Botswana

DumaTau (meaning ‘roar of the lion’) is a ten-roomed luxury tented camp, in the private 125 000-hectare Linyanti Wildlife Reserve which borders the western boundary of Chobe National Park in northern Botswana. The camp is built on raised boardwalks under a shady grove of mangosteen trees, overlooking a large hippo-filled lagoon on the Linyanti waterways. The source of the Savuti Channel is close to the camp and game drives along the Savuti are one of the highlights of the camp.

The rooms are spacious, raised off the ground and under thatch with canvas walls - allowing guests to enjoy the night sounds of Africa from the comfort of their rooms. The bathroom facilities are en-suite, with hot and cold running water. Each room has an additional outside shower. There is a dining room, pub, lounge, plunge pool and a special guest toilet with a fantastic view. The region has all the habitat diversity to make it a haven for wildlife.

Activities are diverse and allow guests time on the water, on land and occasionally on foot. Day and night game drives are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles along the Savuti Channel and the banks of the Linyanti River. There are many hides in the area where guests can enjoy wildlife viewing close up and away from a vehicle. One of the best hides is right at the source of the Savuti and many species of game and birdlife can usually be seen from this hide.

The area is famous for its elephant concentrations in our winter months and for the great game viewing all year. Huge herds of elephant congregate in winter along the waterways and lagoons - and at the waterholes that are located along the Savuti Channel. Towards the end of these dry months sable and roan antelope can be seen in the Mopane woodland. All the predators - lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog - feast on the prey species in the area, including impala, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, lechwe, tsessebe and other game.

Kings Pool Camp is located in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, a private reserve in the Linyanti / Savuti Channel area in the northern part of Botswana, on the western boundary of Chobe National Park. The source of the Savuti Channel is within this private reserve. The camp overlooks the oxbow-shaped Kings Pool Lagoon and the Linyanti River to the north.

Kings Pool Lagoon was apparently named after a Scandinavian monarch who spent a number of nights camping out on the banks of the lagoon, long before the camp was built here. The Linyanti area has a large wildlife resource with a wide variety of species, but it is most noted for its very large Elephant population, which can reach enormous densities during our winter months.

There are good populations of Impala, Lechwe, Kudu, Zebra, Giraffe, Sable, Waterbuck, Buffalo and the smaller plains antelope. The major predators such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dog and Hyaena are regularly sighted. The reed and papyrus swamps are ideal for numerous and diverse species of birds and are a magnet for game in the dry winter months.

Accommodation is probably the most luxurious in all of Botswana. There are nine twin-bedded tented rooms under cool thatch, overlooking the hippo filled lagoon in front of the camp. Each of the new suites has its own large bedroom area, lounge, private plunge pool and a sala. Each en-suite bathroom has two showers, two hand basins and a separate flush toilet. There is an outdoor shower for those who prefer to shower under the stars. The main lounge, pub and dining room are under thatch, and there is a swimming pool built into the deck. The main area is linked to the bedrooms by a raised walkway to allow animals to wander freely around the camp.

Activities include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, night drives, and occasionally guided walks when the camp manager feels that it is safe to conduct walking safaris.Highlights of this camp include the amazing sounds of the wildlife all around, as well as two hides. One is located at the western end of the camp, where guests can spend a siesta watching game come down to drink. The other is an underground hide, with the water at eye-level - seeing elephant feet and trunks almost within touching distance while safely inside is an experience that transcends that of an ordinary safari.

Savuti Camp is situated in the Linyanti Reserve along the Savuti Channel in northern Botswana. The camp is built about 17 kilometres ‘downstream’ from the source of the Savuti. The channel stopped flowing in 1980 and what was a Hippo-filled river, is now wide, open grasslands.

Savuti Camp is a comfortable camp providing accommodation in 7 walk-in tented rooms with en-suite facilities. Each room is raised off the ground on wooden decks. The camp has a thatched dining area, bar and plunge pool, all on raised wooden decks. There is also a curio shop and a boma area. There is a waterhole close to camp and this attracts large numbers of animals that guests can view from the camp.

Activities include game drives in open 4x4 Land Rovers, hides (including a woodpile hide located at the waterhole in front of the camp), night drives and walks with an armed guide. Wildlife in the area includes all of Botswana’s big animals and is one of the best areas in the country to see predators.

There are also good concentrations of plains animals in the area.

Selinda Camp is situated in The Selinda, a 1350km 2 private reserve that straddles the Selinda Spillway. This ephemeral waterway links the Okavango Delta in the west to the Kwando/Linyanti river system in the east. Here are found the game-rich floodplains of the Selinda and the Zibalianja Lagoon - source of the Savute Channel.

The camp is built on a shady island overlooking the waters of the eastern Selinda Spillway. Its 9 large, luxury tents are erected under cool thatch canopies, with all units having exceptional views across palm studded floodplains. Each tent has en-suite facilities, including a stone bath that is a highlight of the bathrooms. The bathroom is uniquely “open air” with lots of natural light, yet is screened and virtually bug-proof.

The tents which accommodate 18 guests are spacious and beautifully appointed with furniture and features that have been collected from around Africa. Four-poster mosquito nets and overhead fans are standard. The main area comprises a series of expansive decks that invite soaking up the spectacular views and wildlife that are a visual constant of the camp. The design of the main area is such that there is never a barrier to these views: whether guests are relaxing in the lounge, having brunch under the cool shade of the uniquely designed thatched roof, or sampling the fine cuisine of a 3-course dinner on the open “star deck”. Set apart from the main area is the photo/art gallery built above a temperature-controlled wine cellar and curio shop. Guests can also enjoy a small plunge pool and the traditional campfire.

Daily activities revolve around morning, afternoon and night game drives with experienced professional guides in custom built 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers. Short walks from camp are encouraged. Accompanied by an armed professional guide (all walking guides are in possession of a Botswana “Full Professional Guide” licence), these walks give guests the chance to “touch the Earth” and be introduced to some of Africa’s less prominent. The Selinda is host to a wide variety bird species (300+) and wildlife, including several species of antelope, hippo, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, wild dog, lion and plenty of elephant. Night drives allow guests to see such nocturnal species as the small cats, porcupine, springhare, hyaena and perhaps even the elusive leopard.

Zibalianja Camp is situated in The Selinda, a 1350 km2 private reserve that straddles the Selinda Spillway. This ephemeral waterway links the Okavango Delta in the west to the Kwando/Linyanti river system in the east. Here are found the game-rich floodplains of The Selinda and the Zibalianja Lagoon - source of the Savute Channel.

Built on a palm island in a sea of floodplain savannah, Zibalianja’s 3 Meru style tents are all en-suite. Erected on wooden decks, each tent enjoys wide vistas of the surrounding floodplains. With a maximum of only 6 FIT guests (or 8 if one group all sharing), the emphasis is on intimate hospitality in the tradition of a by-gone safari era. The thatch bar and viewing deck overlook a small, but active waterhole, whilst meals are taken in the warmth of the well appointed “mess tent”.

Daily activities revolve around morning, afternoon and night game drives with experienced professional guides in custom built 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers. Short walks from camp are encouraged. Accompanied by an armed professional guide (all walking guides are in possession of a Botswana “Full Professional Guide” licence), these walks give guests the chance to “touch the Earth” and be introduced to some of Africa’s less prominent wildlife. Siesta time can also be spent in the sunken hide at the waterhole’s edge. The Selinda is host to a wide variety bird (300+ species) and wildlife including: several species of antelope, hippo, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, wild dog, lion and plenty of elephant. Night drives allow guests to see such nocturnal species as the small cats, porcupine, springhare, hyaena and perhaps even the elusive leopard.

OKAVANGO DELTA

Abu Camp is situated in a 400 000-acre private reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The camp has 6 luxurious tents that are located under a shady canopy in an ancient riverine forest. The tents have a unique and wonderful design with a private viewing deck overlooking the lagoon. Each tent at Abu has beautiful en-suite facilities with a shower and a bath.

The dining / bar areas are on raised wooden decks that wind around African Ebony and Sycamore Fig trees. The lounge and dining tent has beautiful big sofas, with a breathtaking view over the lagoon and also features a well-stocked library and a study.

Guests at Abu Camp are invited to share with the resident elephant family what is, without doubt, the ultimate elephant education safari. The elephant experiences offer many magical moments including interacting with the resident herd of eight elephants by riding or walking with them, as well as with the herds of wildlife in the area. Abu also offers game drives, night drives, walks and mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris - as well as the most intimate elephant learning experience in Africa.

For those looking for the ultimate in bush luxury and exclusivity, Abu Private Villa is situated across the lagoon - a short five-minute drive away. This villa can accommodate four guests or a family with children.

Abu’s new Private Villa has been designed and built as a separate, private unit on the opposite side of the lagoon from Abu Camp. It boasts two large bedrooms with double four poster bed and a twin that can be converted into a double, as well as en suite facilities and a spacious sitting room - all on a raised teak deck beneath shady trees.

Magnificent old trees, including an African Ebony and Sycamore Fig, shade the multi-level teak decks which serve as a gathering point for the guests. Whilst most meals can be enjoyed al fresco, overlooking the lagoon, the hospitality area is dominated by the high peaks of an Afro-Bedouin styled tent that shelters a superbly appointed lounge and dining room. The decor items, redolent of everything that is African, would still look entirely at ease in a New York 5th Avenue apartment and the well-stocked bar and its never-ending supply of ice provide almost anything for which a guest would wish!

The emphasis here is on privacy and luxury in the middle of the African bush. The Private Villa has its own swimming pool and a resident butler. It is designed for a maximum of four people or a small family.

The Private Villa offers game drives, night drives, walks and Mokoro (dug out canoe) safaris, but does not offer any elephant interaction activities.

Chitabe is a luxurious 8-roomed tented camp built on one of the most beautiful islands in the Okavango Delta, in a private area which is bordered on three sides by the Moremi Game Reserve.

Chitabe Lediba is a very comfortable five-roomed tented camp in an enormous concession that is bordered on three sides by the Moremi Game Reserve.

Duba Plains is perhaps the Okavango Delta’s most remote camp. It is located in a private 30 000-hectare reserve and in the furthermost region of the Delta. The camp is situated on an island, surrounded by expansive seasonally flooded plains and shaded by tall ebony, fig and garcinia trees.

Jacana Camp, situated about 25 kilometres west of Mombo, outside the Moremi Game reserve on the Jao flats, is a truly water-oriented camp and offers mokoro and walking safaris all year round. Game drives are also on offer year round but night drives are ony possible from about September to May as water levels restrict this activity when the flood is in.

Jao Camp is situated in a private reserve on a remote large island, to the west of the Moremi Game Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Across the waterway in front of the camp, guests have access to open floodplains and savannah for a wonderful Okavango experience.

Kwetsani Camp is a five roomed luxury tented camp located in a private reserve 25km to the west of Mombo and to the west of the Moremi Game Reserve. The large elongated island on which Kwetsani is built is heavily wooded, cool and shady with Palm, Mangosteen and Fig trees and is one of the most remote camps in the entire Okavango Delta.

Mombo Camp/Little Mombo The camp has nine luxuriously furnished tents, raised off the ground. The guests’ rooms and connecting walkways that connect are up to two metres off the ground, allowing game to wander freely through the camp while at the same time allowing for guest safety. One often finds that animals take refuge under the rooms. The canvas rooms are spacious and well appointed and have en-suite facilities with an additional outdoor shower for those who enjoy a shower under the stars.

Seba Camp, set in an ancient riverine forest in the heart of Botswana’s magical Okavango Delta, offers secluded, luxurious accommodation overlooking a lagoon and seasonal floodplain teeming with animal and bird life. Guests can enjoy more than game viewing, however, as the camp is a base for unique research on elephant behaviour and a regular centre for wildlife film-makers

Tubu Tree Camp is situated in the 60.000 hectare Jao Reserve which borders the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The Camp is a traditional style tented safari camp built on raised wooden platforms to take best advantage of the beautiful view over the floodplains. The camp accommodates guests in 5 large, comfortable tents, each with a small, private deck in front.

Vumbura Plains (pronounced Voombera) Camp is a luxury camp situated to the north of Mombo, in a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in the extreme north of the Okavango Delta.

Little Vumbura is a beautiful 6-roomed tented camp situated to the north of Mombo in a private reserve.The 6 tented rooms are large and comfortably appointed and each has an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, a shower and flush toilet. The camp has a plunge pool. Access into this area is only by aircraft and then guests are transferred by means of vehicle and then mokoro or boat to the camp from the airstrip.

Xigera (pronounced Keejera) is a luxury tented camp in the Moremi Game Reserve and is situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

Xigera has something for everyone in an area where there are no other Moremi camps. Permanent water all year round allows one to enjoy an unparalleled variety of activities including foot safaris, mokoro trips, game drives and powerboat outings in total privacy. Enjoy a true Delta experience while you sit back in a mokoro (dugout canoe) and silently glide through the wonders of the tranquil Okavango waterways observed by a myriad Delta creatures. Watch the sunset and the birds gliding home to roost from a motorboat on the Xigera Lagoon. Observe the wildlife and unique Delta scenery from the comfort of a Land Rover or, for the adventurous, track animals on foot. Or simply take in the beautiful sunrise from your comfortable bed while sipping your morning tea or coffee.

Nestled in a magnificent riverine forest, Xigera consists of luxuriously furnished tented rooms with en-suite facilities and an outdoor shower. Each room is raised off the ground on a wooden deck offering a superb view of the seasonal floodplain and waterhole. Meals and evening drinks are enjoyed under the thatch of the raised lounge, pub and dining area overlooking a permanently flowing channel. A traditional African boma offers alternative dining under the African stars. Wooden walkways winding through the forest connect the rooms to the main living area. For those hot days there is a small plunge pool in which to cool off.

A feature unique to Xigera is the wooden footbridge connecting Xigera Island to the island next to it. Guests are often treated to close-up views of lion, hyaena or leopard padding across the bridge as they move between islands. The camp “newspaper” (a sand pit built into the bridge to capture paw prints) is “read” each morning and provides information on unseen nightly visitors to camp.

A paradise for avid birdwatchers, Xigera is home to the Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Skimmer, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, Lesser Jacana and a host of eagles, vultures, raptors and kingfishers. It also boasts the highest density of the rare and elusive sitatunga antelope found anywhere in the Okavango Delta. When water levels permit, game drives are an attraction. During drier years, drives are available throughout the year, but if there has been a very high flood, drives take place only from late September to April.

Access to Xigera is by light aircraft only.