wilderness safaris botswana camps

Botswana Safaris

Africa’s ultimate safari destination.

Experience Botswana as few travelers do, on a mobile camping safari—a true immersion in the untamed beauty of Africa. Designed to bring you away from the crowds and close to wildlife, our journeys explore the game-rich savannas of Chobe and Moremi on exhilarating game drives and by private boat, and head out on exciting bush walks and mokoro canoe excursions in the Okavango Delta. At journey’s end, experience one of the natural wonders of the world—Victoria Falls!

All Trips to Botswana

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Small Group Adventure

Botswana Wildlife Safari

Botswana, Zimbabwe

From $9,895

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Botswana: Kalahari Explorer

From $11,395

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Botswana: Okavango Explorer

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Ultimate Namibia and Botswana

Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia

From $11,595

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Great Elephant Migration Safari

From $9,295

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Private Journey

Botswana and Victoria Falls Private Safari

From $8,495

wilderness safaris botswana camps

South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Botswana Private Safari

Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa

From $8,595

A Wilderness Travel Botswana staff member serving food.

What Makes Our Botswana Safaris Special?

  • Explore Africa the way few travelers ever do with  private mobile camps and boutique lodges  that get you close to the wildlife and away from the crowds.
  • Expert  naturalist guides lead your entire safari  (no handing you off from lodge to lodge); and a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1 in camp.
  • Epic game viewing and great variety:  4WD vehicle, bush walks, private riverboat, canoe, and scenic charter flights.
  • Custom-built 4WD safari vehicles  with guaranteed window seats and roof hatches with 360-degree views.
  • Experience  Botswana’s phenomenal landscapes:  the Okavango Delta, a World Heritage Site, exquisite Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe National Park, with its massive herds of elephant.
  • We offer  a Botswana safari for every season,  from our classic 11-day journey that includes Victoria Falls to our 14-day in-depth adventures in the Okavango Delta or the Kalahari Desert.

Everything You Need to Know

There is no wrong time to go on safari in Botswana, however, it is generally accepted that the best game viewing period is from late March to October. Because of the minimal rainfall during this season, the bush turns golden brown and in many areas is beaten flat, so game viewing is easier and animals concentrate around major water sources.

A chart showing weather in Botswana.

There is simply no experience that compares to a mobile safari. A world apart from lodge-based, our mobile camps immerse you deep in Botswana’s most magnificent and wildlife-rich terrain in absolute comfort.

  • Spacious tents are equipped with comfortable beds (no cots!), and en suite private bathrooms with washbasins and hot showers.
  • A private guide, chef, camp manager, tent steward, and camp team stay with you throughout your mobile safari. Our staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1 for the highest quality of service.
  • Thrilling game viewing: our mobile camps have you out in the heart of the parks and close to the wildlife—no long drives back and forth on dusty lodge roads.

With its wide-open, sparsely populated countryside, Botswana has set aside more land for national parks and game reserves than any other country in Africa. It is a landlocked nation covering an area slightly smaller than the state of Texas. In essence, Botswana is a sandy plateau situated at an average elevation of 3,000-3,500 feet above sea level. Its most dominant geological feature is the Kalahari Desert, which covers roughly 80% of the country. At the northern edge of this arid area lies the Okavango Delta—the “Jewel of the Kalahari”—where the Okavango River is tamed by the semi-desert and spills over an area the size of Switzerland, and then disappears into the sand, never reaching the ocean to the south. It is the largest inland delta in the world. With its permanent supply of water, the Okavango Delta supports what is probably the most diverse profusion of plant and animal life in Southern Africa.

Setswana is the main language in Botswana, understood by about 90% of the people. Although you can manage well without knowing any of the language, it is always fun (and appreciated) when you try to use a few words.

Hello (to man/woman) —  Dumela mma/rra Hello (to a group) —  Dumelang Goodbye (person leaving) —  Tsamayo sentle Goodbye (person staying) —  Sala sentle Please —  Tsweetswee Thank you —  Kea itumela Yes/No —  Ee/Nnyaa Excuse me —  Intshwarele OK/No problem —  Go siame How are you? (morning) —  A o tsogile? How are you? (evening) —  O tlhotse jang? My name is… —  Leina la me ke… I’m from…. —  Ke tswa kwa… Come in! —  Tsena!

The earliest recorded inhabitants of Botswana were the Basarwa, sometimes called Bushmen, although their proper name is San, meaning “people.”” Only about 3,000 full-blooded Basarwa still follow their traditional way of life, hunting and gathering in the harsh northern Kalahari. There are nearly 50,000 other Basarwas in Botswana and neighboring countries who have adapted more modern-day lifestyles. The migration of Bantu-speaking peoples from the north came later, and they brought their cattle herds with them.

In 1817, the English missionary Robert Moffat arrived and established a mission station at Kuruman. He set the Setswana language into written form and translated the bible into Setswana. The Boers swept through the land in 1835 and acquired vast tracts of land regardless of prior claims or inhabitants. In 1841, Dr. Livingstone befriended Robert Moffat and married his daughter Mary at Kuruman. Livingstone’s earlier explorations had brought him through Kolobeng to Lake Ngami in the Maun area (he was the first European to see the lake) and on to the Chobe River, the Zambezi, and Victoria Falls. After 1860, the Boers, Germans, and British carved up large tracts of land among themselves.

The British Government made Bechuanaland (Botswana) a British Protectorate in 1885. Cecil Rhodes tried to take over with his British South Africa Company in 1894, but failed. British Rule lasted 70 years. The 1960s saw the formation of the first political parties in Bechuanaland. In 1963, constitutional talks began and the machinery for self-rule and the establishment of the new capital city, Gaborone, was started. The first general elections were held in 1965 and independence was declared on September 30, 1966. Today, Botswana has one of the fastest growing economies in the African continent. The long tradition of kgotla (tribal assembly where there is freedom of speech and debate) has translated easily into a multi-party parliamentary democracy.

Experience Botswana

Explorers on a canoe in Botswana.

Extend Your Trip

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Okavango Delta Safari Extension

From $4,795

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

An extraordinary trip. The tent camping experience and the lodges were outstanding. The assurance that we were truly experiencing the world as the animals (and birds) do made it an intensely rewarding experience.
The small number of participants with Wilderness Travel makes a much more intimate interaction with the areas visited. It was wonderful being in a small group of ten. Our guide’s ability to spot things in the bush was pretty incredible—he found leopards for us (with their kills), lions we would never have seen, and every bird everywhere. Great personality, too!
We were very excited to be going on safari and all of our expectations were met and exceeded. This was the adventure of a lifetime! Top quality in every way.
The entire trip was first class. The service from the trip team was outstanding. I felt like I was at a five-star hotel rather than out in the African Bush.
The itinerary and pace of the trip was perfect. I saw more wildlife than I have seen on previous trips to Africa. Camp was charming and very comfortable with attentive and helpful staff. Kay, the cook, was amazing!
Great schedule with a focus on seeing every inch of the territory, animals, birds, learning about the terrain and the history of Botswana. A wonderful, well-run operation and very well planned and executed.
This was one of our best trips ever. We are still on a high a month after the trip, having had wonderful guides, camp crew, and co-travelers. It was the right mix of comfort and authentic experience and we saw so much more than anticipated.
This trip truly exceeded our expectations and made it the trip of a lifetime. We saw far more wildlife, up front and personal, beyond our imagination.

Talk to an Expert

Our Africa Specialists know every detail about our Botswana safaris. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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wilderness safaris botswana camps

The Top 25 Best Safari Lodges and Camps in Botswana

Matthys van Aswegen

Author: Matthys van Aswegen - 16 February 2023

Last Update: 16 February 2024

Part of the Botswana Trips & Botswana Tourism & African Safari Collection

Botswana is consistently rated as one of the best places in Africa to go on a safari. It’s home to the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park , as well as the hidden gems of the Kalahari and Linyanti. You’ll find ample opportunities to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) as well as a wide assortment of other exciting wildlife. 

Planning to go on a safari in Botswana? Get inspired with this round-up of the top 25 best safari lodges and camps in Botswana.

Mombo camp delivers authentic tented safari camping at its most luxurious in the world-renowned Okavango Delta floodplains. The camp puts a strong focus on customer experience and your every need is anticipated. Friendly and experienced guides make every game drive a trip worth remembering. 

Devotion to your satisfaction is a part of every experience at Mombo, and the deeply personalized service will leave you feeling pampered and cared for from every angle.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Highlights include:

  • A photography hide
  • Reliable Big Five sightings
  • Scenic helicopter flights

Ideal for: Photographic safaris

Savute Safari Lodge

Nestled within Chobe National Park, Savute Safari Lodge is celebrated for its elegant accommodation and exceptional viewing of Africa’s largest elephant herds. The lodge’s strategic location offers a luxurious gateway to the wild, providing a serene backdrop for an unforgettable safari experience.

  • A well-stocked library with views of watering holes
  • Elevated decks for uninterrupted game viewing
  • A refreshing swimming pool overlooking the Savute Channel
  • Evening bonfires in a traditional boma setting

Ideal for: Birding safaris

Delightfully isolated San Camp is a must-go for anyone wanting to escape to the middle of nowhere and be immersed in the miracles of the African bush. Ensconced in the rolling golden grasslands and salt pans of the Kalahari desert, billowing white tents shaded by palm trees deliver a sense of the romantic.

This seasonal camp (November to March) is dedicated to making the most of the dry season in Makgadikgadi Pans and places a strong focus on the striking views of the salt pans and a game-loaded savannah, all of which can be scouted by horseback and quad bike (ATV).

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Delicious and innovative cuisine
  • Meerkat interactions
  • Bushman walks
  • Tented yoga and meditation deck

Ideal for: Honeymoon safari

Tuludi Camp

Tucked away in the famous Khwai Private Concession and constructed in partnership with the local community, Tuludi camp is the ideal base if you’re looking to explore the fascinating Okavango Delta. When you’re done spotting elephants, hippos, lions, and leopards, settle into the stylish and polished camp to admire the breathtaking views of the spectacular wilderness in the shade of acacia trees.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Private vehicle and guide with the family suite
  • Mokoro safaris
  • Night drives
  • Excellent big game viewing

Ideal for: Family safaris

Jack’s Camp

Jack’s Camp is an iconic destination, offering a glimpse into an ancient landscape untouched by time. Set against the vastness of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, this camp is a sanctuary for those looking to step off the beaten path and into a world of exploration and wonder.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Opulent safari tents with indoor and outdoor showers
  • A plush, Persian rug-adorned mess tent for communal dining
  • A refreshing pool pavilion for relaxation in the desert heat
  • Private, guided walks to ancient baobab groves
  • A specialist spa tent offering traditional treatments

Ideal for: Luxury safaris

Chobe Chilwero

Overlooking the sparkling Chobe river and limitless bushveld, Chobe Chilwero is a dreamy riverside retreat on the edge of the Chobe National Park. Whether you choose to explore the plains on a game drive or make your way along the waters in a boat, you can look forward to incredible wildlife encounters with lions, leopards, hippos, wild dogs, and buffalo.

Of course, no trip is complete without spotting the majestic elephants the area is famous for. A stay at Chobe Chilwero is everything you could hope for from a Botswana safari.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Spa treatments in a treetop room
  • A kids’ safari program
  • Reliable elephant sightings
  • Boat cruises on the Chobe river
  • A tour of Victoria Falls in neighboring Zimbabwe

Ideal for: Family safari

Xugana Island Lodge

Xugana Island Lodge is a jewel within the Okavango Delta, offering an intimate setting for those wishing to connect with nature. Surrounded by water, this lodge is a haven for bird enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility in a lush, aquatic environment.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Overwater chalets with panoramic delta views
  • An elegant dining area set on a wooden deck above the water
  • Sundowner cruises on the Xugana Lagoon
  • A private bird hide for ornithology enthusiasts
  • An open-air boma for atmospheric dining under the stars

Ideal for: Water-based safari

Situated in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve, Okuti camp’s one-of-a-kind domed suites are built using wood, reeds, and canvas. Beneath the exterior of these masasas (houses of reeds) lies a lush interior with comfy furnishings. Each suite is raised on a wooden deck with rooms overlooking the tranquil Maunachira channel and Moremi’s flourishing wetlands. Expect views guaranteed to instill a sense of wonder and inner peace.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Exploring the Delta by motorboat
  • Custom safari vehicles for unparalleled game viewing
  • Abundant birdlife

Ideal for: Birding safari

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp

The elegant and stylish Baines’ Camp delivers the classical African safari experience with a twist of romance. Perfectly suited to couples, the camp offers a range of intimate activities from candle-lit dinners under the Milky Way to languid sunset mokoro rides on the Delta, dips in the star bath, and peaceful nights in a star bed where you can drift off counting shooting stars.

Sanctuary Baines Camp in Botswana | Photo credits: Sanctuary Baines Camp

  • Eco-friendly camp
  • Boat cruises

Ideal for: Romantic safari

Leroo La Tau

Perched above the western bank of the Boteti River, Leroo La Tau offers a panoramic vista of the Makgadikgadi Pans. This lodge is a sanctuary during the dry season, as herds of zebra and wildebeest congregate at the river, offering an unparalleled wildlife spectacle.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Cliff-edge chalets offering expansive views of the Boteti River
  • A floodlit waterhole attracting nocturnal wildlife
  • A serene infinity pool with panoramic wilderness views
  • Themed cultural evenings with traditional music and dance
  • An observatory deck for stargazing sessions

Ideal for: Zebra migration safari

Vumbura Plains

Somewhere between a beach house and a log cabin, each Vumbura Plains suite tucked away in the African wilderness delivers a light and airy escape from it all. The camp exudes a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere with an elevated deck that lets you take in the awe-inspiring views of the Delta’s floodplain. Guaranteed to have you soaking up the magic of the African bush with every breath.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Walks safaris
  • Hot-air balloon rides (April to September)

Ideal for: Mokoro safari

Moremi Crossing

Moremi Crossing, a pioneer in eco-friendly camping, stands on a palm island, offering a sustainable way to experience the heart of the Okavango Delta. Emphasizing conservation and community involvement, this camp invites guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the delta.

Moremi Crossing in Botswana | Photo credits: Moremi Crossing

  • A lounge and dining area built around ancient trees
  • Spectacular sunset views from the elevated deck
  • A variety of dining settings, including private bush dinners
  • Nature walks led by experienced guides focusing on conservation

Ideal for: Affordable Okavango Delta safari

Xigera Safari Lodge

Be pampered at Xigera safari lodge, where comfort and style are the name of the game. Enveloped in the tranquil waters of the Okavango Delta and its riverine forests, this 5-star destination will have you relaxing in the lap of luxury. From gourmet dining to top-class spa treatments, every aspect of your stay is designed to maximize well-being and deliver an unforgettable safari experience.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Wellness center
  • Fine dining
  • Photographic safaris

Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

Rustic meets elegant at this spellbinding destination, where you have uninterrupted views of lush mopane woodlands and flooded grasslands. Nxabega is everything you’d expect from a 5-star hotel, from its opulent comfort to personalized service. Enjoy gourmet dishes or grab a coffee from the in-house barista before you retreat to your hanging daybed to soak up the wonders of the bush.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Catch-and-release fishing trips
  • WILDchild activities for kids

Ideal for: Kid friendly safari

Nestled on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Jao Camp oozes opulence and is only accessible by air. Built on a couple of levels rising into the tree canopy, this awe-inspiring safari destination incorporates natural materials and unique construction to deliver an out-of-this-world setting.

With floor-to-ceiling glass panels, you’re guaranteed awe-inspiring views of the verdant bush, while contemporary furnishings blend with local art and carvings for a sophisticated feel.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Seasonal star-beds for nights under the Milky Way
  • A one-of-a-kind spa
  • Exclusivity in a private concession

Ideal for: Luxury Okavango Delta safari

Eagle Island Lodge

Positioned in the Delta’s stunning Xaxaba Island, Eagle Island lodge delivers a safari experience quite unlike any other. Here, timeless luxury meets Africa’s unique water-based experiences, skipping the rumbling 4×4 vehicles in favor of mokoro rides and barge cruises. Expect up-close sightings of wildlife like hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and all the big cats at this one-of-a-kind destination.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Horseback riding
  • Fish Eagle Bar on the water

Ideal for: Horseback safari

Selinda Camp

Located on the banks of the Selinda Spillway, Selinda Camp incorporates traditional African materials of wood, thatch, and canvas to blend in with its pristine surroundings. Unique and contemporary design meets the highest levels of luxury, with jaw-dropping views of the Selinda Reserve’s endless wilderness.

Keen photographers will be blown away by the resident hide’s spectacular views of wildlife and the custom-built safari vehicles that make sure you can capture those amazing shots.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Reliable sightings of African wild dogs and lions
  • One-of-a-kind architecture
  • Walking safaris
  • Boat cruise

Ideal for: Walking safaris

Chobe Game Lodge

Moorish architecture and mind blowing decor make a stay at Chobe Game Lodge an unforgettable experience. As one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, this remarkable feat of design delivers the ultimate in luxury stays. Outstanding views of the wildlife-packed Chobe River are coupled with excellent levels of service, fine dining, and opulent accommodations. With such an upscale experience, you’ll be forgiven for forgetting you’re in the middle of the wilderness!

Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana | Photo credit: Chobe Game Lodge

  • Eco-friendly electric safari boats

Ideal for: Chobe river safari

Camp Moremi

Go off-grid without leaving behind the creature comforts of the modern world. Camp Moremi delivers the classic African safari experience with classy thatch and canvas safari tents, guaranteed seclusion, and opulent levels of service. Moremi Game Reserve plays host to daily game drives, sunset cruises on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, and leopard-spotting excursions.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Privacy and hyper exclusivity
  • Boating safaris
  • Incredible views of the Xakanaxa Lagoon

Ideal for: Xakanaxa safari

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Tucked away in the depths of the Okavango Delta, Sandibe is ensconced in the forest canopy and tranquil waterways. The ultra-luxurious setting, unmatched levels of service, and awe-inspiring views combine to deliver a safari experience you’ll remember forever. Cool off in the plunge pool between game drives spotting wildlife like elephants and lions while the friendly staff anticipates your every need.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Distinctive architecture
  • WILDchild kids’ program
  • An interactive kitchen

Ideal for: Luxury safari

Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

Taking its inspiration from the plentiful water lilies of the Delta, Xaranna’s blend of chic yellows, lily pinks, and olive greens creates a calming atmosphere that will have you feeling at one with nature in no time. Unwind in comfort and soak up your time away from society while the staff takes care of your every need. Xaranna is the perfect place for couples and families looking to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the miracles of the wilderness.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Kids’ activities

Ideal for: Family safari in the Okavango Delta

Tucked away in a verdant riverine forest surrounded on all sides by open floodplains, Abu camp focuses on heart-stopping encounters with its resident population of African elephants. This ultra-luxury camp gets its name from a local bull elephant and the camp’s light grey color palette goes even further to entrench the aesthetic. If you’re looking for a completely unique getaway, Abu Camp won’t disappoint.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Star-bed sleepouts under the African sky
  • Water-based safaris
  • Elephant experiences

Tubu Tree Camp, situated on the remote Hunda Island in the Okavango Delta, offers guests a unique blend of water and land-based safari experiences. With its diverse habitats, the camp is renowned for its leopard sightings and varied wildlife. Each of the eight luxurious tents provide stunning views of the floodplains. 

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Wildlife viewing hide

Ideal for: Photographic safari

King’s Pool Camp

With breathtaking views of the King’s Pool Lagoon and the wildlife-packed Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, you’ll feel like royalty at this idyllic destination. 5-star accommodations and service meet the quintessential African safari experience, and spacious, elegantly decorated suites will have you unwinding in no time. Extensive use of thatch and wood blend in seamlessly with the wonders of the bush, creating an atmosphere of sublime relaxation.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • Reliable predator sightings
  • Opulent suites

Chief’s Camp

Safari chic meets tranquil luxury at Chief’s Camp. Situated in the heart of the Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve, here you’ll experience the very finest of what Botswana has to offer. Enjoy incredible views of the Piajio floodplain and all the creature comforts you’d expect from a 5-star hotel. Reliable predator sightings and Big Five game viewing combine to deliver a safari experience you’ll remember forever while unmatched levels of service anticipate your every need.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

  • A children’s play area
  • Reliable rhino sightings

Ideal for: Big cat safari

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wilderness safaris botswana camps

wilderness safaris botswana camps

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Okavango Delta

NUMBER OF ROOMS:

PRICE RANGE:

US$ 1,395 — US$ 3,195 per night

DATES OPEN:

Quintessentially Okavango Delta

You can’t dream this kind of adventure up. North Island Okavango safari camp itself is located on a private island, surrounded by a mosaic of other islands all netted together by shining lagoons and transient channels. Between the floodplains, open savannah and woodlands, there is an abundance of wildlife everywhere.

Each tent has been designed around a congregation of beautiful big trees, with exceptional lagoon views. Delights of ebony, mangosteen, rain trees, leadwood and wild fig. The adventure here comes to you in waves, as you safari amongst the islands, rich with wild things and extraordinary beauty. This is without doubt, an incredible Okavango Delta safari experience.

Designed around comfort and luxury, it won’t take you long to settle right in. Here you’ll be blissfully unaware of anything else, other than the tranquility and beauty of your surroundings. This is also an exciting opportunity to experience the joy of the Okavango Delta done three ways. On land, on water and in the air. Each new adventure, as extraordinary as the last. The wildlife opportunities in and around camp are exceptional and discovering this idyllic island landscape for yourself will not only delight, but also leave you full to the brim with adventure filled stories to share.

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Together with our local partners Nakwa and the Magobagoba Youth Trust we are tremendously proud of this recognition.

Why You’ll Love North Island Okavango:

  • This is an intimate little camp that packs a lot of punch! Enjoy blissful comfort and African-inspired sophistication in what is undoubtedly one of the most famous wildlife-watching destinations in the world.
  • With only three tents, set on raised wooden platforms overlooking stunning views of the lagoon, it won’t take you long to relax and soak in the tranquility.
  • Here you get to experience the Delta three ways; on land (game drives), on water (mokoro and boat meanders) and in the air (on a scenic helicopter flight). This is a safari experience that's hard to beat.
  • Located in an utterly beautiful and semi-private game rich concession on the northern fringes of the Okavango Delta the camps position, unlike most other camps, has water-based activities are almost all year round.
  • You’ll find yourself in the thick of it! Home to all the stars of the animal kingdom, from big cats, to buffalo, antelope and aardvark.
  • After a visit to our other premier camps; Jack’s Camp in the Kalahari and Tuludi in Khwai Private Reserve, add this to your circuit to complete the thrill of experiencing three of our luxury camps, in three different eco-systems – this really is getting to enjoy the very best of Botswana’s wild and wonderful places!

Select Your Travel Dates

Ready to book the safari of a lifetime? Get started by checking availability below.

We recommend booking North Island Okavango as part of a complete Natural Selection safari, but if you want to book it separately or just check availability, click here to select dates and book.

Interested in learning more about the prices? View Rates

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North Island Okavango Accommodations

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Now here’s where it gets exciting. Styled by bold shapes, textures and contemporary African inspired design, this is exceptional comfort, style and luxury all blended into one.

There are only 4 spacious tents in camp, each resting on a raised wooden deck under the shady boughs of wild ebony trees. Each tent offers stunning views of the lagoon in front of it and a private plunge pool with a sunken sundeck for cooling off, for you to enjoy while watching the wildlife that comes into view. At night sit on the deck listening to the bell frogs tinkle like windchimes and watch as fireflies wink at you across the water. For the hotter summer nights, each bed comes with its very own ‘over-the-bed’ cooling system. And in winter, there is a cosy fireplace to relax in front of, making each tent a romantic safari experience.

The camp sits peacefully in front of a glorious hippo-filled lagoon, shaded by a congregation of enormous trees, with a separate lounge and dining area to enjoy delicious dinners, connected by a wooden deck that extends onwards for stargazing around a crackling firepit at night. To the side, there is a separate library for resting and reading and an outdoor gym to exercise in, while surrounded by the wild. This colourful little camp, packs a lot of punch. From the contemporary African inspired design, to the activities on offer, this is a small island haven for wild adventure.

Accommodation & Amenities

  • 4 tented suites on raised wooden platforms, each with twin beds that can be converted to doubles.
  • Plus a sleeper couch to accommodate two children with their own bathroom.
  • Ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower, plus bathtub.
  • Sunken deck and private plunge pool at each suite.
  • Total unit floor space of 140 square metres (including deck, outside shower, pool etc); 80 square metres of interior floor space.
  • Minibar in each room.
  • The camp is 100% solar-powered.
  • Ceiling fans and an environmentally friendly air-conditioning system over the bed.
  • Outdoor gym.
  • Well stocked library with books about Botswana and the Okavango Delta.
  • Wi-Fi available in the suites only.
  • Hairdryers available.
  • Battery charging facilities available in the suites only.
  • Complimentary laundry service.
  • Child policy: we welcome children aged 6 years and older.
  • Disabled access: please enquire with reservations.

When to Visit North Island Okavango

wilderness safaris botswana camps

North Island Okavango is open all year round. We’re always asked which is the ‘best’ time of year to visit, and our answer? There isn’t one. It all depends on your preferences, what you would like to see and do, and how you like to safari.

April to October in the Delta are the dry, winter months. Confusingly, this means the water levels are at their highest and it’s the best time of year for water and mokoro safaris when you’ll be able to access remote areas. However, in saying that, what makes North Island Okavango so unique, is that there is water around the camp almost all year round. This means that guests can enjoy water based activities sooner in the year and for longer than most other areas of the Delta.

Game viewing at this time of year is exceptional (it always is) and this combined with the pleasant, mid-20s temperatures and sunshine-filled skies, makes it a great time to experience the Delta.

October to March are the green season months. Rain comes in the form of short, sharp thunderstorms and the dramatic skies make for even more dramatic sunsets. Water levels are slightly lower at this time of year, but there is always permanent water around North Island Okavango and mokoro and boat safaris are still possible. It’s also the best time of year to spot breeding animals and the migrant birds.

Seasonality

  •   Green season: 10 January – 31 March
  •   Shoulder season: 01 April – 31 May | 01 November – 19 December
  •   High season: 01 June – 30 June | 01 September – 31 October | 20 December – 09 January
  •   Peak season: 01 July – 31 August

North Island Okavango Activities

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Wild adventure is kind of our thing at North Island Okavango. Here you get to experience the Delta three ways – on land, on water and in the air:

  • Game drive through vast tracts of pristine wilderness in search of lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, hippo and the rare sitatunga antelope.
  • View the wildlife at eye level on a boat or traditional mokoro safari through the lily-filled channels (NB water activities are subject to water levels in the Delta but the best part about North Island Okavango is that it gets water almost all year round).
  • Try your hand at a spot of fishing (01 Mar – 31 Dec); fishing is not permitted from January to February due to breeding season).
  • Tick off some of the Okavango specials from your bird-list – the slaty egret, Pel’s fishing owl and the African skimmer to name a few.
  • Cruise over the vast landscapes of the Okavango Delta on a soaring helicopter flight or to view ancient rock art at Tsodilo Hills, less than 100km away (at an additional cost).
  • Take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight (at an additional cost).
  • Head out (by heli) on a community visit to meet with some of our community based outreach partners in the nearby villages. You’ll also spend time with one of our conservation partners to see first hand how together we are able to make a difference to wildlife conservation in the area (at an additional cost).
  • Spend time with one of our conservation partners, to see first-hand how we are making a difference to wildlife conservation in the area.

North Island Okavango Landscape & Wildlife

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This enormous concession is slightly to the west of the renowned Vumbura and Duba Plains concessions on the northern side of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. With the large size, an abundance of game, and very little evidence of other people, this is a prime destination for those looking for an exclusive experience in a blissfully uncrowded area.

The landscape is iconic in all its Delta-esque beauty. It’s a pristine wilderness of floodplains and grasslands, lagoons and palm-strewn islands, and the diverse habitats support an extraordinary range of wildlife. It really is one of the most unique wetland areas in the world, unchanged for centuries, and, in our eyes (and many others!) one of the best safari destinations there is.

Imagine a mosaic of forest islands, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, where channels flow one way this year, another the next. The camp is ringed by a congregation of beautiful trees, delights of ebony, mangosteen, rain trees, leadwood and wild fig and home to an abundance of beautiful birds, hives and nests, making this a magical haven buzzing with life.

The adventure comes to you in waves, as you safari amongst the islands, savannah grasslands and woodlands all rich in wildlife and extraordinary beauty. This is without doubt, an incredible Okavango Delta safari experience.

We’ve already established that this incredible concession in the Okavango Delta is a true wildlife stronghold and whether this is your first time on safari or you’ve traversed the continent with your binos, you won’t be disappointed by what’s on offer. In fact, those in the know (and who’ve been around the safari block more than a few times!) say that the area has the highest concentration of lion anywhere in the Okavango Delta. But the allure isn’t simply in the number of animals you’ll see, but in the diversity of species in the reserve.

The area around North Island is famed for its large buffalo herds and the lions that hunt them. Far from being a one trick pony though the plains are also home to a strong population of cheetah and wild dog, while the woodlands host leopard in high numbers. You’ll also spot elusive and lesser-known predators like caracal, serval and mongoose. Each year approximately 40 000 elephants transit through the area, making it one of the most elephant rich areas not just in Botswana but the entire planet!

On the edge of the water, buffalo congregate en masse, lechwe leap in bounding cascades and the water dwelling sitatunga shyly graze. While trunk-swinging elephant bathe, watched beadily from the channels by sun-basking crocs and hippo. Antelope dot the floodplains in every direction, and zebra and giraffe appear at the flash of a camera. The birdlife here is especially noteworthy, withover 350-bird species, including the endangered wattled crane, carmine bee-eaters, secretary birds and the Pel’s fishing-owl, all regularly spotted to the delight of many a twitcher.

North Island Okavango Story

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For decades, we have loved this game-rich area. For us, it’s what wild Okavango Delta safaris epitomize. So, when the opportunity arose to work with local partners Nakwa and the Magobagoba Youth Trust, we jumped at it.

Being at the upstream end of the Okavango Delta, this area receives the annual floodwaters first. This opens up water-based viewing activities for most of the year, to offer off-the-charts wildlife watching experiences.

Equally attractive to us, as a purpose driven business though, is that the presence of a camp here can have a very positive impact on both conservation and local communities.

When you visit North Island Okavango, you will be directly supporting the following Natural Selection conservation initiatives:

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North Island Okavango In The News

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North Island Okavango, Travel + Leisure, March 2024

Special Offers

Our special offers are designed to help you experience everything southern Africa has to offer whilst also saving some all-important pennies. Whether you’re about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime solo trip, or are celebrating a special occasion, have a peek at our offers and see what could be in store for you.

Celebrate your honeymoon under African skies

One spouse stays for 50% off in participating camps… We’re feeling the love! Spend your honeymoon with us and one spouse receives 50% off the...

The Long Stay Rates

Enjoy incredible savings with our Long Stay Rates! BOTSWANA Jan – Apr & Sep – Dec:  Stay for 6 nights or more at any of...

Mokolwane Introductory Offer

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to spend an extra two nights on us! Get 6 nights for the price of 4. Take advantage of our...

The Scratching Post

Nature Notes and News From Africa

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From Little Things, Big Things Grow…

Pru Allison | May 02, 2024

Every guest who travels with us makes a positive difference to the environment and wildlife they visit, but for some the impact is even more significant. Three years ago, Hyena...

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Conservation Faces of Khwai Private Reserve

Pru Allison | April 16, 2024

In northern Botswana, amidst the ornate, watery carvings of the Okavango Delta, lies 200,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. This is Khwai Private Reserve, affectionately known as KPR. Any guest who’s...

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Climate Change and Conservation

Pru Allison | March 27, 2024

“We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.” – Barack Obama For many of us the...

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Atzaró Okavango

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  • Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
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  • Lake Kariba & Matusadona
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Walking Safaris

Game drives.

Additional Information

  • Indoor & Outdoor Shower
  • Air Conditioning
  • Wifi in Rooms
  • Kids under 16 yrs to accompany adults when they leave camp. Adults cannot go for their excursions and leave the kids in camp with guides/staff.
  • Children under 6 yrs are not permitted on game drives with other guests, parents are to book a private vehicle.

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Introducing Atzaró Okavango: Sustainable Luxury in the Heart of the Delta

Welcome to Atzaró Okavango, a premier safari destination that offers sustainable luxury in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Surrounded by lush palm islands and vibrant delta vegetation, our eco-friendly oasis is nestled within the breath-taking landscape of this World Heritage wilderness. At Atzaró Okavango Camp, we provide an unparalleled combination of “savanna meets delta” adventures and unforgettable wildlife encounters, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Okavango Delta.  

As a guest at our state-of-the-art safari camp, you’ll be able to experience year-round sightings of iconic African wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, lechwe, and hippo. Our premier destination is ideal for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering a private and exclusive experience, irrespective of the number of people you’re traveling with.  

At Atzaró Okavango Camp, we take pride in our harmonious integration with the stunning natural environment and incorporation of the diverse culture of the local people. Our camp is powered entirely by solar energy, offering the perfect balance of sustainable living and opulent comfort. Indulge in our on-site wellness spa, maintain your fitness routine in our fully equipped gym, or take a refreshing dip in our expansive 20m pool. Each luxurious tent comes with air-conditioning, private plunge pools, and Wi-Fi, ensuring that you never have to compromise on modern amenities while enjoying the serenity of the African wilderness.  

Our remote location is easily accessible by helicopter ride. When you visit Atzaró Okavango Camp, you’ll immerse yourself in a uniquely curated safari experience created out of the vision and dream of Atzaró and African Bush Camps, a strong partnership in global luxury travel.  

Experience the pinnacle of sustainable luxury, where eco-consciousness and indulgence meet, and discover the ultimate iconic safari experience at Atzaró Okavango Camp.  

ENQUIRE NOW

Included & Excluded

Included in rates:.

  • Accommodation
  • Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, except premium imported spirits and champagne
  • Morning, afternoon & night game drives, walking safaris and mokoro safaris (subject to water levels)

Excluded from Rates:

  • International / Regional Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Staff Gratuities
  • Conservation levies

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Game drives are what gets us up in the morning in the African bush, they’re a great avenue for exploring the land in a safe and exciting way.

Buckle up your boots and take a step into the intricate world of nature. Explore the wonders of the natural world with African soil crunching beneath your feet.

Traditionally, the mokoro was the only form of transport through the waterways. Sail through the rivers and tributaries with our river guides in a dugout canoe.

Night Drives

Our private concessions allow for game drives after the sun has set. Experience the bush when elusive nocturnal wildlife awakens to hunt, forage and explore.

Cultural Visits

Working together with the communities around the areas we operate in gives locals an opportunity to be self-sustainable, by sharing knowledge there has

Bird Watching

Botswana is a haven for birds, delight in the calls of the Green heron or the African wood owl; photograph the majestic Ayres’s hawk-eagle and Pel’s fishing owl.

The Ngwana Club

We specialise in children on safari. Nature walks around camp, arts and crafts, cooking lessons and other specialist child activities for younger guests.

Our Local Foundation Projects

Khwai pre-school.

Khwai village has a population of approximately 400 BaBukakhwe (River Bushmen), the majority of which are from low-income households. The service delivery in this community is limited and faces challenges accessing education, health facilities and water and electricity connections.

Female Guides Training

Women from communities in Botswana do not have access to the same career opportunities as safari guides, compared to their male counterparts. This career is still largely a male-dominated one, with little active investment, training, or skills development in female guides that would empower them to pursue their dreams and provide for their families. Linked to this dynamic, there is also a scarcity of job opportunities currently available for female guides in camps in the area.

Basket Weaving Project

The Vuche Vuche Basket Weaving Project aims to empower women from the local community through basket weaving. This initiative creates employment opportunities whilst displaying Botswana’s heritage and culture through beautiful crafts. Baskets are for sale at ABC trading posts, and guests can visit Vuche Vuche to learn basket weaving and experience traditional dances.

Suggested Itineraries

wilderness safaris botswana camps

USD 16 685 per person sharing

Indulge in the ultimate luxury safari experience with a trip to African Bush Camps’ Icon camps in Zambia and Botswana. Set amidst pristine and untouched wilderness areas, our camps provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitats up close and personal. Be mesmerized as you witness incredible animal sightings and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Africa. Join us on an adventure that promises to be the trip of a lifetime.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

USD 7 080 per person sharing

Experience 9 nights on our Luxury Okavango safari. This is an opportunity for an unforgettable experience. Explore the vast expanses of the Linyanti Marsh, the breathtaking waters of the Khwai River and end your journey on the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta.

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Authentic Botswana

Usd 5 400 per person sharing.

Our Authentic Botswana safari combines a stay at our Linyanti Expeditions and Khwai Lediba Signature Camp. You get the best of both worlds while being fully immersed in the beauty of the wild African bush.

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Ultimate Wilderness Safari in Botswana

This 9 night itinerary is split equally between three different areas and camps, offering plenty of varied safari experiences.

Beginning in the far north of Botswana, in the exclusive Linyanti Reserve, Kings Pool has a spectacular setting on the mighty Linyanti River. Boating and game drive activities will keep you busy for three days exploring the vast reserve, famous for the immense elephant herds.

Next you fly to the Okavango, to the exclusive Vumbura concession in the east of the Okavango. A stunning area with quintessential Okavango landscapes – open plains, waterways and tall palm trees  are the backdrop to a lovely variety of water and land activities. This camp also offers the enticing option of hot air ballooning across the Delta.

Finally your safari ends at Mombo- one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa due to the incredible concentration of animals. The focus is on game drives, exploring the action packed wilderness areas and beautiful Chief’s Island. Lion are plentiful here. Rhino are also regularly seen making this a particularly special spot to end your safari, in the lap of luxury.

Day 1-3 - Kings Pool

Begin your safari on the banks of the majestic Linyanti River at the supremely luxurious Kings Pool Camp, in the far north of Botswana. The Linyanti Private Reserve offers superb game viewing, especially in the dry season. Immense numbers of elephants flock to the waters, while plains game and predators are numerous too. Activities focus on game drives - morning, afternoon and night as well as boating excursions. Kings Pools was completely rebuilt in 2019 and has reopened on the same requisite riverside setting, with an even more elegant and stylish look. The next few days will be spent exploring this vast reserve, along the river line, floodplains and deeper into the wooded areas. Early morning game drives deliver exciting sightings while sunsets are best enjoyed from the double deck boat on the river. Fine dining here is almost an activity in itself, and a gym will help you work up an appetite between meals.

Days 3-6 - Vumbura Plains

Moving south to the magnificent Okavango Delta, you will settle into your home for the next three nights - Vumbura Plains. This is an achingly stylish camp with a modern look and excellent range of facilities. The Vumbura reserve in the east of the Okavango is particularly pretty, with open plains, tall palm trees and pristine waterways. The game viewing is varied and exciting. Predators include lion, cheetah, leopard and wild dog. Numerous plains game are resident in the area, including the beautiful sable and roan antelope. Big herds of buffalo roam this area and frequently clash with the lion prides delivering some explosive game viewing.

A full range of activities are offered here, including game drives (day and night), walking, mokoro and boating - water levels permitting. Hot air ballooning is also possible at an additional cost.

Days are spent exploring the concession with morning, afternoon and evening drives. On the water you can explore by mokoro and boat - offering a completely different perspective from the vehicle. Guided walks are also an option here and offer a fascinating insight into the skills your guide has learned as he shares his knowledge of tracking animals and the flora and fauna in the area. Vumbura is one of the few camps which can access the only hot air ballooning site in the Okavango making this the perfect spot for this unique activity. Prior booking is essential and comes at an extra cost. Alternatively scenic helicopter rides are available, highly recommended and also at an additional cost.

Back at camp - each of the huge guest rooms features a spacious private deck with an outside resting area and swimming pool to relax between activities. A mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities and other thoughtful touches ensure you will be extremely comfortable and spoilt during your stay at Vumbura plains. Rooms come equipped with yoga mats for stretching out after your drives. Spa treatments are available too.

Days 6-9 - Mombo Camp

This itinerary ends in one of the finest camps in Africa- the famous Mombo Camp, considered to be home to some of the best game viewing in Botswana. Set on Chief's Island, in the heart of the Okavango, Mombo (meaning 'the place of plenty') simply pumps with game. Mombo Camp was completely rebuilt recently and now offers an even more luxurious base from which to explore this incredible area. Activities focus on morning and afternoon game drives.

Chief's Island is the largest land mass within the Okavango Delta and falls within the protected Moremi Game Reserve - yet only two camps share this huge area, ensuring this is one of the most exclusive safaris in the Okavango. This is one of the best places to see endangered Rhino in Botswana. Predator numbers are impressive, as are the variety and number of plains game which are resident in the area. Lion numbers are particularly high and they dominate in this area. Leopard are also seen here. Scenic Helicopter flights can be booked at an additional cost and are highly recommended - the Okavango is spectacular from above.

Mombo camp is beautifully built, the decor is stylish but tasteful and in keeping with the natural environment in which it lies. Rooms are very spacious and comfortable and feature a large private deck with an outside sitting area and plunge pool. There is a gym and larger pool for working up an appetite between meals. Spa treatments are available to ensure the ultimate spoiling experience.

Day 9 - End of Safari

Today you bid farewell to Chief's Island and depart for Maun, a flight of about 20 minutes. Your flight will be scheduled to meet your onward travel arrangements in Maun and the exact time of departure from camp will be advised the day before.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Kings Pool Camp

Vumbura plains camp.

Water Level

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At Okavango Delta Explorations we specialise in crafting safaris to this unique ecosystem.

Get in touch to begin your Okavango Delta Exploration

Extensions to this safari

Feline fields.

Feline Fields is a beautiful boutique lodge, an oasis in some of Botswana’s most remote and harsh landscapes. Great thought has gone into every detail offering the very highest level of luxury and service. It offers a unique and spoiling experience and a wonderful variety of activities there is something for everyone here- nature lovers, culture vultures, sports enthusiasts and spa seekers. One of the best and most authentic San Bushman experiences is found here.

Matetsi River Lodge

One of Victoria Falls’ top and most luxurious lodges – Matetsi combines luxury safari with a Vic Falls experience to offer the best of both worlds. Set on the banks of the Zambezi River in pristine wilderness amid colossal baobab trees. Striking architecture and slick service sets family - owned Matetsi River Lodge apart from the rest. Unwind in luxurious river-facing suites with private plunge pools between a huge array of activities.

Ellerman House

One of Cape Town’s finest hotels, Ellerman House is a sophisticated boutique hotel with spectacular Atlantic views, excellent facilities and top notch service. Originally an Edwardian Mansion, Ellerman House now stands on the cliffs of Bantry Bay as a beacon of luxury and elegance. Traditional in style but modern in approach, the personalised service and attention to detail stands out. A fine art collection, wine cellar, fine dining and beautiful grounds complete this five star experience.

The Silo is a historic grain silo, unbelievably, the platform for this five star hotel based in the heart of the Cape Town Waterfront. Contained within the upper six storeys of the silo, the industrial architecture is a sophisticated masterpiece based on abstraction –clean lines, basic geometric shapes and liner elements. More wonders lie below at the Zeitz MOCAA Art Museum. With stunning rooms, a superb restaurant, beautiful bar, spa, swimming pool this is an outstanding hotel.

  • Duration 9 Nights
  • Rates Jan 2024 USD 19,477 Feb 2024 USD 19,477 Mar 2024 USD 19,477 Apr 2024 USD 23,206 May 2024 USD 28,228 Jun 2024 USD 37,810 Jul 2024 USD 37,810 Aug 2024 USD 37,810 Sep 2024 USD 37,810 Oct 2024 USD 37,810 Nov 2024 USD 23,035 Dec 2024 USD 35,200

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Featured Properties

The thatch and canvas rooms at Kings Pool have separate lounge areas

Situated on the edge of the oxbow King’s Pool lagoon, this elegant luxury camp is set on the large and wildlife rich Linyanti private reserve in northern Botswana. The area is pristine and remote and particularly known for its impressive elephant and predator numbers. King’s Pool Camp was treated to a major renovation in the first half of 2019 and offers both water and land activities.

The contemporary designed rooms at Vumbura are unique and spacious

Vumbura Plains Camp is premier Okavango camp with a stylish contemporary design. The 14 luxurious stilted rooms are divided into two camps and connected by wooden walkways. Panoramic views of the floodplains from the expansive lounge area are breath-taking. An exciting array of wildlife sightings emphasises the variety and density of the animal species here. High levels of service, delicious meals and deluxe surroundings provide guests with safari experiences guaranteed to leave lasting memories

The stylish and tasetful decor at Mombo Camp harmonizes with the natural surroundings

Mombo is a flagship Botswana camp, one of the finest in Africa, offering superb game viewing and an extremely luxurious safari. With a prime location on Chief’s Island and some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Okavango, Mombo is top of the wish list for many. Rebuilt in 2018, Mombo reopened as an even more luxurious camp though maintaining the essence of the original Mombo which so many have come to love.

Experience the Okavango Delta

Contact us for more information and to start planning your Okavango safari

Okavango Delta

Wilderness safaris okavango delta.

Wilderness Safaris boasts a grand portfolio of wonderful safari camps in the Okavango Delta.

Wilderness Safaris one of the original lodge operators in the the safari industry in Botswana are thirteen beautifully appointed lodges to choose from.

Chitabe Camp

Chitabe Camp

lodge style Conscious and comfortable

No comfort is spared at Chitabe Camp: not only do they pamper their guests, but the camp also supports research and conservation projects to keep wildlife healthy, as well as education and events for staff and family.

Jacana Camp

Jacana Camp

lodge style About birds and water lilies

Dive into a remote safari experience at Jacana Camp, accessible only by boat. Floating between seas of water lilies, crystal clear Delta water and swaying reeds, this is the ultimate location for a personal, luxurious Delta safari.

Little Tubu Camp

Little Tubu

lodge style Homey yet modern safari

Opened in 2013, Little Tubu is a modern, spacious accommodation that feels light and airy. With only room for six guests, it has a classic, vintage safari vibe – where it feels like it is just you, the bush, and nothing else.

Jao Camp

lodge style Paradise   riverine  forest

Meet the mongoose family that made Jao Camp their home. This smart species settled in the region of Jao for good reason: it is a lush bush paradise, where you -like the mongoose- will immerse yourself in a landscape of luxury and complete relaxation.

Pelo Camp

lodge style Remote, genuine and wild

Surrounded by permanent open floodplains, the tented Pelo Camp is all about venturing into the papyrus waterways of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Located on a heart-shaped island – Pelo means ‘heart’ in Setswana - it will easily win over yours.

Seba Camp

lodge style Okavango Family safari fun

Discover the Okavango Delta water wonders at your (tent) doorstep in Seba Camp. A family friendly, calm safari lodge, located in a magnificent corner of the Delta. Seba offers panorama Delta-scenery; the perfect space for viewing wildlife in action

Vumbura Plains Camp

Vumbura Plains Camp

lodge style Feather light luxury safari

This is a modern, eco-friendly camp, where the staff understands the definition of wow-factor and how to create forever-cherished moments. Treat yourself to a unforgettable African paradise in the Okavango.

Little Vumbura Camp

Little Vumbura Camp

lodge style Gem under a canopy of trees

Secluded among ancient trees, Little Vumbura Camp is a remote island where a warm staff will welcome you with song and hot towels. Wipe away the busy western world and let the tranquil island vibe wash over you.

Chitabe Lediba Camp

Chitabe  Lediba Camp

lodge style Intimate family gathering

With just five luxurious safari tents, elevated on wooden decks and rising up from shallow waterways, this warm camp radiates a family atmosphere. Simply because the owners put their people – guests and staff - first.

Kwetsani Camp

Kwetsani Camp

lodge style Tree Top safari

High, high up in the trees, is a small, remote paradise. This is not the beginning of a fairy-tale, but a place that really exists: the completely renovated Kwetsani in the Okavango welcomes you in one of their tree house chalets.

Duma Tau Camp

Duma Tau Camp

lodge style Light footprint

With a Hippo Highway, expert guides and views over the lagoon, nothing will stand in the way of an amazing Okavango Delta safari experience at solar powered Duma Tau Camp. Except from an ‘elephant’ traffic jam, perhaps.

Tubu Tree Camp

Tubu Tree Camp

lodge style Rustic, sophisticated, elegant

Deep in the Botswana Delta is the warm Tubu Tree Camp; where the staff quickly knows your name, elephant Franklin drops by every morning for juicy leaves, and guides are truly devoted showing the Delta’s beauty to you.

  • Signature journeys ›
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wilderness safaris botswana camps

Mombo is a seasonal destination, with each month unfolding a special chapter in wilderness encounters. When you plan your custom safari with our Chief Designers, we can help outline the most prolific destinations for your Botswana safari for your chosen time of travel - and also help you determine the best time to visit, if your plans are flexible.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

The highlight here is the great concentration of predators and plains game on the secluded Mombo Island where Mombo camp is located.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Wildlife at Mombo

Over the years I listened avidly as the Yei peddlers recounted the stories of the area. In their eyes, it had an almost mythical quality: huge herds of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and all the predators - excerpt from Mombo, Okavango’s Place of Plenty (2004)

The tented suites at Mombo Camp & Little Mombo are spacious and elegant with an open layout featuring a private deck area with a plunge pool and thatched gazebo for afternoon siestas or watching the ever-present wildlife grazing on the floodplains.

  • Daily morning and afternoon drives
  • Private Mombo Island concession
  • Legendary Big Cats of Mombo
  • Plentiful Lion and Leopard viewing
  • Large concentration of plains game

The most dramatic Gorilla trek in Africa

Only 6 luxury suites

Authentic Rwandan experience

An unforgettable adventure

Single supplement extra Kids pay adult rate at Mombo

Conservation fee included

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Luxury safari accommodation at Mombo Game drives with Professional guides All meals included with local drinks + wine Complimentary in-room minibar Organic toiletries + in-suite amenities Traditional afternoon safari tea service Complimentary laundry service Current applicable government taxes + VAT Current applicable park + conservation fee

Plan your safari

wilderness safaris botswana camps

There’s no journey quite like it; Witness the Great Migration on this private safari to Kenya

wilderness safaris botswana camps

An extraordinary wilderness journey featuring our finest private game reserves in Botswana.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Embark on a tailormade Guided Safaris® Signature trip seeking Big Cats, Elephants - & the Gorillas!

  • Mara Plains Camp ›
  • Bisate Lodge ›
  • Mombo Camp ›
  • Zarafa Camp ›
  • Duba Plains Camp ›
  • Great Migration family safari ›
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  • Browse all Private Villas ›
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Botswana Experience

Your Botswana Safari starts here

Authentic safari holidays in Botswana's wilderness areas

Explore Botswana with us

We take you on authentic journeys across Botswana – we not only plan and book your trip, but are on the ground, right where you need us.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Guided Lodge Safaris

Travel with your local guide and stay at personal camps and lodges.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Guided Mobile Camping Safaris

Explore Botswana's wilderness areas in style on luxury camping trips.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Small Group Safaris

Benefit from lower rates while having a grand safari experience.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Private Safaris

Travel your way: a unique and tailor-made experience, just for you.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Guided Luxury Safaris

Enjoy remoteness and privacy on exclusive journeys across Botswana.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Self-Drive Tours

Travel at your own pace and go on an epic cross-country road trip.

Close up of an elephant at sunset

THE ICONIC SAFARI DESTINATION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

You hear the sound of water splashing against your small boat as a large family of elephants wades into the majestic Chobe River and makes its way across. The young, tucked safely in the middle of the herd, submerged by water, only show the tip of their wrinkled trunk. As they arrive on the banks on the other side, you hear them munching on the long, green grass. It’s a day like any day in Botswana, but it’s a day you’ll never forget. Botswana is known for exclusive and authentic safari experiences in some of the most iconic wildlife destinations on Earth. Excellent professional service by safari guides and lodge staff, remote and personal camps and lodges as well as a range of activities have made Botswana one of the most sought-after safari holiday destinations. Take a break from the rest of the world and join us in Botswana!

Botswana Safari Guide Lesley

We want to share with you what we love, because we know that you will love it too. Our team of safari guides will take you on a journey of discovery and let you see Botswana’s wilderness areas through their eyes.

DISCOVER BOTSWANA’S WILDERNESS AREAS

Meandering waterways crisscross the lush and romantic Okavango Delta while an exhilarating feeling of isolation fills you when watching the sun set at the horizon of the vast and desolate Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the call of a hyena travels through the cold night air in the Moremi Game Reserve. Botswana’s wilderness areas are spectacular places of natural beauty. On your Botswana safari holiday, we’ll take you from the popular northern game parks to the remote protected areas in the South.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

A wide and vast land of untamed wilderness and natural beauty.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Chobe National Park

Where elephants take a bath in the river and safari dreams come true.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

A place for adventurers: remote, unforgiving, spectacularly beautiful.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Where barren salt pans transform into flourishing wildlife habitats.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Moremi Game Reserve

The Big Five safari destination in the Okavango Delta.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Okavango Delta

Where promises of romantic safari adventures come true every day.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Tsodilo Hills

A mystical site of ancient rock art that let’s you travel back in time.

DISCOVER ALL BOTSWANA HAS TO OFFER

Why travel with us.

You will plan your journey together with experienced travel consultants. So you spend less time researching, worrying and comparing, and more time living the experience.

Safari specialist Luisa

You will travel with professional local guides who share their knowledge with you. So you can see your surroundings through the eyes of locals, who do so much more than drive your safari car.

Experienced Safari Guides Maikano

You will stay at intimate and hand-selected accommodations. So you are welcomed as guest, not as room number.

Sunset at Nxamaseri Lodge

You will travel along a tailor-made route, created individually for you. So you will have the unique experience you were looking for.

Mokoro excursion

You will receive a fair price for your trip. So you can rest assured we’re not cutting corners and get an experience in return that’s worth more than you would ever expect.

Safari vehicle sunset

Trips To Inspire

Some of our most popular trips to inspire your very own Botswana safari adventure. From luxury lodge to authentic bush camping – you can take a break from the rest of the world on your Botswana safari holiday!

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Chobe & Okavango Delta Safari

Places Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti Region, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls

from 6,050 USD per person sharing

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Fascinating Botswana

Places Chobe National Park, Flood Plains & Forest Reserve, Savuti Region, Moremi Game Reserve

from 3,750 USD per person sharing

wilderness safaris botswana camps

The Great North Route

Places Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Area, Savuti Region, Chobe National Park

from 5,250 USD per person sharing

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Botswana Fly-In Safari

Places Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Khwai & Mababe Region (Moremi), Okavango Delta

from 4,890 USD per person sharing

wilderness safaris botswana camps

Highlights of Namibia and Botswana

Places Kalahari, Sossusvlei, Etosha NP, Okavango Delta, Chobe NP, Victoria Falls

from 6,450 USD per person sharing

EXPERIENCE MORE WITH BOTSWANA-EXPERIENCE

Guided safaris Botswana

Guided Safaris

Self-drive trips Botswana

Self-drive Trips

What to do in Botswana

Things To Do

Travel advice for Botswana

Travel Advice

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Experience Botswana with us

Speak to one of our local advisors, let's start planning your trip.

We will get back to you within 2 working days.

Xigera Exterior

A STORY OF REMARKABLE RENEWAL

Xigera is our love letter to the magic of the African bush.

Through our video lens

Take a journey through our luxurious Xigera Safari Lodge... Situated in the western reaches of Botswana’s iconic Moremi Game Reserve, gazing out on the seasonal floodplains of the Okavango Delta, Xigera’s unique location offers unrivalled access to extraordinary safari experiences.  

A LUXURY SAFARI LODGE IN BOTSWANA'S OKAVANGO DELTA

The story of Xigera Safari Lodge is one of renewal. Of rebirth and family legacy, and of the pioneering spirit that drives us to seek out Africa’s wild spaces. The same spirit that inspired this remarkable reimagining, perhaps a complete reinvention, of an Okavango Delta safari. This is Xigera (pronounced ‘kee-jera’), named for the Pied Kingfisher that makes its home amid the watery channels of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve. Every aspect is handcrafted to beguile our guests’ senses and stir their souls – from the evocative interiors to one-of-a-kind encounters. But Xigera is equally a line in the sand. A raising of the bar. A bold statement in the realm of luxury safaris in Botswana, and an Okavango Delta safari experience like no other.

Xigera Exterior

WILD SPACES, INSPIRED DESIGN

Xigera Safari Lodge offers just 12 beautiful suites, each resting effortlessly in this wild landscape. Amid this remarkable setting, Xigera’s design aesthetic is wholeheartedly dedicated to celebrating African art, design and creativity. Each piece has been handcrafted and inspired by the incredible natural surroundings in Botswana; every experience can be tailor made to your wishes… an entirely new imagining of the African bush.

Exterior Areal View of the Sundeck

THE CULMINATION OF A LIFE-LONG DREAM

The Tollman family has long had a profound love for Africa, and as the new custodians of Xigera Safari Lodge they are delighted to bring Red Carnation’s generous hospitality, personal service and exceptional design aesthetic to Botswana for the first time, drawing on six decades of devotion to unparalleled luxury in service.

wilderness safaris botswana camps

UNIQUE. AUTHENTIC. PIONEERING

Conservation and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do, powering the lodge almost entirely through solar energy and eliminating single-use plastics. Caring for the environment is a priority in every aspect of Xigera, but we also pour enormous effort into partnering with local communities, providing both empowerment and employment.

"THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE IT"

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World Class Safaris in Botswana

Wilderness safaris botswana.

Wilderness Safaris Botswana has a grand portfolio of luxurious, eco-friendly and sustainable safari lodges and camps. Synonymous with luxury safari camps in Botswana, Wilderness Safaris was established in Botswana in 1983 as a mobile safari operator and has grown to establish a presence in eight countries in Africa, protecting over three million hectares of pristine wilderness areas. The Wilderness Safaris Botswana camps are among the finest in Botswana. Exceptional guiding teams, the finest hospitality and gorgeous suites in some of the most stunning locations mean a stay at a Wilderness Safari camp will deliver only the best safari experience.

ABOUT WILDERNESS SAFARIS CAMPS

Flagship premier camps like Mombo Camp and Vumbura Plains and DumaTau rub shoulders with the classic favourite camps like Chitabe Camp, Kwetsani Camp and Kalahari Plains Camp. There are 20 camps in the portfolio, categorised by Premier, Classic and Adventure. There is only 1 Adventure camp, Pelo Camp, which is a comfortable and authentic safari camp. These are luxurious and high-end safari camps, where, once you get there, almost everything is included. All your meals, your game drives, mokoro rides and bush walks, many alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and most will also include top-shelf drinks. Park fees or community conservation fees will also be included in the nightly rate. You would only need to pay for spa treatments, or helicopter flips, your curio purchases and your gratuities to the team on the ground.

Explore Victoria Falls to Botswana Luxury Safari with Wilderness Safaris

EXPERIENCES AT WILDERNESS SAFARIS CAMPS

Outstanding wildlife and incredible game viewing are at the top of a long list of why you should go on a Botswana Safari! Pristine wildlife havens are home to predators like lions, leopard, wild dogs, hyenas and cheetah. Huge herds of elephants can be found throughout the northern protected areas of Botswana. The Okavango Delta creates a breathtaking backdrop to the game viewing activities. Crystal clear, papyrus lined waterways, large flood plains, and numerous islands with palm trees come together to create a truly spectacular landscape. The Wilderness Safaris Botswana camps are in private concessions which allows for a myriad of activities to take place. Game drives and night drives are available at all the camps. Bush walks are on offer as well. Some camps are deep in the Okavango Delta and can offer water-based activities like Mokoro (canoe or mekoro) rides, motorised boating and fishing throughout the year. Camps on the edges of the Delta will only offer these activities in high season, water levels dependent. Kalahari Plains Camp is in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and offers an incredible interaction with Africa’s oldest people, The San. Interact with rescued, orphaned elephants at Abu Camp and gain a deeper understanding of these incredible animals.

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SPECTACULAR SCENES AT WILDERNESS SAFARIS BOTSWANA CAMPS

We have said it before and will keep saying int, Botswana is a gorgeous country to go on a luxury safari to. The Okavango Delta, in particular, produces some spectacular sunsets. The birdlife in northern Botswana is outstanding all year round, while the green season from December through to March sees the arrival of the iridescent Carmine bee-eater and other migratory birds.

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Read: Botswana Safari Guide

Let’s talk about Wilderness Safaris Botswana

Wilderness safaris – premier camps.

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Mombo Camp is one of the finest safari lodges and in one of the best game viewing areas in Africa. Opulent, gorgeous and spacious suites boast sweeping views across the floodplains. The area around Mombo teams with plains game which attracts predators like lion and leopard. This area was chosen to reintroduce both black and white rhino to Botswana.

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Vumbura Plains Camp

Vumbura Plains Camp is located in the northern Okavango Delta, offering a sublime safari experience and outstanding game viewing. Predator sightings are common at Vumbura Plains, with healthy populations of wild dog and lions. Both land and water-based activities are offered here. The raised tents all have private plunge pools and sala’s.

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Set in riverine forests on the edge of a large lagoon, Abu camp is an opulent and beautiful camp. Each tented suite has an outdoor copper bath and a private plunge pool. A unique activity is spending time with the elephants of the Abu Herd. Abu rescued orphaned elephants and have worked tirelessly to rewild them. As a result, guests can witness the elephants in their natural habitat.

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Jao Camp is famous for incredible wildlife sightings in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Regular sightings of wildlife from the camp make this an exciting place to visit. The gorgeous and luxurious Jao camp suites have private plunge pools and lovely views.

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DumaTau Camp

DumaTau is a stunning camp in the Linyanti area of northern Botswana, in a beautiful spot overlooking a lagoon. Large concentrations of elephants are among the animals seen here.

Kings Pool Camp

Kings Pool Camp overlooks a lagoon in Linyanti. This luxurious camp also boasts a sunken hide allowing a unique perspective as animals, especially elephants, come to drink at the water.

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Little Mombo Camp

Little Mombo is in the same area as Mombo, with the same incredible game viewing. This is an exclusive use, gorgeous and intimate camp perfect for small groups and families.

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Little DumaTau Camp

Little DumaTau is an eco-friendly premier safari camp with a light footprint. Overlooking the same lagoon as DumaTau, this camp is an exclusive-use camp. Intimate and luxurious, this is a wonderful camp for small groups.

WILDERNESS SAFARIS BOTSWANA – CLASSIC CAMPS

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Jacana Camp

Jacana Camp is on a small island in the middle of the Okavango Delta and offers s true water paradise safari. Mokoro through the waterways in search of the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl and other birds found in this picturesque area.

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Kwetsani Camp

Kwetsani Camp is a remote camp in the Okavango Delta and offers a good combination of both land and water activities. The camp has incredible views across the floodplains. This remote area has excellent game viewing.

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Qorokwe Camp

Qorokwe Camp offers both land and water-based activities with outstanding predator sightings all year round. Located in the south-eastern Okavango Delta. The well-appointed and spacious tents overlook a lagoon.

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Tubu Tree Camp

Tubu Tree Camp is on the stunningly beautiful Hundu Island, offering remarkable vistas, excellent leopard sightings and a host of other large game. Water and land-based activities are on offer at Tubu Tree Camp. Each elevated spacious tent overlooks the Okavango Delta, where animals are frequently spotted.

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Chitabe Camp

Chitabe Camp is located in the southeast of the Okavango Delta, neighbouring Moremi Game Reserve. Chitabe offers outstanding game viewing all year round. Each tent is on a raised deck nestled under shady trees. The camp has stunning views over the floodplain.

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Chitabe Lebida

Chitabe Lebida is perfect for small groups or families travelling together and offers the same excellent game viewing all year round as Chitabe. Daily game drives, night drives and walks are the activities on offer.

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Savuti Camp

Savuti Camp is in the Linyanti concession with the Savute Channel running through it. When the channel flows with floodwaters, Savuti Camp has front row seats to the geological marvel. This area is well known for excellent predator sightings and high concentrations of plains game.

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Kalahari Plains Camp

Kalahari Plains has views for miles over the Kalahari desert. Each suite is elevated to enhance the endless horizons and catch the breeze. Diverse game viewing and interesting cultural activities are available at Kalahari Plains Camp

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Seba Camp is nestled under hardwood trees in an ancient riverine forest. Leopards are often spotted on game drives at Seba Camp as are large herds of elephants. This classic eco-friendly camp offers land and water-based game viewing and is family-friendly.

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Little Vumburu Camp

Little Vumburu Camp is nestled under a canopy in the northern part of the Okavango Delta. This area offers diverse and spectacular wildlife sightings.

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Linyanti Tented Camp

Linyanti Tented Camp is an exclusive-use camp in the Linyanti Concession overlooking the Linyanti Marsh. Perfect for small groups and families, each suite recreates the style of early explorers.

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Little Tubu Camp

Little Tubu Camp is an exclusive-use camp in the Delta, boasting great leopard sightings among others. Elevate walkways connect the tents and main areas/ Each tent is a classic safari tent on decks with private viewing over a seasonal riverbed.

WILDERNESS SAFARIS BOTSWANA – ADVENTURE CAMP

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Deep in the Okavango Delta lies Pelo Camp, offering a superb water safari experience. This eco-friendly camp has authentic safari tents with covered decks overlooking the picturesque Okavango. Only open from March to November, Pelo Camp is a remote and genuine safari camp to visit.

Experience the Best of Botswana with Wilderness

Press Releases

Wilderness Blogger

To continue driving conservation tourism to Botswana, Wilderness has introduced three captivating “ Best of Botswana ” packages*. These immersive eight-night itineraries offer a choice of unique experiences in the heart of the Okavango Delta, followed by the exceptional setting of Wilderness King’s Pool in the remote Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.

Wilderness Botswana Linyanti Barge

“What makes these journeys even more enticing is that they feature enhanced long-stay discounts, depending on the choice of camps and month of travel. The three routing options available are from Wilderness Chitabe or Qorokwe camps, then either Wilderness Jao , Vumbura Plains or Kwetsani, and ending with Wilderness King’s Pool , offering an extraordinary adventure filled with generous hospitality and thrilling wildlife encounters along the way”, noted Miriam Tichapondwa-Vasco , Wilderness Botswana Chief Operations Manager. 

The camps featured in the itineraries are synonymous with the ultimate bucket-list Botswana safaris, providing guests with an inimitable journey through the wilds of Botswana. “It’s the birthplace of Wilderness for a reason, and is where our company was founded over 40 years ago. Promising year-round game viewing, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Okavango Delta to the untamed wilderness of the Linyanti, guests are assured an iconic safari experience”, she added.  

Renowned as predator hotspots, Wilderness Chitabe and Qorokwe offer guests unforgettable wildlife sightings, and are a haven for wilderness enthusiasts. Wilderness Kwetsani, Jao and Vumbura Plains offer authentic Okavango Delta experiences, allowing visitors to discover the true essence of this legendary landscape. At Wilderness King’s Pool, safari-lovers can enjoy royal treatment set in the untamed beauty of northern Botswana’s vast Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, ensuring serene surroundings and rewarding game viewing opportunities.

“Our hospitality teams at all the camps are ready to welcome our guests and showcase the best of what these areas have to offer, while ensuring that each visit is tailormade to suit our guests’ exact needs. The Best of Botswana is ready and waiting!”, concluded Miriam.

* The “Best of Botswana” offers are valid until 5 January 2025. They feature enhanced long-stay discounts, with exceptional savings of between 20% and 24%, depending on the choice of camps and month of travel. Ts&Cs apply. 

Wilderness has introduced three captivating “Best of Botswana” packages

Mokoro Wilderness Botswana Delta

Let’s plan your next journey

When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.

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Duba Plains Camp

Travel to duba plains camp, a luxury relais & chateaux in botswana.

One of Botswana’s most extravagant and luxurious safari camps, the camp is set in a private 81,000-acre concession in the heart of the magical  Okavango Delta . Duba Plains Camp is an atmospheric safari camp renowned for its personalised service and extraordinary, intimate wildlife encounters. It is also the spot where legendary conservationists and documentary filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert filmed the remarkable “ Relentless Enemies ” documentary – showcasing the relationship between a particular pride of  lions  and herd of  buffalo .

This intimate camp is comprised of just 5 beautifully appointed guest tents and one opulent 2-bedroom suite. The tents evoke the classic safari style of the 1920’s and feature a lovely lounge area and spacious ensuite bathroom; fitted with double vanities, indoor and outdoor showers and a beautiful bathtub. There is even a generous space for guests to dine indoors in private while ceiling fans keep the air cool on warm afternoons. Each tent also has its own spacious outdoor deck boasting a plunge pool, sun lounges and a shaded sala complete with couches and coffee table – all overlooking the magnificent Okavango landscape.

The suites are connected by raised walkways to central main area, which is also elevated and consists of an oversized lounge, restaurant, library and well-stocked wine cellar. The lounge and dining area opens out onto an expansive outdoor deck which features a central fire pit surrounded by comfortable couches and chairs. The deck is shaded by giant ebony trees and has ample space for outdoor dining. The views from the deck are sensational and is a popular spot for guests to gather with pre-dinner cocktails and swap stories at the end of each day.

Duba Plains Suite

One of Botswana’s largest and most exclusive private suites, the Duba Plains Suite sits on raised, recycled railway-sleeper decking and accommodates four guests in two elegant bedrooms. This magnificent suite features an indoor lounge and dining area furnished with soft leather couches and comfortable armchairs. The two bedrooms – one each side of the spacious lounge area – have their own ensuite bathrooms fitted with indoor and outdoor showers as well as a beautiful bathtub. Each room also has its own private deck complete with a private plunge pool and a shaded sala with coffee table and couches. Guests staying in the Duba Plains Suite have access to a private vehicle and guide during their stay.

Duba Plains Suite

Abundant wildlife

Duba Plains is home to an abundance of wildlife including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and lechwe. Activities at Duba Plains Camp centre on morning and afternoon/early evening game drives in an open 4WD vehicles. Boating is also a possibility and offers guests a chance to discover birdlife and other wildlife from a different vantage point (water level dependent). Guests staying in the Duba Plains Suite have access to a private vehicle and guide during their stay.

Getting there

  • A luxury safari camp in a pristine corner of the Okavango Delta
  • A member of the esteemed Relais & Chateaux collection
  • Just 5 bespoke guest tents and an extravagant 2-bedroom suite
  • Expansive outdoor decks with private plunge pools and a shaded sala
  • A glorious main camp with an oversized lounge and wine cellar
  • Extraordinary birding and wildlife viewing opportunities
  • A romantic 1920s safari atmosphere
  • Exciting morning and afternoon game drives
  • Boat excursions (water level dependent)
  • Birdwatching

* Some activities at extra cost

Light aircraft transfers to Duba Plains Camp can be arranged from Maun, Kasane or selected camps in the Delta.

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Duba Plains Camp

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wilderness safaris botswana camps

Wilderness Safaris: an extraordinary brush with nature in Botswana

“The lioness is watching that herd of buffaloes,” our guide Jonah whispers, shutting off the engine of his safari vehicle. He can sense a predatory tension in the air but, outnumbered by about six to one, the odds are well and truly stacked against the big cats.

The lionesses break away from their cubs, hoping to surround the herd. The cubs follow shortly after, treading carefully towards the standoff: the buffaloes can see the lions and vice versa – it is a case of who makes the first move.

“They’re going for it,” our guide says in excitement, kicking our vehicle into gear and driving at breakneck speed in pursuit of the action. Our view is clouded by a cloud of dust from charging buffaloes. For the lions, it is an opportunity missed. “One of the lions had caught a calf, but her hold was not strong enough, so it slipped,” Jonah sighs.

Encounters like these are rare but often come to those with the patience to stop and observe. In Qorokwe, in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the slowing down happens instantly through the scattered acacia woodlands, the wild sage-scented wind that hits your face, the drama of dead, sculptural trees and wildlife at every turn. We watch lions heading into denser forests at dusk, hyenas scouting for their next kill by dawn, teenage elephants showing their antics and gnarled buffaloes.

Qorokwe, meaning “the place where the buffalo broke through the bush into the water”, is one of the high-density game zones within the delta, thanks to its position next to Moremi Game Reserve. The vast concession area is known for its predator sightings and diverse habitat types – from savannahs, dry mopane woodlands, palm-dotted islands and permanent floodplains.

Set amid this landscape is Wilderness Qorokwe Camp , a contemporary nine-villa safari lodge designed to complement the terrain it occupies. The property was built in 2017 by architect Joy Brasler and interior designer Michelle Throssell who took inspiration from the natural setting of Botswana. The result is tented suites built on stilts and constructed using easy-to-install, low-carbon impact materials such as steel infill walls, timber decks and canvas. Connected by a walkway, the villas stretch along the lagoon where rhinos submerge for hours, and herds of elephants make the occasional pit stop.

We entered the property into an open area with a bar, a large dining table, an intimate seating lounge and an infinity pool, all of which overlook a circular fire pit designed to gather guests once the dramatic sunsets and sundowners have settled. With next to no light, it is also the ideal spot for gazing at twinkling stars in the blue-black sky.

The villas are an extension of the communal areas: wooden-framed, airy and light, decorated with African art coupled with muted natural fabrics that echo the colours of the soil. They are a sanctuary of calm and comfort, with an informal-looking sitting corner, a small kitchenette, a bed (with a much-needed mosquito net) and a study. The wardrobe comes stocked with specially designed robes, kikois (African sarong), dumbbells and a yoga mat.

On the other side of the canvas-covered divider awaits an equally large and modern space with a freestanding bath, a separate shower and a double-basin vanity unit with organic earthy-smelling soaps and lotions. A floor-to-ceiling window wall, which travels across the room, opens to a balcony below where curious red lechwe, elephants and baboons sometimes appear.

Qorokwe is one of four camps in an almost 65,000-acre concession. The cap allows authorities to monitor tourism and provide an exclusive experience. You could be out all day and not see another safari vehicle around or behind you. Building on such precious land comes with the responsibility to co-exist rather than conquer. At Qorokwe, 100 per cent of the energy is solar-powered, and all water is heated through thermodynamic solar geysers, helping to mitigate carbon emissions.

The food menu changes according to the produce in season, most of which is grown and sourced locally. The camp tackles food waste by making pickles and dehydrated fruits and vegetables. Friendly chefs greet you before meals to explain the menu and answer any questions on ingredients and traditional dishes.

The game drives go far, although it could never cover the vast expanse of the reserve. Each ride begins with expectation and uncertainty and concludes with several emotions: the thrill of watching the Big Five, the dread from an approaching elephant and the wonder of looking at giraffes and zebras – with intervals of humour provided by tail-wagging warthogs and jumping impalas. Evening drives always finish in style, parked at a stop where the sun burns the sky to darkness in the most exquisite setting.

On our last evening in Qorokwe, we took a calming mokoro (traditional canoe) ride along the Santantadibe River, cutting through long, supple grass surrounded by pink and white water lilies. The soothing sound of water sliced by the oar, the gentle sharp scent of fresh grass on top of which smaller red-spotted frogs perch created one of those unexpected moments that are what it is all about.

The journey north

We arrived further north, in Linyanti , on a small 12-seater plane, flying over acre after acre of swampland and bush. We had flown on a similar aircraft to Qorokwe from Maun, our port of arrival in Botswana, and knew it would be a smooth ride under the clouds. Next to the tiny airstrip stood a man in a crisp white shirt in front of a shiny red helicopter – our ride to the next camp, DumaTau.

“There, can you spot the elephants?” pilot Fondy asks, his voice muffled through the noise-cancelling headset. Pinning your eyes on a speck of grey in a sea of lush greenery seems remarkably difficult. “That is a rhino, another herd of elephants, and there is your camp,” he points towards a cluster of tents along a long river – this time in clear sight.

In under ten minutes, we were overlooking the pristine Osprey lagoon from the outdoor deck of our magnificent villa. DumaTau’s seven couple suites and one family suite were rebuilt in 2021 by Luxury Frontiers , the San Francisco/Johannesburg-based international design firm behind the award-winning Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica and Camp Sarika in the United States. They also added four new tents next to the current site and called it Little DumaTau.

The revived campus blends effortlessly into its surroundings with quirky wall art designed by local artist Gina Waldman. A carefully curated curiosity box is the delight of every villa with snare wire wild dogs and elephant paintings alongside an eclectic mix of letters and a magnifying glass stuck on a large map. The interiors carry a similar vibe with art deco tiles and lights in the vanity room, tan leather couches and chunky wooden cabinets.

Time passes slower on the deck, where a private plunge pool and sun loungers give you front-row seats to life unfolding in the wilderness. The stillness of the air, the chirping of waterbirds and then, unexpectedly, an elephant passes metres from your tent, trampling down branches. They appear from the animal passages created on the walkway, which connects the villas, to allow the free movement of wildlife from the reserve to waterbodies.

DumaTau in Setswana means “the roar of the lion”. While it is possible to hear that occasionally, one sound you become accustomed to is the grunting, honking, croaking and squealing of hippos. “Hippos can be aggressive sometimes,” our guide Niq mentions as we speedboat along the meandering lagoons passing a carpet of water lilies. The ears appear, then the eyes and within a few seconds, it is ripples. As the sun sets and the sky turns orange, they turn to black bobbling silhouettes.

While hippos might creep up on you, elephants wander across in full vision. Linyanti Concession is famed for its elephant herds. With an estimated 50,000 in Chobe National Park, it is the highest concentration in Africa. “Elephants love water lilies. They pluck them out, clean the roots and eat them like spaghetti. It also helps purify the water,” Niq says as we watch one chewing the stringy roots.

Even on our fourth day of early starts, the thrill of game drives never diminishes. As we pass through mopane woodlands, Niq keeps stopping to observe footprints. “There should be a lion somewhere around,” he says in his soothing tone. How he can say this with certainty with a quick glance at muddled marks is a testament to his experience and knowledge. Then right on cue, a lion appears to the left of the safari vehicle. He is walking in the same direction as the lone lioness we saw a few minutes ago.

“This is almost mating season,” Niq tells us as we carefully follow the lion to an open grassland where the lioness is waiting under the shade of a tree. We wait, in anticipation, for thirty minutes in the hope that someone would make a move. How long could this take? I ask. “It may take hours, or it may not even happen today. The lion looks tired,” he replies. Shortly after, they both fall asleep.

Back at camp, Monday evenings are Boma nights, an opportunity to dine at one long table with other guests and experience the culture through songs and dance. Under a large tree, surrounded by fairy lights, the staff of DumaTau put on quite a celebratory and emotional display. A fitting end to our time in magical Botswana.

Getting there

British Airways flies from Heathrow to Johannesburg twice daily with economy tickets from £650 and premium economy from £1,500. AirLink operates a connecting service to Maun once a day. From Maun, Wilderness Safaris will fly guests to their camps in a light aircraft operated by Wilderness Air. Book at www.ba.com and www.flyairlink.com

Stays at Wilderness Qorokwe start from $1,320 per person per night on a full-board basis and includes two daily game drives, a mokoro tour and bush walks when possible.

Stays at Wilderness DumaTau start from $1,560 per person per night on a full-board basis and includes two daily game drives, speedboat tours on the Linyanti, fishing tours and a beautiful lunch on the barge.

To book, visit wildernessdestinations.com

Read about the impact your trip can make at wildernessdestinations.com/impact

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Lions of Qorokwe photographed during golden hour.jpg

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