One of the most wildlife-rich regions of the Okavango Delta in Botswana has a new safari camp ready to welcome guests for a full immersion in the African wilderness. For a quintessential Botswana safari that will take you through waterways in a mokoro and across the savannah looking for big game, this is a perfect place. Add to this superb, luxurious tents, and you have a safari tour in Botswana that’s hard to beat.
Let’s explore the new Mbamba Camp, opening April 2025, part of the Natural Selections collection, and all it offers to safari goers who have “Botswana safari” on their travel vision board.
Classic Safari Tented Camp
Mbamba Camp is a classic safari accommodation that harks back to old-school African adventures. The Ralph Bousfield safari-style features plush fabrics, mahogany sideboards, Persian rugs, and romantic four-poster beds in the 12 air-conditioned luxury canvas tents (four double, six twin, and two family units). Every tent has its own spacious en-suite bathroom and private patio.
The main area of the camp includes two lounges, a library, a swimming pool, dining area, and firepit. A well-stocked drinks cabinet can be visited for a refreshment to enjoy while gazing out onto the wilderness.
Meals are served family-style at the long table in the dining area. There’s also the opportunity to dine under the stars (a must-do because of the spectacular celestial display thanks to low light pollution). Sustainability and eco-conscious tourism are important parts of life at this camp – 100% of Mbamba is solar-powered!
Where is Mbamba Camp?
Mbamba Camp is located in the private NG12 concession in the Northern Okavango Delta, Botswana. This area is known for its reliable predator viewing – there’s a good chance you’ll spot lions and African wild dogs while on safari here.
The Okavango Delta region is rich in wildlife. In the water, crocodiles and groups of hippos are common. On the banks, you may spot the rare semi-aquatic sitatunga and red lechwe, as well as other unusual antelope species like tsessebe, sable, and roan. Giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and elephants are common to spot during game drives, while leopards are present but harder to find.
Who is Mbamba Camp For?
This Botswana-tented camp is perfect for larger groups travelling together as well as family safaris. If you’re looking for comfort and unforgettable wildlife experiences, this is the camp for you! It’s also ideal for travellers who want a full immersion into nature. The tents and relaxed environment allow you to let go of the bustle of everyday life, focus on your well-being, and recharge.
What to Do at Mbamba Camp
Due to its location, Mbamba Camp offers mokoro rides along the waterways of the Okavango Delta. A “mokoro” is a traditional dug-out canoe. A poler uses a large pole to steer the mokoro as you spot wildlife along the river banks and in the water.
Of course, traditional game drives are also on offer, guided by wilderness experts to tell you all about the fauna and flora you come across.
Botswana is about so much more than wildlife. A unique activity on offer is helicopter flights to the Tsodilo Hills UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has some of the region’s finest collections of ancient rock art.
For birders, there are opportunities for birdwatching safaris. The greater Okavango region is home to over 400 species of birds, with carmine bee eaters, African paradise flycatchers, and endangered wattled cranes being a few of the birds found in the NG12 concession.
When to Visit Mbamba Camp
While Mbamba Camp is open year-round, different months offer different activities and wildlife viewings in Botswana.
Peak Season
The high or peak season is between April and October, the dry winter months. This is the time of the year when the Okavango Delta’s water levels are high, making it ideal for mokoro safaris. Game viewing is also at its peak, as the lack of rain draws animals to the remaining water sources. The reduced vegetation also makes spotting animals easier.
Green Season
The summer months, starting in November, are known as the “green season” due to the lush vegetation. Plants and grasslands thrive at this time of the year thanks to the rain. While this can make wildlife spread out and harder to spot, this season brings with it baby animals as well as fantastic birding opportunities. Migrant bird species from central Africa and Europe can be seen in the Delta.
If you’re looking for the perfect location for a family safari in Botswana or you want to immerse yourself in nature on a classic safari adventure, Natural Selection’s Mbamba Camp is a fantastic choice. With spacious, well-appointed safari tents, spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, and exciting safari activities, you’ll have a memorable African holiday.
Author: Paula Rabeling
Published: 23 January 2025
Last Update: 28 January 2025