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
Muchenje Safari Lodge
11 thatched chalets are available at Muchenje Safari Lodge are set high on an escarpment and have been designed to take full advantage of the breathtaking views over the surrounding floodplains.
The lodge is perfectly positioned, bordering the renowned Chobe National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, while offering breathtaking views of the Chobe River and Namibia's Caprivi Strip. Guests can enjoy the tranquility of the lodge's secluded location while being surrounded by some of Africa's most iconic landscapes and wildlife.
Dumatau Camp
The ten luxurious safari suites at DumaTau Camp within the Linyanti Reserve all overlook a large hippo-filled lagoon on the Linyanti waterways, game drives to the Savuti Channel are also on offer.
A spectacular camp on what can only be described as the Linyanti waterfront, wildlife and birdlife is outstanding in this area.
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.
Chobe Marina Lodge
Chobe Marina Lodge with 60 rooms on offer is uniquely located right on the banks of the Chobe River bordering the National Park, a riverboat cruise and sunset tour into the park is undoubtedly a highlight of one's stay here.
This lodge is an excellent choice for safari enthusiasts, whether you're exploring the park's vast landscapes or relaxing by the river, Chobe Marina Lodge offers a memorable stay for those looking to experience the beauty of northern Botswana.
Kanana Camp
Kanana Camp is a true hidden gem, perfectly nestled in the southwest of the Okavango Delta along the serene banks of the Xudum River, just outside Botswana's renowned Moremi Game Reserve. Without question, this destination is one of the most idyllic escapes for families and couples alike.
Whether you're exploring the waterways by mokoro or enjoying a sundowner around a crackling fire, every moment at Kanana is curated to create unforgettable memories.
Deception Valley Lodge
Deception Valley Lodge offers eight safari tents where you can relax in total luxury and learn about the Bushman's ways of life, survival and hunting skills as well as game drives to Deception Valley.
This unique Deception Valley Lodge is located in the heart of the Kalahari Desert and offers guests a chance to experience some of the most amazing wildlife sightings and birdlife in all of Africa. But what really makes Deception Valley Lodge stand out is its proximity to the famed Deception Valley in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve - one of the most beautiful and unspoiled areas in all of Botswana.
Little Sable Camp
Little Sable Camp is a luxurious and intimate safari camp in the Khwai Private Reserve, a private concession in the Okavango Delta of Botswana.
This exclusive tented camp offers eight suites designed to be secluded and private, with stunning natural scenery stretching out before them.
Guests can experience various safari activities with the opportunity to see large herds of elephants in the dry season or predators such as cheetahs and lions during the green season.
With over 350 species of birds calling Khwai Community Reserve home, birdwatchers will be treated to an incredible visual feast!
Mombo Camp
Mombo Camp is located on Chief's Island in the Moremi Game Reserve (part of the Okavango Delta) and is second to none in Botswana.
This is Mombo, a luxury option for those seeking the finest in service, decor, cuisine, and wildlife in the reserve; there is simply no other safari camp quite like it in the whole of Botswana.