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
Tubu Tree Camp
Nestled within the breathtaking 60,000-hectare Jao Reserve, Tubu Tree Camp is a safari experience unlike any other. Boasting just five luxurious safari tents, this camp offers an intimate and exclusive retreat in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
Depending on the magical ebb and flow of the Okavango's floodwaters, guests can enjoy a mix of thrilling land and water activities, ensuring every stay is as diverse as the landscape itself.
Camp Linyanti
Camp Linyanti is purely for those with a passion for experiencing the wilds of Africa; this is a camp that is more about the quality of guiding, wildlife and birdlife over luxury accommodation.
Camp Linyanti offers up exceptional game drives and wildlife safaris.
Sitatunga Private Island Camp
Located in Botswana's Okavango Delta, Sitatunga Private Island Camp blends luxury, sustainability, and cultural heritage. This Relais & Châteaux retreat offers an immersive experience that connects guests with nature and celebrates African traditions.
Surrounded by tranquil waterways and vibrant wildlife, Sitatunga invites travellers to indulge in unparalleled comfort while embarking on adventures that celebrate the extraordinary environment it calls home.
Sanctuary Chiefs Camp
The twelve luxury safari suites at Chief's Camp in the Moremi are equipped for privacy and comfort being situated on Chiefs Island within the extraordinary Mombo Concession of the game reserve, some of the best wildlife is found here.
The Moremi Game Reserve, the Okavango Delta and Chiefs Island, there are few regions in Africa that can compete with the game viewing available here.
Koro River Camp
Koro River Camp is a luxurious safari lodge located in Botswana's Tuli concession area on the Limpopo River's banks.
River Camp offers seven tented suites with private decks that provide captivating views of the surrounding wilderness and wildlife.
Guests can take advantage of various safari activities, including game drives, bush walks and safaris and night drives and mountain biking with experienced guides to provide a unique safari experience.
Koro River is the perfect escape for families, solo travellers or groups looking to explore Botswana'sBotswana's wild beauty in comfort and safety.
Hyena Pan
Hyena Pan is an intimate safari camp in Botswana's beautiful Khwai Private Reserve. This exclusive camp offers unparalleled access to the wildlife of the area, including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and wild dog, as well as abundant birdlife.
Guests can enjoy luxurious tented suites with private decks and stunning views over the bushveld.
A variety of activities are available such as morning and afternoon game drives, a ground-level hide alongside the waterhole and wildlife walks with a highly skilled guide.
Families with children over 6 years are welcome and can make the most of this unique experience!
Selinda Camp
Selinda Camp offers eight spacious and luxurious tents all under thatch is located in the Selinda Wildlife Reserve, a 135 000-hectare of a private wildlife reserve in far northern reaches of Botswana.
Offering up some of the best game viewing in Botswana, all the while being located within the pristine Chobe enclave.
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp is set amidst a 272 500 hectare private concession in the Okavango Delta, a destination for those that are seeking wildlife, numerous safari activities to participate in and, of course a degree of luxury and privacy.
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp offers fantastic game viewing and birding opportunities, in this area of Botswana's Okavango Delta.