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.
Where is Xudum or Xaranna??
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.
Thanks for the tip about sterling – am just off to SA tomorrow. Old stamping ground for me too !
tres beaux paysage j adore !!!
wish I had the money, Beautful places…I wish…
… Beautiful Place …
Très beau! Ça fait rêver…
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
Sure is upscale from the 60’s platform tent and bucket bath! The animals are just as beautiful tho!
is this your next holiday?
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.
peux tume repondre
wow briilant
<3
Ticket to ride please 😉
its beauitful
My dream !!
not for me…..
Gibts vielleicht auch irgendwas mit Australien im Angebot???
Was there in September in Moremi Park at Xakanaxa Camp Unbelievable
hope they seend me the money to go lol sounds beautiful xxxxxx
I’d like to go to one every year!!!!
q bellezas!
How much USD would one cost roughly? Anyone?
would love to go
Tana…. my brother just got back from this lodge…he and his family went on a three week safari…
honey your even in the jungles of africa you get around
love animals
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!!
ET …..OUI ! je les connais…….super super ….
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.
halala Tulze! thanks for sharing. This is great stuff!!
pics. are beautiful! looks like a beautiful place to go.
looks like a group road trip’. Quantity discounts available. Very cool, expensive, but doable. Thanks for sharing.
As long as no hunting is involved.
Hello stranger!
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.
very nice!!!!
why not?
I would love to go there. Should put it on my bucket list.
Teri took my buckrt
Planning to go, Joan?
Botswana is stunning, now just to find some money to go back again
I’d love to go
didnt invite me lol
I hope Peter didn’t see this…..lol. It will put his hostels to shame 🙂
wOw- yOU THERE NOW?????
If it was only the distance!! Would love to return….
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.