ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
Botswana Safari
Accommodations Abu Camp, Okavango Delta - Elephant Back Safaris conduct a special wilderness experience from Abu Camp, on a private concession, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Jack Lemmon noted "This must be the greatest camp in all of Africa." Steve Forbes noted "One of the 10 things to do before you die!" CNN noted "If you only do one safari in your entire lifetime, this is the one!" The camp is named after Randall Moore's legendary elephant, "Abu", the star of such motion pictures as "White Hunter, Black Heart" and "Power of One". Abu leads a herd of fifteen African elephants, comprising six adults and a 'Brat Pack' of nine youngsters. The elephant family becomes the focus of full day and half-day elephant back safaris, with each of the six adults carrying one or two guests in large, comfortable, custom made saddles. The youngsters accompany the herd, providing a constant source of amusement as they play and swim. Being part of an elephant family allows you the unique opportunity of approaching and interacting with a wide variety of game at close range, as on elephant back you are more readily blending with nature. Michael Powers noted "There I was sweltering beneath the protective might of Abu's tusks, his huge feet by mine, his huge head above mine. Before I knew it I was at one with Abu; it was as if I too were an elephant. Unbidden, a whole new world revealed itself; for all my safari years, I had only ever been an outsider looking in. With the abruptness of the African sunrise, the mist cleared and I glimpsed the bush as "they" knew it - "they" of course being those humble beings I had come to see." The camp is hidden within an ancient riverine forest, overlooking a lagoon and consists of five custom-built tents, each with an en-suite bathroom. Other activities on offer include day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided walks, and mekoro excursions. Baines Camp, Okavango Delta - Opening in mid 2004 Baines' Camp will accommodate guests in five luxurious suites, set on elevated platforms in the tree line overlooking a permanent Delta lagoon. Fully mobile star beds, a first in the Delta, will offer guests the option of slumber under star laden skies. During the day custom-made hammocks will invite relaxation in the shade. A host of activities will be on offer ensuring guests opportunities to explore all aspects of this pristine wilderness area. Situated on a private concession bordering the Moremi Reserve, the area is superb for viewing all animal and bird species. Guests may enjoy guided walks, mokoro and boat excursions, and day night wildlife viewing drives. Unique and educational elephant walks and exhilarating balloon safaris offered at Stanley's Camp will be available to guests at Baines' Camp. Camp Okavango, Okavango Delta - Camp Okavango is situated on the remote Nxaragha Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, assuring a year-round water wilderness experience. Unashamed luxury blends with the Africa of yore in the elegant thatch main building which houses a cocktail bar, lounge and dining room, while the expansive open air patio caters for al fresco meals and evenings around a blazing fire. Camp Okavango's silver service dinner served by candelabra is truly memorable. Shaded hammocks, reading benches and a delightful sundeck and plunge pool provide relief during the hot midday hours, whilst an elevated observation platform affords stunning views of the tranquil floodplains. Camp Okavango accommodates only 22 guests in intimate exclusivity in East African style safari tents individually sited on raised teak platforms with en-suite facilities and private sundecks. Each tent is exquisitely furnished with a Rhodesian Teak wardrobe, luggage rack, dressing table, bedside pedestals and traditional director's chairs; colorful woven rugs, designer linen and matching interior blinds complete your African hideaway. The Okavango Delta is renowned for its great natural beauty and diversity, a heaven for rare species such as the Sitatunga antelope and a birdwatchers paradise. Wildlife activities include exploring the Okavango by mekoro (dugout canoe) and rivercraft. Professionally guided walks on the islands of the Delta afford an opportunity to track some of the larger species that inhabit this water wilderness. Chief's Camp, Moremi - Situated within the Moremi reserve this small camp provides guests with an unparalleled Botswana wildlife experience. Earthy tones and natural textured fibers provide a contemporary African feel to the 12 tented rooms all of which have an over head fan, en-suite facilities and a viewing deck. Overlooking the seasonal Piajio Channel the public area is under thatch and consists of a dining room, bar, lounge, reference library, swimming pool and sun deck. Activities include wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles and seasonal mokoro excursions. Chilwero, Chobe - When it comes to accommodations, Chilwero is without question the most upmarket lodge in the Chobe area with access to some of Africa's most thrilling wildlife within the Chobe National Park. Situated on a hill overlooking the Chobe River's floodplains, the camp comprises 15 luxury bungalows, each with air conditioning, a private "sala", en suite bathroom and an additional private outdoor shower. The main area includes a library, temperature controlled wine cellar, swimming pool and curio shop. Traditional campfires, fine cuisine and a fireside bar all add to the ambience. Activities revolve around wildlife viewing drives with professional guides in open 4x4 vehicles within the Chobe National Park (note that you are not allowed off the roads within the park), as well as boat trips on the Chobe River. Chitabe Camp, Okavango Delta - Situated in the eastern central Okavango bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, guests are accommodated in 8 luxury twin bedded east African style tents, each built on raised wooden decks with ceiling fans and en suite facilities, verandah and private outdoor shower. The main area includes a dining room, bar, lounge and plunge pool. Wildlife in the area includes elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog along with numerous plains game species. As the camp is situated on a private concession Chitabe's professional guides are able to offer guests day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles, walks, and mekoro (canoe) trips when water levels allow it. Adventurous guests may enjoy spending a night sleeping at a nearby wildlife viewing hide (maximum 4 guests). Chitabe Trails, Okavango Delta - For those preferring a smaller camp, Chitabe Trails accommodates guests in 5 tents in the same luxurious style as Chitabe Camp except that the tents are not raised on wooden platforms. This small camp has a pool. Activities are the same as at Chitabe Camp except mekoro (canoe) excursions are not undertaken. Adventurous guests may enjoy spending a night sleeping at a nearby wildlife viewing hide (maximum 4 guests). Chitabe Walking Trail, Okavango Delta - Guests will be accompanied by an armed and licensed "accredited" walking guide who will take them on an informative and adventurous walk through the grasslands and woodlands of the Okavango Delta. This two day walking trail experience allows guests to get their feet on the ground and really feel, smell and touch Africa. You will walk for several hours a day, but it is not a strenuous walk and can be enjoyed by almost all guests. You will sleep out at two of the hides which are located in the Chitabe concession. Both hides accommodate guests on elevated platforms and each guest will sleep in the hide under a mosquito net. Long drop toilets and hot bucket showers will be provided. Dinners will be cooked over an open campfire. Beautifully appointed dining tables and chairs will help complete the dining experience. The two hides at Chitabe are located in very different habitats. One hide is situated on the edge of a floodplain which often contains water and enables one to see the wet side of the Okavango and the other hide is within the woodland on the edge of an extensive pan system, which often sees an abundance of elephant activity. The absolute silence, except for the nocturnal sounds of the Okavango's insects and wildlife which one can experience by sleeping "out in the bush" is a magical one that most guests will mark as one of the highlights of their African safari. Duba Plains, Okavango Delta - Duba Plains is one of the Okavango's most remote camps and has the distinction of having the highest density of lion of any area in Africa! The camp has been built on a tree shaded island surrounded by expansive plains which flood each year from about May to early October. Duba Plains accommodates 12 guests in six tented rooms with ceiling fans and en suite facilities, and private outdoor shower. Wildlife in the area includes large herds of buffalo (in the thousands), lion, hippo, elephant, lechwe, sable and numerous other plain's game species in addition to a tremendous variety of birds. Unlike many camps Duba Plains offers incredible wildlife year round - with peak wildlife viewing during the low water months October though April each year! As the camp is situated on a private concession professional guides are able to offer guests day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles, walks, and mokoro trips when water levels allow it (mekoro excursions are best between May and September). This camp has a small pool. Duma Tau, Linyanti Concession - Near the confluence of the Linyanti River and Savuti Channel on a private 125,000 hectare concession, this small luxury tented camp is composed of 10 large walk in tents under thatch each with en suite facilities, ceiling fans, and an outdoor shower on the verandah. The main dining area and lounge overlook a plunge pool and beyond - an enormous lagoon. Wildlife abounds with large herds of elephant, zebra, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, sable, roan, eland, giraffe. In addition you are likely to see crocodile, hippo, buffalo. And then there are the predators - lion (the lions in this area have been documented in National Geographic's films), leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena. Birding is also fantastic. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives from open 4x4 vehicles, along with boating (when water levels allow it) and professionally guided walks. Sundowner drinks may be enjoyed from the pontoon boat as hippos snort nearby at this beautiful camp. Eagle Island Camp, Okavango Delta - Eagle Island Camp at Xaxaba (pronounced 'KaKaaba'), which means 'island of tall trees', is a water-based, tented camp situated in the Okavango Delta. The camp offers a cool retreat from the African sun as it is shaded by a canopy of indigenous trees. Guests are accommodated in 12 luxury air conditioned tents that are raised on wooden decks overlooking the lagoon. The tents feature lavishly appointed ensuite bathrooms and dressing areas and have been designed to complement the natural surroundings. The main lodge area features a lounge, bar, library, dining area and a heated, full size, swimming pool. Xaxaba is one of the Delta's most pristine natural locations, a region of myriad waterways, palm-treed islands and vast flood plains. The wetlands of the Okavango are a treasure chest of wildlife and natural wonders. Sights and sounds change with the season and even by the hour. Even though the Okavango Delta is technically known as a swamp, the water is remarkably clear, and free of impurities. It is also heavily stocked with fish. So it will come as no surprise that this area boasts the highest concentration of magnificent fish eagles on earth. The plethora of food attracts every variety of bird with a hearty appetite for fish, including herons, cormorants, pelicans, darters and storks. Your professional guide, a wildlife expert, who knows the terrain intimately, is on hand to guide, track, identify and answer any questions you might have. Activities at Eagle Island include mekoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions, boating, and professionally guided walks. Gudigwa Camp, Okavango Delta - Gudigwa Camp offers guests on safari the opportunity to experience the cultural richness of Botswana. Gudigwa village is a settlement of 800 "Bukakhwe" San Bushman or "people of the dry country". The Bukakhwe people are indigenous to the Okavango Delta, and though their physical attributes vary from the Bushman tribes of the Kalahari, their traditional ways of living off the land are very much the same. The Gudigwa experience highlights the intimate connection between the Bukakhwe people's cultural heritage and the natural environment. By sharing this linkage with their guests, they are reviving a dying culture and passing on intricate knowledge to the future generations within the village. Activities focus around various aspects of both traditional and modern life in Botswana. Walks will reveal the secrets of the bush and guests will learn about the medicinal uses of plants, discover where to find underground water, and will be given basic tips of how to survive off of nature's abundant resources. Villagers will perform traditional dances and songs, tell animated stories in their mother tongue - a language of "clicks" and guttural tones - and will cook local dishes for guests to sample. Guests stay in large, cozy grass huts made from local materials and modeled after traditional bushman shelters. Each of the 8 units has comfortable beds and linen, solar lighting and its own open air toilet and hot shower. This "camp" and its activities take place 5 kilometers from the Gudigwa community so as not to disturb the daily life of the people. Guests are welcome to take a quick tour of the village. As the largest remaining Bushman village in Botswana, the Gudigwa people are proud to be reviving their culture that is rapidly changing due to modernization, and to be promoting cross-cultural exchange with the rest of the world. Jacana Camp, Okavango Delta - Situated about 25 kilometers west of Mombo, outside the Moremi Game reserve on the Jao flats. Guests are accommodated in five meru-style tents. Each tent is built on a wooden deck overlooking the floodplains and has proper beds and an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and hot and cold shower. The main dining area has been built on an elevated wooden deck between two magnificent sycamore fig trees and is surrounded by dense wild date palms. Downstairs, there is a cozy pub and lounge where guests may enjoy sitting around an evening fire under the stars. Jacana Camp offers guests an incredible Okavango Delta water experience! Activities include mekoro (canoe) excursions and professionally guided walking safaris all year round. As the floodwaters recede day and night wildlife viewing drives may be enjoyed in open 4 x 4 Land Rovers (typically October through March). The camp is set in one of the most densely populated wetland areas for sitatunga and red lechwe. Wildlife concentrations depend on the flow of the water. All the big game can be found in the area - elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo, however in limited numbers. Pels fishing owl is a favorite amongst birders as well as greater and lesser jacanas. Guests may opt to spend a night sleeping out (on a remote island or on the floodplain) under the stars with a professional guide (maximum 6 guests). Jack's Camp, Kalahari - Situated in the Makgadikgadi Pans area of the Kalahari desert, Jack's Camp combines 1920's East African panache with scientific exploration of desert biology and adaptation, stone age archaeology, bushman anthropology and the unique geology of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Guests are accommodated in 8 luxury east African tents, which are rustic but elegant, each with four poster beds. Each tent has an adjacent toilet and hot bucket shower open to the skies. Staff guides are biologists and zoologists often pursuing graduate study of the Kalahari desert. In their company guests may learn more about rare desert species restricted to the area such as aardvark and brown hyena and how these animals adapt to survive this sometimes harsh environment. At Makgadikgadi guests may observe the only natural wildlife migration that still occurs in southern Africa, enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra that move south from Chobe and Moremi every year after the rains have brought new grass to the Kalahari. Huge flocks of flamingoes mass here as well. In the dry season 4 wheel drive quad-bikes are used to explore deep into the dried out and desolate pans. Jack's Camp works closely with the UN recognized "First Peoples of the Kalahari" to provide a safari experience in the Central Kalahari that will allow close observation of both the wildlife and the unique way of life of the Bushmen, perhaps the only culture that has maintained a truly sustainable lifestyle in this very fragile ecosystem. The Sunday Times readers voted this camp as having the best service in the world and said: "The staff are experts at making you feel like an individual in a very special environment" Jao Camp, Okavango Delta - Situated in a private concession bordering the Moremi Reserve, west of Mombo, Jao accommodates 18 guests in 9 unique contemporary African style luxury rooms - featured in Architectural Digest February 2002. The rooms are constructed of split bamboo and thatch with canvas walls. All rooms have en suite facilities including a bath, and both an indoor and outdoor shower. The camp is raised on wooden decks above a carpet of palms. There is also a plunge pool. Jao offers both land and water activities – day and night wildlife viewing drives, mokoro excursions, boating (when water levels allow it) and guided walks. The area is renowned for its predators - lion, leopard and cheetah. Other wildlife in the area includes elephant, hippo, crocodile, wildebeest, and more. Adventurous guests may enjoy sleeping out on the private sala attached to each room or sleeping out on a remote island (or on the floodplain) under the stars with a professional guide (maximum 6 guests). Kaparota Camp. Okavango Delta - Kaparota Camp is situated on a tranquil shaded island in the Vumbura Community Development Concession. The island is covered with huge sausage trees, and a small channel runs in front of the camp. The thatched dining and pub area is connected to the opposite island by a walkway bridge, and is raised on a teak deck overlooking the channel. Guests are accommodated in five meru-style tents built on raised decking with wonderful views over the surrounding islands and floodplains. Each room has proper beds and en suite facilities including a hot and cold shower and flush toilet. Kaparota offers land and water based activities including day and night wildlife viewing drives, professionally guided walks, mekoro (canoe) excursions, boating and fishing. Wildlife in the area includes lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and red lechwe. Birding in the area is incredible and species include white headed vulture, African hawk eagle, Roufusnaped lark, Meyers parrot, and Pels fishing owl. Khwai River Lodge, Moremi - The Khwai River Lodge is built overlooking the Khwai River floodplain, which forms a natural boundary to the Moremi Game Reserve at North Gate. Moremi was once the traditional hunting ground of the Batawana Tribe who, in 1963, as a result of their great love for the wilderness, proclaimed this area protected wildlife sanctuary. Guests are accommodated in 12 twin-bedded air conditioned luxury tents with thatched roofs. The rooms feature lavishly appointed ensuite bathrooms and dressing areas. The tents are set on decks overlooking the Khwai River. The main lodge area offers a lounge, bar, library, dining area and heated swimming pool. With a commanding view of the Khwai River flood plain this is the perfect location for observing the perennial drama of the African bushveld. Moremi roars with Botswana's largest, grandest, fastest, sleekest and most beautiful wildlife. Elephant, kudu, waterbuck, crocodile and hippo abound. Vast herds of antelope and zebra graze contentedly on the coarse grass. And where the antelope feed, the predators are not too far off: lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and wild dog. Khwai River Camp offers daytime wildlife viewing drives within the Moremi Reserve and night time drives and professionally guided walks outside the reserve. In addition the lodge can arrange a cultural visit to Khwai village. King's Pool Camp, Linyanti Concession - Situated in the same 125,000 hectare private concession as Duma Tau, bordering Chobe National Park, King's Pool luxury tented camp accommodates guests in 9 large walk in tents with ceiling fans and en suite facilities. Each tent sits on a raised teak deck and overlooks the King's Pool Lagoon. There is a swimming pool at this stunning camp. Wildlife abounds in this area, especially elephants during the dry winter months, and activities are the same as at Duma Tau with day and night wildlife viewing drives from open 4x4 vehicles, walks, and excursions aboard the camp's double decker boat on the Linyanti River (when water levels and the hippos allow it). Kwetsani Tree Camp, Okavango Delta - Kwetsani Island is located in a private reserve to the west of Mombo and the Moremi Reserve. The island is heavily wooded and Kwetsani Camp rests on stilts beneath the shady forest canopy, overlooking the floodplains. Guests are accommodated in 5 luxury tree house tents each with en suite facilities and an outdoor shower. Kwetsani offers superb land and water activities. In addition to peaceful mokoro (canoe) excursions you may enjoy exploring the palm fringed islands on foot. Day and night game drives are available as well. Wildlife in the area includes hippo, crocodile, lion, leopard, wild dog, lechwe and more. Guests may opt to spend a night sleeping out (on a remote island or on the floodplain) under the stars with a professional guide (maximum 6 guests). Lagoon, Kwando Concession - Lagoon Camp lies on the shady banks of the Kwando River under tall and ancient African ebony and marula trees. It is located in the 230,000 hectare private Kwando Reserve in the Linyanti area of northern Botswana between the Okavango and Chobe. The reserve includes about 80 kilometers of river frontage and wonderful floodplains and woodlands to the west of the Kwando River. The area has a large variety of wildlife but is most noted for its very large elephant populations. There are good numbers of impala, lechwe, kudu, zebra, giraffe, sitatunga, sable, roan, waterbuck, buffalo, bushbuck and the smaller antelope. The major predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena are resident and regularly sighted. The reed and papyrus swamps are ideal for the numerous and diverse species of birds. Accommodation consists of 6 comfortably appointed twin-bedded safari style tents, each with en-suite facilities. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles, boating and professionally guided walks. Lebala, Kwando Concession - Lebala Camp is located in the 230,000 hectare private Kwando concession, including 80 kilometers of river frontage in the northern part of Botswana. The camp is situated in the transition of the Kwando wetlands and the open plains to the south. The area has a large variety of wildlife but is most noted for its very large elephant populations. There are good numbers of impala, lechwe, kudu, zebra, giraffe, sitatunga, sable, roan, waterbuck, buffalo, bushbuck and the smaller antelope. The major predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena are resident and regularly sighted. The reed and papyrus swamps are ideal for the numerous and diverse species of birds. Accommodation consists of 8 comfortably appointed twin-bedded safari style tents each with en-suite facilities. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles, fishing and professionally guided walks. Linyanti Tented Camp, Linyanti Concession - Situated in the same 125,000 hectare private concession as Duma Tau and King's Pool Camp, this small tented camp offers an exclusive and highly personalized experience as it caters to only 10 guests in 5 large walk in tents. Each tent has en suite facilities. As the camp is situated outside of the Chobe National Park activities are not limited by parks regulations. Activities include day and night game drives from open 4x4 vehicles, walks, canoeing and boating. Mombo Camp and Little Mombo Camp, Moremi - Situated on the northern tip of Chief's Island within the Moremi Reserve in the central Okavango, Mombo provides one of the highest quality wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa - if the not the best. Many travelers argue that a trip to southern Africa is not complete without visiting Mombo. Large concentrations of wildlife, including all of the large predators and white rhino, occur in this remote and isolated wilderness region. Birdlife is prolific as well. Numerous award winning wildlife documentaries have been filmed at Mombo (National Geographic, BBC and others have filmed here) making this Botswana's top wildlife documentary location. Guests at Mombo are accommodated 9 luxury tented rooms each with en suite facilities and an outdoor shower on the deck. There is a small plunge pool. Little Mombo accommodates 6 guests in 3 tented rooms each with en suite facilities and an outdoor shower on the deck. There is a small pool here as well. Activities include daytime wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles. Unlike many camps and lodges Mombo provides spectacular wildlife viewing throughout the year - an exclusive wildlife destination (especially for predators - leopard in particular) Mombo has a record unequalled in Africa. Adventurous guests may enjoy sleeping out on the private sala attached to each room. Muchenje Lodge, Chobe - Bordering the renowned Chobe National Park, the lodge is set on an escarpment edge and has been designed to take full advantage of breathtaking views over the Caprivi Strip. Guests are accommodated in 10 thatched chalets, each with en-suite facilities, a ceiling fan, and private balcony. The thatched main lounge and dining area overlook a waterhole. Muchenje Lodge offers the most diverse range of safari activities in the entire Chobe region. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided walks, mountain biking, village / school visits (great experience), and boat cruises on the Chobe River (great experience - a must for all guests)! The lodge has a fantastic swimming pool. Nxabega Camp, Okavango Delta - Nxabega Camp is located in one of the most sought after safari destinations in Africa - Botswana's Okavango Delta. Situated under dense stands of African ebony and strangler fig trees, in an exclusive wildlife concession, Nxabega Camp combines the Okavango Delta water wilderness experience with the excitement of viewing the big wildlife normally associated with safaris to land camps. The camp has been beautifully designed to ensure that its open plan dining room, lounge, wildlife reference library, and expansive sundecks all offer unobstructed views over the endless floodplains of the Delta. Other facilities include a raised wildlife viewing platform and plunge pool. Nxabega accommodates only 18 safari guests in East African-style safari tents pitched on elevated Rhodesian teak platforms with private sundecks and en suite facilities. Activities include mekoro excursions, professionally guided walks, and day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Pom Pom Camp, Okavango Delta - Pom Pom is located in the heart of the Okavango in a private concession to the west of the Moremi Game Reserve. Pom Pom Camp has been designed in the style of safari camps of old. The camp overlooks a scenic lagoon and is built under a grove of shady trees. Pom Pom has six large walk-in tents, with en suite showers and flush toilets. The bathrooms are enclosed, but roofless - for a true bush experience. All the big predators, and buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest can be seen. If you are lucky, some of the nocturnal animals such as serval, civet and genet may be seen on night drives. Hippo and crocodile are found in the deeper lagoons in the area. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy possible sightings of Pel's fishing owls, African fish eagles, giant eagle owls and white backed vultures. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives, professionally guided walks, fishing and mekoro (canoe) excursions. Sandibe, Okavango Delta - Sheltering in a forest of wild palms and twisting trees, Sandibe Safari Lodge is flanked by channels of the permanent Delta. Behind the lodge, grass-swept floodplains stretch into the distance, casting up silhouettes of lush palm islands. Each of the eight private twin-bedded rooms, have en-suite dressing room, toilet, open-air shower, fans and private deck. Walls have become airy screens, allowing the gentle Okavango breezes to cool the rooms, which are decorated in a rich and sensuous fusion of ochres and textures, from leather to silk and wood. Private verandahs and decks are idyllic vantage points in this wildlife paradise. At the heart of the camp a soaring abbey of trees forms the central lounge and dining area with quiet, hammocked decks affording views across the watery labyrinth and savannahs. Activities at Sandibe include day and night wildlife viewing drives, professionally guided walks, and water excursions. At night a constellation of candles creates a halo over the table, anticipating a banquet of pan-African cuisine and fine wines. Savuti Camp, Linyanti Concession - Some of the best elephant viewing in all of Africa! Situated in the private Linyanti Concession along with Duma Tau, King's Pool, and Linyanti Camp, this small luxury tented camp offers an incredible and exclusive African wildlife experience. Guests are accommodated in 7 large walk in tents each with en suite facilities. There is a small plunge pool. Activities center on day and night wildlife viewing drives and professionally guided walks. Adventurous guests may opt to spend the night sleeping in a remote elevated wildlife hide in the area - an unforgettable experience (maximum 4 guests)! Savute Elephant Camp - Savute Elephant Camp is located on the Savute Channel in Chobe National Park, which is in the rugged, semi-arid wilderness region of far northern Botswana. Savute Elephant Camp is a tented camp in true African style - without compromising modern comforts. Guests are accommodated in 12 twin-bedded luxury air conditioned canvas tents. The furnishings are of the highest quality however the dark flooring and furniture tend to make the rooms dark with the lighting helping to some degree. Each room has a lavishly appointed ensuite bathroom and dressing area, however the rooms do not have baths. They also have private viewing decks. The main area includes a large thatched roof dining area, lounge, and bar. There is a large elephant proof swimming pool which overlooks the waterhole where, during the dry season, hundreds of elephants gather (along with other wildlife). Savute personifies the eternal contrast of Africa. Situated on the mysterious Savute Channel, which is an eccentric waterway that fluctuates between being bone-dry or flooding, the whole ethos of Savute Elephant Camp is commiserate with its inhabitants and environment. In Savute, you realize that precious little has changed on these dry plains since time began. And the realization dawns that you are fortunate and privileged to be in one of the last corners of the planet governed by nature. The opportunities to view game and the astonishing birdlife are unsurpassed. The professional guides are almost telepathic in their ability to find game. They will point to what appears to be an empty horizon. From the emptiness, magnificent creatures will appear, as if conjured by some unearthly magic. In the early morning and evening, your professional guide will guide your four-wheel drive safari vehicle to within close viewing range of passively grazing herds of impala, tsessebe, giraffe and zebra as well as within close focus range of the powerful predators: lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog. You are also likely to see plenty of wildebeest, buffalo, warthog, kudu, black-backed jackals, steenbok, bat-eared foxes, vultures, hornbills and eagles. In Savute, one animal reigns supreme. Savute is the place to see the earth's largest land creatures in their full glory. Elephants are numerous and very big in Savute. When the rain comes in December, this arid region changes completely and the once dry plains sustain, for a short period, herds of migrating zebra in their thousands. In their trail are the opportunist predators such as lions and hyenas. It is truly a spectacle to behold. More than anywhere else, here at Savute you sense the essence of Africa. Activities include daytime wildlife viewing drives and bird-watching from the purpose-built hide. This area also presents guests with the rare opportunity to view rock paintings drawn by the early Bushmen, who once inhabited the region. As this camp is situated in the Chobe National Park, park regulations prohibit night drives and walking. Stanley's Camp, Okavango Delta - This luxury camp is situated in a 260,000 acre private concession, affording guests absolute exclusivity. Stanley's offers year-round access to the Okavango Delta waters. Guest accommodation consists of 8 classic styled safari tents with handcrafted beds dressed with the finest linen, antique furniture, and oriental carpets that transport you to early 19th century Africa. The main building is raised on decking and offers extensive views over the surrounding floodplains. Stanley's is carefully blended into the existing tree line, its main support being a large sausage tree. Spend a morning walking with the elephants or on a hot air balloon excursion followed by a champagne breakfast. Other activities include mekoro excursions, day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles and professionally guided walks. Tubu Tree Camp, Okavango Delta - Tubu Tree Camp is a traditional style tented safari camp built on to raised wooden platforms to take best advantage of the beautiful view over the floodplains. The camp sleeps a maximum of 10 guests in 5 large and comfortable tents. Each tent has a private deck, en suite bathroom facilities (sink, shower and toilet) with hot and cold running water and private outdoor shower. The main dining and lounge areas consist of large tents built on raised platforms, with an outdoor pub area built under the canopy of a large marula tree. A variety of habitats ensures diverse and interesting wildlife viewing, as well as spectacular birding. Wildlife seen here includes elephant, lion, zebra, red lechwe, giraffe, tsessebe, and wildebeest on the floodplains. Kudu, impala, leopard and bushbuck are also seen in the forested areas. During the winter months (May through September), the water levels rise and the floodplains become covered with water, permitting water activities. The variety of bird life is impressive with dry land species seen on the large islands and all the wetland birds seen on the floodplains and waterways. Activities include day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles and professionally guided walks. During the winter months boating, fishing and mekoro (canoe) excursions are also offered. Guests may opt to spend a night sleeping out (on a remote island or on the floodplain) under the stars with a professional guide (maximum 6 guests). For guests staying at both Tubu and Jacana camps (when water levels allow it) a full day transfer between the camps by mekoro is a wonderful option (it saves travelers the cost of an air transfer as well!). Vumbura Camp and Little Vumbura, Okavango Delta - Bordering the Moremi Reserve Vumbura Camp offers both water and land activities. Vumbura has both wetland and savanna species of wildlife - red lechwe, waterbuck, hippo, and crocodile along with sable, kudu, wildebeest, and tsessebe which roam the open plains. Herds of elephant and buffalo occur along with the predators - lion, leopard, wild dog, and cheetah. Birding is also spectacular. Guests are accommodated in 8 large walk in luxury tents with en suite toilet and shower facilities and private outdoor shower. There is a plunge pool. Little Vumbura is more exclusive and caters to only 12 guests in 6 tented rooms with en suite shower and toilet facilities and private outdoor shower. There is a small pool here as well. Activities at both camps include mekoro (canoe) excursions, professionally guided walks, boating and day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles. Xakanaxa, Moremi - Xakanaxa (pronounce Ka-Kan-a-Ka) is situated within the heart of the Moremi reserve on the edge of the Xakanaxa lagoon. The camp consists of 12 spacious safari tents each raised on wooden platforms with en suite facilities. Each rustic tent is tastefully furnished in "old" safari style. Wholesome meals and candle lit dinners are on offer. The service is of a very high standard and a friendly atmosphere prevails! Xakanaxa is one of the few camp's which can offer year round boating trips as well as extensive nature drives into brilliant big game country! Game drives take you through a large variety of ecosystems and wildlife includes just about everything imaginable! Large herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, kudu, and impala along with lion, hyena, hippos, wild dog, sable, leopard, and large crocodiles! Birding is excellent! Xigera Camp, Okavango Delta - Set within the Moremi Reserve, Xigera Camp is one of the Okavango's best kept secrets! Built on "Paradise Island" Xigera is an area of permanent water with numerous large islands that hold good concentrations of wildlife. Guests are accommodated in 8 comfortable walk in tents with en suite facilities and private outdoor shower. The camp also has a pool. Xigera offers day and night wildlife viewing drives, mekoro (canoe) excursions, and boating. Wildlife in the area includes lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and lechwe along with excellent birding. Great scenery and activities combined with privacy make Xigera a wonderful place to visit. Xigera Mekoro Trail, Okavango Delta - For travelers seeking adventure there is no better way to experience the Okavango than to camp out on its remote islands. These 2 night safaris operate every three days from the early May to the end of October to fit in with the rise and fall of the annual flood. Xigera is set right in the heart of the Okavango Delta and the Xigera Mokoro Trail starts soon after you land at the airstrip and meet up with your senior guide and BaYei polers. After a short drive to the starting point and a safety talk, you climb into the mokoro’s and set off into the wilderness. Some of the mokoro’s carry the camping equipment, drinks and food while others carry the guests and their personal luggage. The group is totally self contained and can operate at it's own pace. Stop for a picnic lunch on the first day and find an island on which to make camp by mid afternoon. The paddlers set up the camp and all meals are cooked on the campfire. There are bucket showers and a "long drop" toilet. The tents are specially designed with the top made out of netting so one does not lose the feeling of sleeping out under the stars but are still safe and secure tucked up for the night in comfortable bedrolls with duvets and pillows. After an early breakfast and walk (while the paddlers break camp and load the mokoro’s) you set off for another island, exploring the Delta and its wildlife whilst relaxing in the dugouts. Stops along the way to walk are the norm and the rhythm and pace depend on what is happening at that moment. On the last morning you will head back to the airstrip for your onward flight. Return to Ultimate Africa's Main Safari Lodge and Camp Page Links to other pages: ULTIMATE AFRICA
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