
Natural Selection introduces Mbamba in Northern Botswana
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – Natural Selection announce the opening of Mbamba, its newest safari camp in the lush northern Okavango Delta, Botswana. Opened in April 2025 and named after the Bukakhwe San Bushman word for 'hello,' Mbamba welcomes guests to experience a classic safari adventure in the private NG12 concession, an area celebrated for its year-round wildlife viewing and remarkable birdlife.
Mbamba is set within a vast, 220,000-acre private concession adjoining the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, neighboring Vumbura and Duba Plains. This untouched wilderness offers an authentic Delta experience, featuring tawny grasslands, shimmering channels, ancient woodlands, and ilala palm-islands.
The camp is designed in the iconic Ralph Bousfield safari style, featuring 12 spacious canvas tents-including four doubles, six twins, and two family units, nestled beneath large leadwood trees on raised wooden decks. Each air-conditioned tent exudes vintage charm with plush fabrics, mahogany sideboards, Persian rugs, and four-poster beds, offering spacious en-suite bathrooms and private verandas with panoramic views.
The camp stands out for its exceptional guiding team, widely regarded as among the best in the industry. These experts provide guests with insights into the region's rich ecosystems and wildlife, including large herds of buffalo and elephants, as well as predators like lions and the endangered African wild dogs. The area is also renowned for its 350 recorded species of birds, including the endangered wattled crane, carmine bee-eater, Pel's fishing-owl, and African fish eagle.
The camp's main area features two lounges, a library, a swimming pool, and a family-style dining space, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families and groups. Activities at Mbamba take full advantage of the Okavango Delta's diverse habitats, offering day and night game drives, mokoro excursions, boat safaris, fishing, and visits to Tsodilo Hills, famed for ancient rock art.
Mbamba directly supports and funds impactful initiatives focused on fostering human-wildlife coexistence and conservation in the Okavango Delta. One key partner is CLAWS (Communities Living Among Wildlife Sustainability), which plays an integral role in protecting both lions and livestock. By collaring and tracking lions, CLAWS facilitates a return to traditional herding practices, thereby alleviating conflicts between farmers and predators. Additionally, the Elephant Express provides safe transportation for schoolchildren and clinic patients through an elephant corridor, helping to lower the risk of human-elephant encounters in the region.
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