Latest news with #MoremiGameReserve
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Travel + Leisure
16-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
There's a New, Unexpected Reason to Visit One of the World's Ultimate Safari Destinations
Our guide, Dux Mareja, threw out his left arm like a shield. 'Step around,' he warned, ushering my family down the main pathway of andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge (from $1,850 per person, all-inclusive), a 12-suite property on the outskirts of Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve. Thirty seconds before, we had been gorging on pastries at base camp: a structure resembling a pangolin, with wood shingles for a coat of armor. 'What is it?' I asked, moving swiftly in a single file with Rob, my husband, and our nine-year-old son, Bobby. We peered into the dense thicket, which camouflaged plenty of creatures: some harmless, others not. 'A Mozambique spitting cobra,' he replied, boosting Bobby up into our Land Cruiser. 'One of the deadliest snakes in the world.' We never did get a good look at the cobra. But over two adrenaline-filled days, we did happen upon two leopards mating in a tree; a playful pack of hyena cubs; and a lion on the prowl, stalking a distant male competitor. He eventually sought shade, lying down with a dramatic flop. We followed suit back at the lodge in our suite, propped up on stilts and modeled after the nest of an African golden weaver. It's easy to be lulled into a false sense of security on safari: even in the Okavango Delta, one of Africa's most untamed spaces. Covering 6,000 square miles—about half the size of Belgium—this UNESCO World Heritage Site is like a sponge, always ready to receive. Fed from both seasonal rainfall and water running down from the Angolan highlands via the Okavango River, the Delta and its series of floodplains, swamps, and islands are unbelievably rich in game, with 124 mammals and 464 species of bird on the spotter's checklist. Building, supplying, and staffing camps here has never been easy, something I noticed on my first visit over a decade ago. Function usually trumped form, in the name of sparsely furnished, tented accommodations. But change is afoot, in part due to the stylish, year-old Atzaro Okavango (from $1,850 per person, all-inclusive), a partnership between African Bush Camps and the co-owners of a luxe Spanish hotel company. Singita Elela, debuting in 2026, will further the area's high-design narrative by embracing an organic, airy aesthetic. The shift began with the 2014 rebuild of Sandibe, a crown jewel for luxury hospitality company andBeyond, which operates five properties in the country. 'When we designed Sandibe it was with a contextual background of what we thought to be pretty dull, cookie-cutter, and stagnant 1970s-style lodge design in Botswana,' said Joss Kent, the CEO of andBeyond, noting that all concrete and bricks were removed—250 trucks worth—to make way for more eco-friendly timber. A hybrid solar power plant now supplies 70 percent of Sandibe's energy, which was a first for the region. Sandibe's architectural bona fides aren't immediately apparent: a series of steps lead to a rather demure entrance, shaped like an upside-down U. But once through, the sense of grandeur grips you: huge beams, made of pine sourced from South Africa, implant themselves like ribs in the spacious deck. At the top level is a chic bar, which then gives way to an elevated walkway (the pangolin's tail!), where we dined under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere. 'Botswana is one of the rare places on earth that still belongs to its wildlife,' explained Mark Lakin, the founder of the Legacy Untold and an Africa specialist on the Travel + Leisure advisory board. Lakin, who coordinated our trip, insisted we try a doors-off helicopter ride for perspective (and the incredible photos). He was right: from up high, the lush landscape appeared like uneven moss, punctuated by circles of purple-black water, lines of trees, and dots of animals. Botswana holds Africa's largest elephant population, some 132,000. The optimist in me believed I could see all 132,000 from where we sat by the campfire later that day: herds were everywhere, like toys in a diorama. Dux would sometimes point out a solitary bull, tackling all that land with no one to talk to. But he was most excited by a sitatunga, an elusive species of water antelope: it stood half-submerged in a lagoon, like a lakegoer keen to keep their hair dry. Water influences everything here. Two lodges could be separated by a mere 30 miles, as the crow flies–yet entirely inaccessible to even the sturdiest SUV. And so, no sooner after touching down from one helicopter adventure, we were off on another to the famed Wilderness Mombo Camp (from $4,895 per person, all-inclusive), officially part of the Moremi. Opened in 1991, Mombo quickly earned a reputation for being the ne plus ultra of Botswana lodges due to its prime location on Chief's Island: game central. Over sundowners by the campfire, as darkness enveloped the floodplain before us, we could trace the outlines of several elephants, ambling on by. Black-and-white photos of Mombo's most famous animals, including Mmamoriri, a maned lioness, hung in the communal living and dining area, with its immaculate walk-in wine cellar and luxurious little pizza kitchen. Mombo and neighboring Wilderness camp Little Mombo were rebuilt from the ground-up in 2018, a reimagining by South Africa's Nicholas Plewman Architects (the firm also partly responsible for Sandibe) and U.K. design firm Artichoke Interior Design. Each tent is a go-big-or-go-home 2,700-square-feet, with an outdoor pool and an ample dressing room, the irony being that there is rarely the occasion to dress up. The decor, at times, leans vintage (note the deep copper tub), with the requisite modern touches of a luxury hotel. Another nod to the times? A new 8,826-square foot 'Sanctuary,' with meditation cocoons, two treatment rooms, an ice bath, a sauna, a gym, and a remedy bar spotlighting medicinal herbs, debuts at year's end. Wellness is descending upon the Botswanan bush–not long after world-class art. Our final stop was nearby Xigera (from $4,500 per person, all-inclusive), designed by architect Anton de Kock and landscape architect Philip Fourie to be a living museum for African creators, established and emerging. Priceless art sits side by side with Pel's fishing owls, hovering in trees, and the occasional leopard, strolling through camp. Once part of Wilderness Safaris, Xigera reopened in 2021 under the stewardship of the Tollman family, owners of Red Carnation Hotels. In partnership with the Cape Town-based art gallery Southern Guild, the family tapped 80 of the continent's artisans to bring color and craft to the stark wilderness. 'Nothing is generic; everything is intentional,' Toni Tollman, whose family is from South Africa, told me of the private collection, and her desire to create a place where 'African design would be celebrated as an expression of identity, place, and purpose.' Some of the Tollmans' ambitions are less evident to the guest eye, but still impactful: Xigera is also almost fully solar-powered and helping Habu, a nearby village, set up its own composting program. I was constantly scanning our surroundings–for the wildlife, but for artistic treasures that invited questions. In the main lounge, Bobby gravitated toward painted seats clustered around a chess table: the four chairs were carved by Andile Dyalvane, an Eastern Cape artist, the chess set was a beautiful metal board from Philippe Bouquet. Nearby, I discovered wood-panel paintings by the late Cecil Skotnes: a champion of diversity in apartheid South Africa. In the outdoor boma, where we feasted on chef Ziyaad Brown's grilled Namibian lobster, my eye kept returning to the firepit sculpture: a series of eight-foot sculptural spears by blacksmith Conrad Hicks. In our suite, fantastical porcelain lamps from Ardmore satisfied the maximalist in me; a black, geometric ceramic side table by artist Chuma Maweni became perches for our morning coffee. One evening, the Xigera team surprised us with biltong, popcorn, and sundowners at the Baobab Treehouse suite, a short drive from camp. The remarkable structure is inspired by a painting from landscape artist Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef; bronze-colored branches reach for the sky, surrounding a rooftop bed open to the elements (a screened-in bedroom and bathroom for the skittish is just below). Scanning the delta, wine glass in hand, I couldn't help but wonder if it was all a fantastical, architectural folly. The next day, we happened upon a pride of lions, comfortably ensconced around the tree house base: did they know about all those little luxuries, just within reach? Probably not. But they were content to lounge here for the day, an extension of the suite's magnificent design.
Travel Daily News
13-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Machaba Safaris opens Monachira Camp in the Okavango Delta
Monachira Camp opens in Botswana's Okavango Delta, offering year-round water safaris, sustainable luxury, and immersive wildlife experiences in a serene setting. Monachira Camp, the latest addition to Machaba Safaris' portfolio, is now open to guests seeking an exceptional Delta experience. Located along the serene Monachira Channel northeast of the Moremi Game Reserve, this new camp offers a refreshing blend of contemporary African design, sustainable luxury, and authentic wilderness experiences. As one of the few camps in the region to offer year-round water safaris in the Okavango Delta, Monachira delivers a uniquely tranquil and adventurous safari escape. Set on raised wooden decks with panoramic views of floodplains and papyrus-lined waterways, Monachira Camp blends effortlessly into its surroundings. Interiors feature natural fabrics in soft tones of white, cream, black, and warm yellow, reflecting the vibrant hues of the Delta. Guests can enjoy the beautifully designed lounge, open-air dining area, curated curio shop, beach bar, and a refreshing plunge pool – perfect for relaxing on warmer days. While game drives are available, Monachira Camp is designed around water-based exploration. Guests can glide through papyrus-fringed channels by mokoro or motorboat, encountering elephants, lion, leopard, and rare antelope species along the way. The nearby Gudigwa heronries are home to thousands of birds, making Monachira a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers alike. 'Monachira Camp is a celebration of the Okavango Delta's quieter side – immersive, elegant, and deeply connected to the water. It completes our portfolio with a unique offering that highlights the Delta's year-round water wilderness,' says Alistair Rankin, CEO of Machaba Safaris. In line with Machaba Safaris' commitment to sustainable tourism, Monachira Camp offers eight eco-conscious luxury tents (twin or double) and two family tents, each featuring indoor and outdoor showers, private outdoor lounges with daybeds, and shaded canvas areas. For added relaxation, guests can treat themselves to personalised in-room spa treatments. Two guide rooms are also available for hosted groups. The camp's cuisine celebrates Botswana's seasonal produce, offering flavourful meals prepared by passionate chefs in true Machaba style. The camp operates on solar power, and beautiful reed walls, sourced locally, reinforce its eco-credentials. Wi-Fi is available in the guest rooms, while the public areas remain tech-free to preserve the sounds of the Delta. Monachira Camp is accessible by light aircraft or helicopter via Shinde Airstrip, followed by a 20-minute drive into camp. The new camp creates opportunities for multi-camp itineraries that combine the best of water- and land-based safaris across the Machaba Safaris collection of camps.
Travel Daily News
22-05-2025
- Travel Daily News
Natural Selection introduces Mbamba in Northern Botswana
Natural Selection opens Mbamba safari camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta, offering luxury tents, expert guiding, wildlife experiences, and conservation-focused community initiatives. 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.
