Eco-friendly and contemporary

A fresh breeze blows through the Okavango Delta in the form of Vumbura Plains Camp. Located in the 90,000 hectare private Kwedi Concession in the northern Okavango Delta, bordering the Moremi Wildlife Reserve is this modern, eco-friendly retreat. Made up of two satellite camps tucked beneath a canopy of shady, indigenous trees, with beautiful vistas across the floodplains, Vumbura Plains provides an excellent, all-round experience. The camp is breathtakingly beautiful, combining rustic materials like wood and earthy pottery, with light tranquil colors, reminding you of the crisp morning air. The camp compares easily to the world’s finest five star hotels, but also fits seamlessly into the stunning natural surroundings of floodplains, waterways, savannah and forest. At Vumbura Plains Camp, there is plenty of everything: the suites are incredibly spacious, there is delicious food in abundance, wildlife viewing is excellent – including the African wild dog, several resident prides of lion, leopard and cheetah – and the staff has endless hospitality to offer you. You will not only feel pampered, but the kids are well cared for, too, as they meet their Bush Buddy at arrival, and who will watch over them at all times. Each Bush Buddy is trained in childcare and has plenty of funny and enlightening bush factoids to share.

The two camps, Vumbura Plains South and Vumbura Plains North operate independently with each accommodating fourteen guests in seven tent configurations. Both camps and all fourteen tents are on decks and connected by raised walkways to keep you safe when standing eye-to-eye with an elephant. The contemporary, spacious tents are under thatch with en-suite facilities including double vanity, indoor and outdoor showers (with incredible views over the waterways - wave to hippos passing by when you are taking your morning rinse) and bathroom amenities. The twin or double bed is in the middle of the tent to allow viewing of the scenic Okavango Delta landscape from the minute you open your eyes. There are mosquito nets, fans, complimentary minibar, hairdryer, a private plunge pool and all tents - except the family tent - have a soft sala for excellent afternoon naps. Each camp has its own main area encompassing an open bar, dining room and lounge under canvas. The fire deck offers a warming, crackling fire; a perfect place to grab a refreshing gin & tonic before dinner. The library is packed with informative books about wildlife, and also has many fun books for the little ones. Make sure you don’t miss out on boma-night: a traditional dinner under an indescribably bright, Milky Way. Treat yourself to some real pampering and pick a massage treatment from the menu, all in the privacy of your own tent (additional charge). The curio shop offers great gems to take home.

Activities at Vumbura Plains Camp

Welcome to the best of both worlds: activities at Vumbura Plains are typically an equal portion of both game drives and water based activities, although this changes slightly depending on flood levels. What doesn’t change is the incredible knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides at Vumbura Plains. Most are born and raised in the area, and enjoy game drives as much as you do (that is why a three hour drive easily turns into five, if wildlife is active). They all know the Okavango Delta like the back of their hand and are extremely in-tune with the animals. And there is a lot to discover in this small Delta-paradise: hyenas, hippos, towering giraffes, passing elephants, wild dogs, a leopard with cubs, clashes between lions and buffalos – plus, birdlife is excellent year round. Unique about the Delta area are mokoro excursions; imagine gliding peacefully through tall reeds and lily pads in a traditional mokoro. On top of that, the camp offers guided Okavango Delta safari walks and exclusive local village visits (additional costs), making sure you leave Botswana with a complete picture of all the beauty it has to offer. Every time you return to the camp from an exciting activity, yummy treats are waiting for you. Brunch, lunch, high tea, dinner; they are evenly delicious with dishes like creamy chicken, chopped Thai salad, homemade salted caramel ice cream. Recharge and feel refreshed in this place without Wi-Fi or cell phone connection: it will feel like you have been gone for a month, instead of just a few days.

Tripadvisor comments Vumbura Plains Camp

We spent four nights in this wonderful place, the first of three Wilderness Safaris camps we visited. The accommodation, food, staff and game viewing were superb. Our guide, OB, was extremely knowledgeable about the animals, birds and the bush and was an enthusiastic teacher. It set a very high standard for the other camps to follow.

benrose from Cape Town, South Africa

Took over the camp with 21 family members for four nights and discovered Heaven on Earth! Never have I felt so much peace just looking out into the bush: the colors and the sounds were like no other. It is a tented camp with very large comfortable suites all connected by an elevated boardwalk. The elephants, lions, hippos and porcupines roam the camp at night and you hear them all night - so exciting!

Lisa H from Mexico City, Mexico