Wilderness Little Vumbura

One of the most unforgettable safari experiences in Botswana, this is the area where Dereck and Beverly Joubert have spent years filming and photographing the amazing lions and buffalo that inhabit this part of the Delta. The camp itself is an intimate affair with just five traditionally styled tents and the separate two-bedroomed Duba Suite. All sit raised on recycled railway sleeper decking with incredible views over the game-rich flood plain, and each has a lounge area, private plunge pool and fabulous bathrooms. A large dining room, communal lounge area, curated wine cellar, library, open kitchen and fire pit sit at the camp’s heart. Guests can choose to dine here or in a number of more private settings, catered for by your personal butler and chef. Head out on unforgettable game drives in private game drive vehicles with your own expert guide, and on boat-based activities when water levels permit. As well as a good chance of observing extraordinary lion and buffalo interactions, the reserve has a rich diversity of species, with thousands of animals crossing the floodplain including leopard, elephant and interesting Kalahari species such as Aardwolf and Pangolins. Duba Plains is on land leased from local communities who receive all lease revenue and 80% of staff coming from these communities. The whole operation also strives to have as light an environment footprint as possible.

With uninterrupted views over Osprey Lagoon, and a fantastic vantage point from which to watch the areas mega-herds of elephants,  Wilderness DumaTau and nearby Wilderness Little DumaTau are perfectly located for making the most of your stay in Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Each spacious tented guest suite has been positioned to offer great views whether you’re relaxing on your deck, or cooling off in your plunge pool. You’ll also find the tents include spot-cooling meaning you can find respite from the hot afternoons indoors. Spend time investigating the ‘curiosity boxes’ you’ll find mounted on the walls in your room and the drawers filled with fascinating artefacts and information the main shared area. They are a great way to learn more about the area’s wildlife and rich history. Look out for unique elephant and wild dog art in the rooms and library made from reclaimed snare wire. The rebuild has also allowed Wilderness Safaris to vastly improve the comfort and facilities in the new camps. In addition to the in-tent cooling systems, you’ll discover that the central Osprey Retreat which sits between the two camps boasts and pool, drink and snack counter and a Safari Boutique area, offering you more space to mingle with your fellow guests if you choose to do so. The upgrade has also seen the decks extended, plunge pools added and awnings erected at each of Duma Tau’s eight tented suites as well as at the four at Wilderness Little DumaTau. The Wilderness DumaTau team continues to focus on the sustainability of wildlife corridors, as they have done since 1997. They believe that it is more vital than ever to protect large, connected, natural tracts of wilderness like those within the vast Linyanti Wildlife Reserve – especially for the African elephant and wild dog that cover extensive ground. Staying at WildernessDumaTau offers you easy access to the Linyanti floodplain as well as the Savuti Channel, in fact, it is the only concession from which you can access both. The region has all the habitat diversity to make it a haven for wildlife, and is well-known for its elephant concentrations as they congregate along the waterways and lagoons during the dry winter months. General wildlife viewing is excellent year round including impala, wildebeest, red lechwe, Burchell’s zebra, giraffe, Cape buffalo, chacma baboon, vervet monkey, and warthog. Predator sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyaena are good. As well as day and night game drives, you can explore on nature walks or take to the water on motorboats or the river barge (depending on water levels).

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.

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.