Vumbura Plains is an exceptionally luxurious eco-retreat of contemporary design, set on a forested island overlooking a vast floodplain in the northern Okavango Delta. Children 6 years and over are welcome at the North Camp, while South Camp is more couple-orientated. Both are seven-roomed camps, tucked beneath a canopy of shady indigenous trees with a wide range of wildlife viewing and excellent predator sightings year round.

WHAT MAKES VUMBURA PLAINS SPECIAL?

Surrounded by scenic waterways, yet close to the open savannahs, guests enjoy both land- and water-based activities at Vumbura Plains. The area is renowned for varied and high densities of game. Arriving guests often see a range of wildlife on their transfer from the airstrip, and elephant often move through camp. Privacy is key here, allowing an authentic Okavango experience in luxurious surroundings with outstanding service and excellent cuisine.

THE RESERVE

The Kwedi is an unfenced private concession situated in the extreme north of the Okavango Delta that offers spectacular game viewing and birding opportunities all year round. The permanent swamp and island habitats in the annually flooded grasslands surrounding Vumbura Plains are filled with wildlife, and sightings of hippo and crocodile are common in the waterways. 

Predators include the African wild dog, several resident prides of lion, as well as leopard, cheetah and African wildcat. There is good seasonal viewing of elephant, giraffe, impala, kudu, zebra, common waterbuck and reedbuck, tsessebe, wildebeest, and red lechwe. The Vumbura area produces some of the best sable antelope sightings in the whole of Botswana. Large herds of Cape buffalo also move through the Concession. The birding is as varied as it is exceptional. In the summer many migrant species are present: Pel's fishing-owl is regularly seen, with other specials including Wattled Crane, Slaty Egret, Chirping Cisticola, Fan-Tailed Widowbird, Pink-Backed Pelican and Rosy-Throated Longclaw.

THE CAMPS

Connected by boardwalks, both camps at Vumbura Plains boast seven palatial open-plan suites each. Suites are set well apart and raised on wooden platforms. Each has its own open-sided sunken lounge, additional outdoor shower, private plunge pool and spacious viewing deck with sunloungers.

CREATURE COMFORTS

The spacious main areas of the two camps are similar in style and provide identical facilities, both offering breathtaking views at every turn. In each, the deck seems to flow into sunken lounges with their blend of muted earth-coloured and green cushions. The indoor/outdoor dining area offers exquisite food served by attentive staff, and the fire pit is a great meeting place for a drink and a chat, while a stargazing deck set over the floodplain is a place to gaze skywards or simply enjoy the convivial campfire setting. The inviting main pool area is perfect for relaxing with fellow guests or enjoying a good book from the library, and a beauty and wellness therapist is at hand if you would like to indulge in any massage or spa treatments during your stay.

THE EXPERIENCE

Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 Land Rovers, each accommodating a maximum of seven people, allowing each guest an outside seat. Beanbags are available to use for steadying your camera while on a game drive. Spotlit night drives allow you to find those nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during the day. Children 6 - 12 years require the use of a private vehicle and ranger for all activities, at an additional charge.

There is no better way of viewing game and exploring the Okavango than by traditional mokoro (dug-out canoe). Vumbura has six mekoro (the plural of mokoro) for excursions onto the flooded plains.

Water-level dependent boating is another idyllic form of wildlife viewing. Vumbura has two motorboats, each seating six guests comfortably. 

On request, nature walks with knowledgeable, armed guides are wonderful ways of getting close to nature and observing the smaller things you miss when travelling by vehicle. Owing to the density of big game, walks are always at the discretion of the guides and managers.

AND MORE…

• Seasonal catch and release fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment.
• Visiting one of the traditional villages of the Okavango Community Trust, meeting the people and learning about the local culture.