October 12

Rhino Africa’s Top 10 Safari Lodges in Botswana 2012

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October 12, 2012

After bringing you Rhino Africa’s Top 10 Safari Lodges in South Africa 2012, we’re spreading our wings and looking north towards the ruggedly beautiful landscape that is Botswana.

From the majestic labyrinth of channels and lagoons that make up the Okavango Delta, to the spectacular array of wildlife in Chobe and its surrounding areas, Botswana is an experience in the sublime. Considering the richness of the landscape, picking and choosing our favourite destinations was no easy task, but we don’t want you overwhelmed by the sheer awesomeness of this country, and so, we’ve managed to narrow it down to our top ten favourite spots.

Each lodge offers it’s own unique style, breathtaking views and excellent service. Experience superior game-viewing with some of the best rangers and trackers, spotlit night drives, astonishing birding and exciting water-safaris.

Look through our list and tell us which safari lodge epitomises the ultimate African adventure for you. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

And now, we’re pleased to present, in no particular order, our Top 10 Safari Lodges in Botswana 2012.


Camp Moremi

Where? Located in the Xakanaka area of the Moremi Game Reserve, on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta.
Why?
Think luxury camping. With opulent furnishings and every comfort imaginable from traditional directors chairs to his-and-hers towels, you’ll soon forget you’re in a tent at all. That is, until you hear the roar of a resident Lion greeting the sunset.

Read more about Camp Moremi here.


Little Vumbura Camp

Where? Little Vumbura is located on an island in the Kwedi Reserve in the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta.
Why?
If the plethora of wildlife is anything to go by, Little Vumbura is where it’s at. Don’t believe us? Ask the birds.

Read more about Little Vumbura here.


Jao Camp

Where? Jao Camp is on a large, remote island in the north-western sector of the Okavango Delta with the Moremi Game Reserve forming it’s eastern boundary.
Why?
Boasting an outdoor “sala” for your midday siestas, nine lusciously decked-out rooms built under a shady canopy of trees, breathtaking vistas and magical mokoro trips around the island,  I think the real question is “Why not?”

Read more about Jao Camp here.


Mombo and Little Mombo

Where? Situated on Mombo Island, just off the northern tip of Chief’s island, both Mombo and Little Mombo Camp are within the Moremi Game Reserve in the Delta.
Why? With elegantly polished parquet floors, a small library and unrivaled views of Chief Island’s abundant wildlife, Mombo Camp offers both sophistication and grandeur. As for Little Mombo? Well it’s been rumored that the sheer decadence of this exclusive camp is enough to cause toothache, though I’d say it’s a worthwhile risk.

Read more about Mombo here and Little Mombo here.


Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Where? Located in the exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve. Accessible by air from Maun (25 minutes) and the private airstrip is about 2km from the lodge.
Why?
Two words: “Predator Capital“. This region is notorious for its abundant presence of Big Five and you’ll be in the perfect place to see them in their natural habitat. The view ain’t too bad either.

Read more about Sanctuary Chief’s Camp here.


Eagle Island Lodge

Where? Sequestered away deep within the Okavango Delta, Eagle Island Lodge is accessible by a Cessna plane from the town of Maun.
Why?  The sundown cruises through the surrounding lagoons will leave you swooning and reaching for a cuddle-buddy. ‘Heaven on earth’ has never felt this literal.

Read more about Eagle Island Lodge here.


Khwait River Camp

Where? This luxury tented bush camp is situated on the Khwai River in the Okavango Delta and overlooks the Moremi Wildlife Reserve.
Why?
You’ve got the Khwai River floodplains on your doorstep and a lush forest of leadwoods and fig trees at your back – why not pull up a chair on your private deck and just soak it all in?

Read more about Khwai River Camp here.


Nxabega Okavango Safari Lodge

Where?  The Nxabega Okavango Safari Lodge is located in the Moremi Wildlife Reserve in the world’s largest inland delta.
Why? Sophistication, elegance and intimacy. The Nxabega Okavango Safari Lodge is a leader in first-class opulence.

Read more about Nxabega Okavango Safari Lodge here.


Sandibe Safari Lodge

 Where? The Sandibe Safari Lodge is situated in the Okavango Delta in Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve. Access to this remote camp is by air followed by a 15-minute game drive transfer.
Why? Ever wanted to travel the world’s largest inland delta in a silent electric wooden eco-craft? Sandibe lodge is all about “treading lightly on the earth”. Do so in style.

Read more about The Sandibe Safari Lodge here.


Zarafa Camp

Where? Zarafa Camp, overlooks the Zibadianja Lagoon – the source of the world famous Savute Channel.
Why? The camp values exclusivity and accommodates a maximum of eight guests, which means it’ll be just you, the bush and its long-toothed locals.

Read more about Zarafa Camp here.


The people have spoken – and we’ve listened. We’re adding  Xaranna and Xudum, both in the Okavango Delta to our list, making our Top 10 a Top 12!


Rhino Africa can tailor-make an African holiday of a lifetime to suit your budget, needs and style. One of our discerning and experienced consultants can give you all the inside information to ensure that you get the best experience and the best value for money possible. So contact us today and let’s start planning! Africa awaits.

 


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About the author 

Matthew Sterne

Matt discovered a passion for writing in the six years he spent travelling abroad. He worked for a turtle sanctuary in Nicaragua, in an ice cream factory in Norway and on a camel safari in India. He was a door-to-door lightbulb-exchanger in Australia, a pub crawl guide in Amsterdam and a journalist in Colombia. Now, he writes and travels with us.

  • my inlaws did Botswana Safari’s (not sure which ones) but they found them amazing – my not be the same out fits – but if you are going they have LOTS of info!

  • Go to kafue in Zambia and only book from SA in SA currency. Allot cheaper than from the UK, the minute they sniff Sterling , you will pay an astonomical amount of money, this game lodge is on my page of things to do as well as child hood memories.

  • hire a vehicle in S Africa and go where you like. Botwana is beautifull and very safe, my pic of baby elephant nursing is from southern Botswana

  • Many years ago I was able to get some beautiful rocks from Botswana that I tumbled to make them shine. They were a beautiful opolescent orange colour.

  • Love Botswana! Even camping in a sea of mud (African thunderstorms are something else!) didn’t dampen our spirits…These lodges look very enticing…now need a good ‘lotto’ win!!

  • we are not goin g to Botswana, but we are off the Egypt this week to see valley of the Kings etc and see Egyptian History first hand and cruise on the Nile.

  • looks like a group road trip’. Quantity discounts available. Very cool, expensive, but doable. Thanks for sharing.

  • We were fortunate to visit Botswana in September and stay at Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust. The owners and staff were knowledgeable and committed to preservation — and there was a noticeable anti-poaching patrol. Khama should be on your list.

  • If you like Botswana, then you will love Pete’s Pond, on the Mashatu Game Reserve. Check it out on USTREAM.TV 24/7 live camera

  • We just returned from Botswana and stayed in Mombo camp and Little Vumbura. We have stayed in 10 other camps through out Africa, and these two camps are OVER PRICED AND OVER RATED. Rating their over quality on a 1 -10 they would get no more than 3.
    In contrast Zarafa camp would get a 9 or 10.
    DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON WILDERNESS SAFARA CAMPS THAT ARE LIVING ON THEIR REPUTATION, BUT FAIL TO DELIVERY THE QUALITY THEY CHARGE FOR. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND GO SOME PLACE ELSE.

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