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
Planet Baobab
Welcome to the quirky Planet Baobab Lodge in Botswana, close to the famed Makgadikgadi National Park, where you'll find yourself amongst ancient baobab trees and some of the best desert wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa.
Here you can enjoy game drives, safari walks, quad biking, and much more! The accommodation options, excellent service, and numerous amazing safari activities make Planet Baobab a top destination for safaris. Simply put, if you are on more of a budget, look no further than Planet Baobab.
Selinda Explorers Camp
Located on the remote banks of Botswana's Selinda Spillway, Selinda Explorers Camp offers a unique safari experience. This intimate, eco-friendly camp combines vintage charm with modern comfort, bringing guests closer to Africa's wildlife.
Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures or tranquil moments immersed in nature, Selinda Explorers Camp promises an unmatched escape into the heart of the wild.
Chobe Chilwero Lodge
Chobe Chilwero Lodge offers 15 luxury stone & thatched bungalows all offering awe-inspiring scenery as a backdrop; the lodge is bordered by Botswana's famous National Park which is elephant country.
A wide range of safari activities awaits, including game drives through the Chobe National Park to spot elephants, lions, and other wildlife, as well as tranquil boat safaris on the Chobe River, offering a unique perspective of the park's rich ecosystems.
Shinde Camp
Shinde Camp is one of the most enchanting safari destinations in the Okavango Delta. Nestled on a lush, palm-studded island in the heart of this pristine wilderness, it offers an exclusive and intimate experience.
Shinde consists of 8 beautifully appointed twin-bedded safari tents, each thoughtfully designed to blend traditional charm with modern comfort. Surrounded by breathtaking views and teeming with wildlife and birdlife, this is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Leroo La Tau
With twelve luxurious suites perched high on the Boteti River bank, this lodge offers a front-row seat to some of Africa's most spectacular wildlife sightings. From lions and elephants to giraffes and wildebeests, the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi National Park are home to an abundance of wildlife that you can enjoy right from your own private deck.
From game drives and game walks to watching crocodiles and hippos from the comfort of your room, there's something for everyone at this incredible desert lodge.
Xugana Island Lodge
Xugana Island Lodge is situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta; Xugana offers guests unrivalled access to some of Africa's most beautiful wildlife.
From large mammals like elephants and lions to smaller creatures like antelopes and warthogs, Xugana provides a true African safari experience.
And with just 16 guest chalets available in 8 thatched chalets, Xugana offers an intimate Okavango Delta safari experience unlike any other.
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.
Little Machaba Camp
Little Machaba Camp is a private and intimate safari camp located in the Khwai Concession of Botswana within sight of the famed Khwai River floodplains.
Little Machaba offers classic safari-style tented suites to a maximum of 8 guests at any time, providing visitors with an authentic and romantic experience.
Guests can enjoy game viewing and birding from the safari lodge while immersing themselves in the wildlife-rich surroundings.
Experience night game drives and dinner under the African stars for an unforgettable safari getaway in a safari region just north of the Moremi Game Reserve.