Wilderness Mombo Camp

This is one of the most luxurious camps in Botswana, with nine huge canvas ‘tents’ with thatched roofs set on raised wooden platforms. Each comes equipped with a private plunge pool, four poster bed, indoor and outdoor showers. The camp sits overlooking the Linyanti River and the oxbow lake of King’s Pool from which it derives its name. Communal areas include a lounge dining area, bar and a shared pool. These all sit on raised decking allowing for excellent armchair game viewing of the river and lake. This part of the Linyanti borders the Chobe National Park, meaning that great numbers of elephant frequent the area during the dry months as they visit the lagoon and river. Other game is abundant too during these months including giraffe, lechwe, zebra and impala, all helping to draw the large predators; lion, leopard, cheetah and wild-dog. As well as game drives the camp offers seasonal barge cruises along the river (dependent on the river level) , basic fishing and walking safaris (on request in advance). The camp also has two wildlife hides, excellent for close up observation of game.

Perhaps the most unique camp in Botswana. Inspiringly enigmatic, the camp is named after the original founder and is still run by his family. A tented camp on the pans, Jack’s is chock full of original antique furniture and fittings making for a stay that is both unique and authentic, harking back to the safari expeditions of yesteryear. As this is a harsh, arid landscape game is sparse and the activities therefore focus on exploration of the landscape, archaeology and the very special experience of interacting with the bushmen. Some of the drives and walks are with bushman trackers, allowing for an amazing insight into their skills and traditions. Weather dependent, tremendously fun quad bike expeditions across the pans are also possible.

Caught on a riverine island in the Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve, Xigera is a truly excellent camp amidst the wetlands for its dynamic and varied activities, altered slightly according to the season so guests get the most out of the wildlife and terrain. It’s also the only camp in the area, giving you total privacy and where it doesn’t get much wilder. Ten simple, standalone, and sublimely comfortable stilted tent rooms are shrouded in the riverine forest, and its main areas are typically and tastefully African: thatch roofs, wooden floors and furniture, warm lantern light, bonfire, a traditional boma and a plunge pool to cool off in. Xigera’s (pronounced Keejera) position amidst permanent water all year round means you can embark on the area’s signature mokoro (canoe) safari, game drives and motorboat outings. The camp is also a good choice for keen birdwatchers, with Pel’s Fishing-Owl, African Skimmer, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane and a host of raptors, other waterbirds and colourful kingfishers to be seen.

Overlooking the wilderness of the northern Kalahari plains, this desert based camp promises unique rooftop sleep-out areas alongside Botswana’s finest summer game viewing. Morning and afternoon game drives or day trips to Deception Valley give you the chance to spot the wildlife highlights of Kalahari lions, cheetah and gemsbok among other plains game and predators. Early morning guided nature walks are a good way to spot the smaller creatures and birdlife at a slower, more peaceful pace, plus walks with the local San bushmen lets you into the nomadic and traditional way of life unique this Kalahari tribe. Between breath-taking safari activities you will have the comfort of your canvas guestroom to enjoy. Providing plenty of space, each unit has its own amazing sleep-out deck on the roof, an unmissable highlight which offers the perfect spot to take in the African night sky. While two rooms cater for families, all have en-suite facilities including a shower and a veranda to soak up the scenic views. Besides comfortable accommodation, Wilderness Kalahari Plains Camp also boasts impressive eco credentials being run completely on solar panels. What’s more, the deck and swimming pool offer other spaces to relax, while a lounge, dining area and bar are also provided.