Surrounded by lush grassland that floods annually thanks to overflow from the Okavango, Vumbura Plains Camp is the place to go if you’re looking for land and water-based safari experiences.

Two camps, one memorable vacation

The camp is actually two separate camps located close to each other in the far north of the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

Named North and South respectively to avoid any confusion, the two camps are similar but not identical, with North being home to eight suites, two of which are suitable for families, while the South has six (none of which are for families).

What they both share in common are top quality tented suites and a chance to view an incredibly wide range of wildlife on the ground, up in the air and in the water, including giraffe, elephant, zebra, buffalo and more. It’s not unheard of to catch sight of lion, leopard, hyena, wild dog and cheetah too, while crocodile and hippo are known to roam closer to the water.

Spaces to share

Both the North and South camps are raised off the ground on stilts, with walkways connecting all suites to the main lodge. That’s where you get the chance to dine, drink and share safari stories with your fellow guests. There’s a lounge, a partially covered dining area, and a bar, each of which features the work of local artisans, with their furnishings and art proudly on show. The lighting is particularly unique with some of the fittings crafted by talented camp staff and locals.

Sure to draw you to its comfy seats and expansive views of the floodplains is the viewing deck, which maintains its popularity even when the sun’s gone down, thanks to its fire pit and excellent stargazing opportunities.

14 tented suites

Each of the luxurious suites is well spaced apart, so you’re not living on top of other guests. And the floor to ceiling windows on three sides mean you’re never far from a spectacular view of the plains and the chance to watch wildlife.

Your private space is even more roomy thanks to the double height thatched roof that’s so high, perhaps a baby giraffe could easily call it home (although this has not been tested). And you’re sure to feel relaxed in your split-level suite’s lounge area which overlooks your front deck and its plunge pool.

A big double bed (which can be twins if you prefer) is on a raised platform accessed via a few steps from the lounge. The bathroom is also on this upper level and features an open plan shower, two washbasins and a toilet that flushes, something you don’t often see in tented accommodation. A second shower is located outside.

The only difference between each of the suites is that there are two family units in North Camp with two ensuite bedrooms instead of one.

Experiences and activities

Vumbura’s wetland location means both land and water experiences are available here. When you book a game viewing adventure with an expert guide in an open top safari vehicle, there’s no need to worry if you don’t have binoculars, or forget to bring yours, as they are provided in your room, along with umbrellas in case the weather turns.

You can also go on ranger-led walks into the bush, spend time viewing the birdlife from the viewing deck, or take to the air on a helicopter sightseeing trip.

As far as water-based activities go, you can do boat tours and mokoro excursions. A mokoro is like a canoe and is ideal for leisurely water exploration. Your time on the water will give you a chance to view the wildlife that lives and feeds in the wet stuff, and there will be animals that gather on the riverbank to spot – including elephant. There’s also a chance to while away a few hours catch and release fishing – with pike and bream the most likely to bite your bait in this part of the world.