of the wildlife, including pods of hippos and crocs from dusk till dawn.
Enjoy a relaxing stay or explore the stunning surroundings with game viewing on boats or walking excursions - Okavango Spirit Houseboat will make your African adventure even more special!
andBeyond Savute Under Canvas
&Beyond Savute Under Canvas is an extraordinary mobile camping experience set in the heart of Botswana's untamed wilderness. Offering a perfect blend of rugged adventure and refined comfort, this exclusive camp is ideal for those seeking the raw beauty of the Savute region.
Its strategic location near the enigmatic Savute Channel and Marsh ensures unparalleled access to some of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife encounters, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and safari lovers alike.
Little Machaba Camp
Little Machaba Camp is a private and intimate safari camp located in the Khwai Concession of Botswana within sight of the famed Khwai River floodplains.
Little Machaba offers classic safari-style tented suites to a maximum of 8 guests at any time, providing visitors with an authentic and romantic experience.
Guests can enjoy game viewing and birding from the safari lodge while immersing themselves in the wildlife-rich surroundings.
Experience night game drives and dinner under the African stars for an unforgettable safari getaway in a safari region just north of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Elephant Valley Lodge
Elephant Valley Lodge is one of the most popular accommodation choices when exploring the northern Chobe National Park region in Botswana. Nestled in a stunning natural setting, this lodge offers guests an unforgettable safari experience surrounded by incredible wildlife.
Elephant Valley’s warm hospitality, cozy accommodations, and convenient location make it an excellent choice for both first-time and seasoned safari-goers.
Koro Island Camp
Koro Island Camp is situated on the Central Tuli Block of Botswana and is only accessible by an intricate suspension bridge over the Limpopo River.
It is a classic safari camp, offering only four en-suite Meru safari tents for guests to experience the true African wilderness in comfort.
Guests can partake in various activities such as game drives, bird watching and walking trails, perfect for small groups of explorers.
Experience the wonders of nature in an unforgettable escape at Koro Island Camp!
Chobe Elephant Camp
Chobe Elephant Camp offers breathtaking views overlooking the iconic Chobe River and its surrounding floodplains, which are teeming with the diverse wildlife and birdlife that make the Chobe National Park so renowned.
Whether you're embarking on thrilling game drives, enjoying the tranquil sunsets, or indulging in the warm hospitality, Chobe Elephant Camp is the ideal destination for an unforgettable African safari in Botswana.
Camp Moremi
Camp Moremi has 11 classic tented safari suites that offer fantastic morning and afternoon wildlife drives using an open 4x4 safari vehicle within this amazing wildlife reserve and haven perfect for photographers.
Of all the Moremi Game Reserve accommodation options, Camp Moremi is in our top 5 for most popular, and for good reason.
Rra Dinare
Rra Dinare is a breathtaking camp situated right next to the iconic Moremi Game Reserve on the southeastern edge of the majestic Okavango Delta. Perched perfectly to overlook the renowned Gomoti River and its expansive floodplains, this location is a dream for wildlife and birdlife enthusiasts.
The plains are alive with diverse wildlife, offering guests an unmatched safari experience. The stunning views create a serene, immersive connection to nature.