Botswana Revisited

Given that we’ve recently refreshed and relaunched our Botswana packages, we thought we’d use this opportunity to revisit our boutique collection of camps and lodges in Botswana. Offering an introduction to destinations on many visitors’ “safari hotlists,” our portfolio of accommodations spans diverse and coveted regions. Explore the famed Moremi Game Reserve to spot big cats, the Okavango Delta’s water wonderland, the Savute Marsh’s geographical marvel, the revered Chobe National Park, and the bustling community regions outside of Maun. Botswana offers visitors the chance to see up to 600 species of birds and 170 species of mammals, making it one of the most incredible safari destinations in the world.

Let’s delve into the camps and lodges we represent in the Sun Destinations portfolio.

Camp Savuti in Chobe National Park

Camp Savuti has become famous for its exceptional game viewing opportunities, in particular for lions that prey and hunt on elephants, which are found in abundance in the area. Award-winning documentaries have been shot in the Savuti area, cementing its reputation as a prime wildlife destination. You’ll spend your days enjoying twice-daily game drives exploring the Savute Marsh and Savuti Channel, stopping en route for lunches, coffees and sundowners. Local guides will teach you about the wildlife and the unique geography of the area, which changes when the Savuti Channel flows.

The five Meru-style tented rooms have elevated balconies, perfectly placed to take advantage of the views of this corner of Chobe. The large, spacious tents are located in such a way that they enjoy privacy and exclusivity. For the adventurous, there are outdoor showers where you can cleanse while enjoying the tranquillity of the African bush. Each room has an en suite bathroom with a small bath – ideal for those who don’t enjoy the thrill of an outdoor shower.

The main area at camp provides the perfect open area for socialising and relaxing. Camp facilities include a swimming pool, deck, bar and seating area. And of course, there’s the rustic boma and campfire area where nights are spent stargazing and connecting with others. Because you’re in a truly remote corner of the Chobe National Park, expect to see elephants and other wildlife meandering through camp. For birders, this is a great camp to observe those lifers!

Features in these Botswana packages:

Boteti Tented Camp just outside of Maun

Boteti Tented Camp is a unique addition to our portfolio, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Botswana community. Located on the banks of the erratic Boteti River (a tributary of the Okavango River), Boteti offers a handful of signature day trips that set out from camp into the heart of Botswana’s wildlife kingdom. The Boteti River is a life source of water for the arid Kalahari plains, Nxai Pans and famed Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Considering the river is the only reliable water source in the area, it’s no surprise that it’s a magnet for predators. You’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of the vast Kalahari and river frontage during your safari at Boteti.

This rustic camp is a short drive from Maun and upon arrival guests are treated to an introductory mokoro trip (provided the water levels are high enough). With simple decor and designer African-inspired accents throughout, you’ll never feel like you’re far from the bushveld. The main area is furnished with a lounge, deck, pool area and relaxation spaces. On-site, there’s even a small viewing platform close to the river – ideal for birdwatching and observing the passing cattle from the communities nearby in the distance.

The five Meru-style canvas tents built on wooden platforms sleep a total of 10 people and sit dotted beneath tall acacia trees. Tents are well-equipped with a wooden chest for storage, bedside table, work desk, and an ensuite bathroom surrounded by a wall of rustic wooden poles. Comfort at its finest! To elevate your Boteti experience, the team have also arranged a selection of treatments available.

Boteti is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature during a stopover safari enroute to other destinations, as it’ll allow you to enjoy the cultures and traditions of Botswana.

Features in these Botswana packages:

Mankwe Tented Retreat on the doorstep of the Moremi

Mankwe Tented Retreat is a sanctuary-style safari lodge built from canvas and light wood, and offers a luxury stay on the doorstep of the Moremi Game Reserve. This sublime, simple and charming retreat is ideally located in a private concession on the doorstep of
the game- rich Moremi Game Reserve. 10 tented suites on raised platforms sit scattered beneath a canopy of trees in the woodlands, each offering spacious balconies and ensuite bathroom with a shower, complete with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness through
the canvas windows.

Mankwe’s light and airy design reflects the beauty of its natural surroundings, giving off a sophisticated Scandinavian design feel. The main area comprises a small swimming pool surrounded by wooden decking that flows through to various sheltered sections for relaxing and also has a dining section. Adjacent to this area is the boma. From here, a meandering wooden walkway winds its way to a second swimming pool section complete with wooden decking, sun loungers and an intimate pool bar.

Mankwe offers its visitors an unbeatable location close to both land and water-based safari activities. Game drives take place in the concession, and always include an obligatory sundowner stop around the waterhole. Further afield, guests can explore the intricate channels of the Okavango Delta boat cruises through the Okavango Delta and full-day excursions into the Khwai River section of Moremi.

Features in these Botswana packages:

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge in Kasane Forest Reserve

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge is situated in the remote and lesser-known Kasane Forest Reserve, a relatively unexplored concession bordering the Zambezi National Park in the northern stretches of Botswana. It’s a wildlife corridor for both the Chobe and Zambezi areas, but holds its own in terms of being a wildlife destinations. The lodge’s claim to fame is its prolific elephant herds, many of which can be spotted congregating around the lodge’s waterhole in front of the lodge – it’s not uncommon to spend evenings dining with the elephant herds in the background.

In addition to Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge’s enviable location, it is also fast becoming a sought-after safari destination for large groups seeking a lodge of superior quality with African inspired design. Boasting 20 bedrooms that all face the waterhole (two levels), this secluded
hideaway ensures every need is met in terms of accommodation. Rooms join the main area of the lodge via wooden walkways, creating a wonderful sense of flow throughout. On-site, you’ll find a curio shop, swimming pool and spa treatment area for those moments between safari activities.

Because it’s surrounded by a hub of adventure and safari activities, you’ll discover that there’s something for everyone. Game drives into the Chobe National Park are a firm favourite, and comprise either a 3-hour or 6-hour game drive encompassing rich bushveld and the Chobe Waterfront. Also available are boat cruises along the Chobe River, with a choice of either sunrise or sunset cruises.

Features in these Botswana packages:

Mboma Island Expeditions in the Okavango Delta

The UNESCO world-heritage site of the Okavango Delta brims and pulses with life. Flooding the arid Kalahari plains creating a mix of swamplands, lagoons, islands and savannah. This varied habitat provides a sanctuary for wildlife, aquatic life and birdlife to thrive. Deep within the Delta sits the community-run Moremi Game Reserve, the place to spot big cats and other predators. Situated on the floodplains of the game rich Moremi Game Reserve and meeting point of the Delta’s fresh waters, means that Mboma is ideal for both land and water based safaris. Mboma Island Expeditions is a luxury mobile-safari glamping experience, where great care is taken to preserve the environment.

Each of the fivelight Meru-style canvas tents are fully-equipped with twin beds and ensuite, open-air bathrooms. Everything about this camp is set to reduce your carbon footprint, from the sole use of solar- power, to bucket showers, and chemical toilets. Main areas comprise a bar and seating area close to the water’s edge, an intimate dining are under canvas and (of course) the campfire boma area.

A world of activities presents itself at Mboma. Enjoy guided mokoro trips, game drives into the Moremi Game Reserve and boating excursions on the open waters of the Delta.

You should experience this kind of safari at least once in your life!

Features in these Botswana packages: