By a coincidence of geography and geology, Botswana has within its boundaries one of the world's great inland waterways, the Okavango Delta. The Okavango River drains water from the Angola highlands into a depression or trough which collects in a delta spreading over 10000 square kilometres. This is a happy accident because this area would otherwise be an arid desert-like much of the surrounding area.
It is also a happy accident for all the wildlife, providing the life-giving element of water and concentrating vast herds of game. All this happiness extends to the safari tourist who has the privilege and pleasure of seeing all these animals in a sublime and unique setting of water, islands, and savannah. For this safari visitor, there are many fantastic and luxurious camps to accommodate them. Abu, Vumbura and Eagle Island camps are synonymous with the best safari accommodation available.
There is another way of seeing the Okavango, perhaps a more natural way which is closer to nature and a greater wilderness experience; mobile camping has been established in this area for decades. The great advantage is that you have your own personal safari driver and ranger who will stop at any interesting observation point for watching wildlife, or for a picnic or lunch or just to stretch your legs and at the end of the day, you will settle down to an already erected tented camp.
You will there enjoy meals prepared by some of the best safari cooks in the industry. The variety of food that these cooks prepare in a pit oven is truly amazing. Slumming it, you are certainly not. Sleeping in nature on a comfortable bed and mattress with the night stars and animals for company, you will awake with a camp servant bringing you fresh, warm towels and water.
On one memorable occasion, our own Nicky found she couldn't get to sleep as she was too excited by the noise of an elephant with a rumbling stomach who had settled by her tent.
This is the stuff of real safaris. The bonus for me was travelling by mokoro (dugout canoes) through an arm of the waterways and watching the game drink peacefully and in harmony with nature. Many people yearn for adventure yet in our busy urban lives do not have the skills or capacity to do their own camping safari. For them and for many others who just simply want an unhurried and natural safari experience, mobile camping is the answer.
Camping in the Okavango Delta
Dinaka Camp
Dinaka Camp is located just north of the famed Central Kalahari Game Reserve in its own 200km² private game reserve. Dinaka Camp, surrounded by the beautiful Kalahari Desert landscape and home to some of the best wildlife in southern Africa, Dinaka Camp is a safari lover's paradise.
With game drives and guided bush walks available, as well as several photographic hides and platforms, you are sure to see some amazing desert wildlife during your stay. And don't forget the swimming pool - perfect for cooling off after a hot day in the desert sun!
Sango Safari Camp
Sango Safari Camp is a budget-friendly tented camp located on the edge of the Okavango Delta in the Khwai Reserve.
Surrounded by a stunning natural landscape, guests at Sango are treated to spectacular views from the comfort of their tents. They can enjoy a variety of safari activities such as game drives, mokoro excursions on the Khwai River, night drives, and cultural walks.
The area's abundant wildlife also makes for amazing sightings during game drives and walking safaris.
With its unique combination of affordability and luxury, Sango Safari Camp is the ideal destination for those looking to get an unforgettable Botswana safari experience without breaking the bank!
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a small and intimate 6 tented safari camp positioned on an island is interestingly perhaps the Okavango Delta's most remote camp.
Access to Duba Plains for your Okavango Delta safari is by light aircraft transfer only.
San Camp
San Camp offers up seven luxurious khaki tented suites set in a private concession that adjoins the Makgadikgadi National Park, offering up spectacular and endless vistas of these magnificent pans.
San Camp is nestled within the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana; this luxury camp offers guests unrivalled access to some of the most unique and wildlife-rich landscapes in Africa. From game drives to walks with bushmen trackers, San Camp provides an authentic and immersive safari experience that you will never forget.
Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu
Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu is a luxury safari lodge situated along the banks of the Limpopo River in the Mashatu Game Reserve and Tuli Block area of Botswana.
It offers guests an exclusive African experience with its luxurious appointed interiors and only eight tented suites - each featuring a private wooden deck and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
Guests can relax in the tranquil setting of the lodge and take advantage of its swimming pool, star-gazing deck, hide and walking trails, or explore the nearby wildlife.
Kings Pool Camp
Kings Pool Camp in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve offers up nine of the most luxurious safari suites in the whole of Botswana; overlooking Kings Pool Lagoon, each suite has its own private plunge pool and a sala.
Kings Pool Camp is one of the best Linyanti bush camp options; yes, expensive, but oh so worth it in every way possible.
Little Sable Camp
Little Sable Camp is a luxurious and intimate safari camp in the Khwai Private Reserve, a private concession in the Okavango Delta of Botswana.
This exclusive tented camp offers eight suites designed to be secluded and private, with stunning natural scenery stretching out before them.
Guests can experience various safari activities with the opportunity to see large herds of elephants in the dry season or predators such as cheetahs and lions during the green season.
With over 350 species of birds calling Khwai Community Reserve home, birdwatchers will be treated to an incredible visual feast!
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp
Located on the edge of the Okavango Delta in an 8000-hectare private concession bordering the Moremi Wildlife Reserve.
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp is a unique luxurious offering for guests who demand only the finest.