Why Stay at Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge

• Perched in the oasis of the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta
• Delight in the adventure of tracing the semi-aquatic lechwe and sitatunga antelope
• Experience the ultimate adventure in an extraordinary water safari experience
• Relaxation and seclusion
• Rooftop lookouts for wildlife viewing and plunge pools for fun

The Okavango has its source in the highlands of central Angola – and unlike most rivers never reaches the ocean. Rather, it spills out into the Kalahari Desert and creates a gigantic oasis. Guests choose the Okavango Delta because of the multitude of lagoons, channels, forests and islands that have been created, that support a fabulous wealth of wildlife.

Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge is accessed by fly-in and road transfer combination. Guest will depart Maun on a 20 minute flight that is then followed by a 20 minute road transfer. The road transfer is essentially a game drive and depending on what wildlife is spotted en-route it can take longer.

Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge, Main Lodge

Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge offers guests a relaxing main lounge and dining area consisting of multi-layered decks for optimal viewing opportunities. Guests have the choice to eat here, at an outside dining area, or can be delivered to their safari suite. All meals are carefully woven around the day’s safari activities. There is a curio shop on-site.

Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge Accommodation

Accommodation at Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge is hidden amongst the forest. There are 9 luxury safari suites built over split levels, and each unit has an en-suite bathroom with over-sized bath, an open-air shower, a spacious bedroom, a plunge pool, ceiling fan and air-conditioning. Guests can enjoy their own private lofty hideout, with great views over the waterways. The loft is set above the bedroom and it can be transformed at night for a sleep-out under the stars to really appreciate the incredibly clear skies.

Travelers to Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge will be delighted with elephant and buffalo dominating the area. In addition, lion, cheetah, leopard and the African wild dog are prevalent through the area. The adaptable red lechwe and the shy sitatunga, both water loving antelope, escape predators by fleeing off the land, when they can also feed on semi-aquatic grasses. The deeper lagoons and channels are home to a resident pod of hippo. Honey badgers can be seen in broad daylight, as they adjust their activities to suit their needs and there are water (marsh) mongoose, greater cane rat and look around the termite mounds for families of dwarf and banded mongoose.

The Delta is a birders paradise and highlights include Pel’s fishing owl, Verreaux’s eagle owl, bateleur, wattled cranes, green pigeons and various variety of kingfisher. As you can imagine, photographic opportunities are never-ending.

Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge Activities

Guests to Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge enjoy both water and wildlife excursions, a great combination when intertwined. Although there is big game in the area, the Delta waterway experience is irresistible.

Boat Trips

Traditional mokoro (dug-out canoe) rides are a relaxing, but still very exciting way to explore the Delta. The lodges electrically powered ‘eco-boat’ is a suitable alternative for guests not comfortable with the traditional mode of transportation.

Game Drives

Twice daily safari drives (morning and afternoon) plus night game drives are conducted in open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles.

Birdwatching

The Delta is a birders dream with hundreds of species in the area.

Bush Walk

The lodge offers a guided bush walk around the island and is a perfect way to approach big game without alarming or disturbing their habits, all within the safety of a professional and knowledgeable guide. It is also a great way to take some photographs from a different angle and perspective than in a vehicle or boat.

Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge is &Beyond owned and operated and their reputation for excellence is confirmed time and again. If you’re interested in visiting this lodge, contact us to get your itinerary confirmed.

There are few places on earth that match the spectacular splendor of Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls: The Complete Destination Guide

Victoria Falls, commonly known as Vic Falls, is perhaps one of the most famous destinations in southern Africa. With its central location to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, it’s no wonder why so many visitors to southern Africa include Victoria Falls into their itinerary.

One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is truly inspirational. Whether you visit during the rainy season – when the falls form the largest curtain of water anywhere in the world – or during the dry season, you will not be disappointed.

With lush rainforests, a plethora of wildlife, and a handful of spectacular activities in which to partake, Victoria Falls is a definite, must visit, place of interest.

Travelers to Victoria Falls want to be placed in accommodation nearest to the falls and have great views of its plunging waters. But which side is better for this, Zambia or Zimbabwe?

What You Will Learn From Victoria Falls: The Complete Destination Guide

In this guide, Wild Safari Africa’s Managing Director lists the vital points in great detail of what to see, how to do it, what it will cost and how to save money.

Here is what you will learn from this guide:

• What’s the difference between the Zimbabwe and Zambian sides of Victoria Falls?
• How to Stay and Remain Healthy and how to contact Medical Facilities
• What time does the border post or national parks open and close?
• How much does it cost to get into see the Falls?
• Where to stay in Zambia and Zimbabwe side
• Weather Patterns. This guide details seasonal shifts and the effect this has on Victoria Falls
• Full list of Restaurants
• Full list of activities and how to save money
• Full list of options for professional, safe and reliable operators.
• Complete Price Table
• Tips to photographing the Falls
• Walking tours around the Falls and what to be on the lookout for
• Interactive Maps for select devices
• And much more!

Considered the “Adrenalin Capital of Africa,” try your hand at white water rafting along the raging Zambezi River, bungee jump between Zambia and Zimbabwe, board a helicopter for sight-seeing of a lifetime, glide over the falls in a Microlight, jump on the back of an elephant for an elephant-backed safari through the bush, or enjoy the more calming sunset cruise on the river for the more sedate visitor. Whatever suites your interest, Victoria Falls is sure to have it on hand.

Victoria Falls: The Complete Destination Guide was created with you in mind. It’s by far the most COMPLETE Victoria Falls guide on the market. I wish you the best in your planning and welcome you to Victoria Falls. Click on the photo above to get your copy today!

Botswana Lodge Transfers by Plane

With increased travel by light aircraft, the overwhelming majority of travelers choose a Botswana fly-in safari. Flight transfers between lodges/camps are quick and effortless, typically taking 30-90 minutes. This also gives unique perspectives of the environment from the air, a view one would not usually experience. However, this option does come with a cost.

These flights make travel efficient, maximizing your time on ground relaxing and on safari. A Botswana fly-in safari allows you to quickly jump between different environments in minutes. This is great for families or groups with different priorities. Everyone gets to where they want to be since all itineraries can be tailor-made allowing a selection of 2-4 safari lodges/camps that fit your requirements.

Botswana Lodge Transfers by Road

Transfers by road are cheaper and a solid alternative for travelers who are uneasy with small planes. Essentially, transfers between lodges in Botswana by road are game drives. After all, that is the reason you want to travel to Botswana right? To see the wildlife.

Botswana isn’t the easiest of terrain to drive yourself, but when being driven by a professional, it’s relaxing and fun!

When travelling by road in Botswana it has to be taken into account that most roads in Botswana travel through subsistence farming areas and wilderness areas and thus stray animals and wildlife can be encountered at any time.

What’s the Cost Difference Between Flights and Road Transfers?

For a quick example:

Maun to Xakanaxa by Air Transfer = USD $135 per person

Maun to Xakanaxa by Road Transfer = USD $85 per person

The difference of USD $50 per person. Multiply that by the number in your group and you begin to save a whole lot of money that can be put towards other activities.

Botswana was once a destination only rewarded to those who could afford it. Now it is becoming a destination where travelers of all budgets can experience the magic of the Okavango Delta and pristine wilderness of the Kalahari and Chobe National Park. Road transfers are only one way to keep the overall investment down. Contact us today and ask how we can assist in suggesting other budget places of accommodation and ways to save you money.

Makgadikgadi National Park is situated roughly halfway between the towns of Maun and Nata, on the Francistown road. Watch out for directions at the turn off to the park’s main entrance, the rather bland signs are approximately 160km east of Maun and 45km west of the small village of Gweta, which has the nearest lodge accommodation, fuel and supplies. From that turning, there is a further 8km of rough gravel road before the park entrance gate.

The name Makgadikgadi implies of a ‘vast open lifeless land’. The Makgadikgadi Pans are located in large areas to the south, east and north-eastern regions of the park. Widely believed to be one of the largest salt flats in the world, it is not always dry in Makgadikgadi. Torrential rains fall from mid-November filling the dry, salty, clay crust with water and grass, which will remain until April or May. The ‘vast open lifeless land’ of Makgadikgadi now becomes a fascinating refuge for birds and larger wildlife.

As the pans are nothing more than salty desert, plant life is restricted to a thin layer of blue-green algae. On the fringes of the Makgadikgadi pan, salt marshes appear and are surrounded further away by grassland and shrubby savannah.

Makgadikgadi Wildlife

Very little wildlife can exist at Makgadikgadi during an inhospitable dry season of strong hot winds and salt water (There is no fresh water during the dry season at Makgadikgadi). Once the season changes, the parched lands of the Makgadikgadi are transformed into huge, flat sheets of water. This attracts a sensational variety of water birds and the Makgadikgadi pan becomes a major attraction for migrating animals. The Makgadikgadi is particularly well known for its wildebeest and zebra migration from the Boteti River across to Ntwetwe Pan.

During the dry winter months, the migrations head westwards to the Boteti River in chase of any remaining fresh water, but many desert-adapted creatures remain resident in the Makgadikgadi. These include aardwolf, African wildcat, caracal, genet, honey badger, spring hare, jackal, kudu, meerkats, yellow mongoose, porcupine, ground squirrel, steenbok and occasionally lion. The shy and elusive brown hyena, suricates, aardvarks and small bustard species also remain in the area throughout the year.

Birding in the Makgadikgadi

Birdlife is excellent at Makgadikgadi particularly in the wet season when the pans are home to a massive number of migrant species. During the dry months, bird species include large numbers of white-backed and lappet-faced vultures, bateleur, tawny and martial eagles, black-breasted snake eagle, lanner and red-footed falcons, gabar and pale chanting goshawks. There are also, red-billed and orange river francolin, ostrich, secretary bird, guinea fowl, black and red-crested korhaan, kori bustard, crowned plover, double-banded courser, spotted dikkop, all species of sandgrouse, giant eagle and pearl-spotted owls, lilac-breasted and purple rollers, large numbers of hornbill, larks, cisticolas and pipits.

In the wet season the Makgadikgadi lights up with sandpipers, ruffs, greenshank, stilts, pratincoles, wattled cranes, storks, egrets, lesser and greater flamingos, spoonbills, terns, teals, ibis, Montagu’s and palid harriers, brown snake, steppe and Wahlberg’s eagles, lesser and rock kestrel, swallows, swifts and martins.

Reptiles such as tortoises, rock monitor, snakes and lizards, including the endemic Makgadikgadi spiny agama, can be found on the grassland fringes of the pan.

Unfortunately this magnificent water spectacle is practically inaccessible by road during the rainy season, but on the construction of the airstrip at Leroo La Tau Lodge, this rarely seen wildlife exhibition will be witnessed by passengers fortunate enough to fly over the area during the wet season.

It is extremely challenging to cross the Makgadikgadi Pans by vehicle.

Visitors who wish to travel by road themselves in the Makgadikgadi must adhere to some simple safety rules:

• All roads within the park are rough and in many cases very sandy.
• It is essential to travel in a 4×4 vehicle.
• Carry sufficient clean drinking water for the duration of your stay.
• Travel in tandem with a second vehicle. If there is a breakdown deep within the park, it may be a long wait before any other vehicle is likely to come along to assist.

Although it is possible to pay entry fees at the gate, the government of Botswana does place limits on visitors entering their national parks and reserves. Booking in advance is advisable and reservations can be made in Maun and Gaborone. Non-citizens and non-residents pay more for the experience, through a policy introduced to ensure that the Parks and Reserves remain accessible to the local people.

Makgadikgadi Accommodation

Jack’s Camp is located on the edge of the largest salt pans on the continent, The Makgadikgadi, deep in the Kalahari Desert. It is rightly described as a ‘classic desert safari camp’ and offers its guests the opportunity to explore the Kalahari Desert and Makgadikgadi National Park. It is set in a palm and acacia-studded oasis, emerging from the barren Kalahari wilderness. Jack Bousfield, the father of the current owner, established the site in the 1960′s. It was expanded in 1992 and fully refurbished in 2003. The camp can be reached by fly-in and transfer by road from the local airstrip.

Leroo La Tau Lodge is situated near the village of Khumaga on the western border of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. It is set on the eastern end of a bend on the banks of the Boteti River, a natural watercourse that derives its flow from the core Okavango Delta through the Thamalakane River in Maun. The lodge is outside of the park, and surrounded by the Makgadikgadi on 3 sides.

Planet Baobab is located just north of the Makgadikgadi National Park area in north-central Botswana, some 200km east of Maun. It is about 4km east of the small town of Gweta, approximately 1km off the highway and the signposting to the camp is in the form of a huge concrete aardvark that marks the turn-off. It is set amongst some enormous ancient baobab trees of the Kalahari Desert, hence the name.

What Travelers Can Do at Makgadikgadi

Nata Bird Sanctuary

The 230-sq-km community-run Nata Bird Sanctuary was proposed in 1988 by the Nata Conservation Committee and established four years later with the help of several local and international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs). Local people voluntarily relocated 3500 cattle and established a network of tracks throughout the northeastern end of Sowa Pan.

Although the sanctuary protects antelopes, zebras, jackals, foxes, monkeys and squirrels, the principal draw are the large population of water birds. Over 165 species of birds have been recorded here, including pied kingfishers, carmine and blue-cheeked bee-eaters, martial and black-breasted eagles, and secretary and kori bustards. When the Nata River flows in the rainy season, the sanctuary also becomes a haven for Cape and Hottentot teals, white and pink-backed pelicans, and greater and lesser flamingos.

In the dry season (May to October), it’s possible to drive around the sanctuary in a 2WD with high clearance, though it’s best to inquire about the condition of the tracks in the sanctuary prior to entering. During the rainy season, however, a 4WD is essential.

Kubu Island

Along the southwestern edge of Sowa Pan is Kubu Island, a ghostly, baobab-laden rock, which is entirely surrounded by a sea of salt. In Setswana, kubu means ‘hippopotamus’ (because there used to be lots here) and, as unlikely as it may seem given the current environment and climate, this desolate area may have been inhabited by people as recently as 500 years ago.

On one shore lies an ancient crescent-shaped stone wall of unknown origin, which has yielded numerous artifacts. The island is now protected as a national monument, with proceeds going to the local community. There is also a small camp site with pit toilets, though you will have to carry in your own water.

Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve

During years of average to low rainfall, the Boteti experiences one of southern Africa’s most spectacular wildebeest and zebra migrations between May and October.

The 3900-sq-km Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve extends from the Boteti River in the west to the Ntwetwe Pan in the east. Although the Boteti River only flows after good rains, wildlife congregates along the river during the dry season when the flow is reduced to a series of shallow pools, as these are the only source of permanent water in the reserve.

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans National Park

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans National Park is administered by the Department of Wildlife & National Parks (DWNP), so camping is only allowed at designated camp sites, which must be booked in advance at the DWNP office in Gaborone or Maun. You will not be permitted into either park without a camp-site reservation, unless you’re on an organized tour.

Nxai Pan National Park

The 2578 km² Nxai Pan National Park lies on the old Pandamatenga Trail, which once connected a series of bore holes and was used until the 1960s for overland cattle drives. The grassy expanse of the park is most interesting during the rains, when large animal herds migrate from the south and predators arrive to take advantage of the bounty.

The region is specked with umbrella acacias, and resembles the Serengeti in Tanzania (but without all the safari vehicles).

When to Visit the Makgadikgadi

May to November the Makgadikgadi is dry and largely devoid of game. The primary reason to visit at is to experience the inspirational nothingness of the Makgadikgadi pans themselves, search for Stone Age tools, go walking with the Bushmen, get to know some meerkats, enjoy excellent hospitality and generally luxuriate in this vast outdoor space.

December to April the desert can spring into life as rain showers pass, followed by huge herds of zebra in particular, accompanied by a wide arrange of other grazers and their associated predators. The Makgadikgadi pans themselves become less accessible, but this is compensated for by increased wildlife viewing. If this sounds like the perfect destination for your southern African safari, contact us today!

Follow these simple steps to ensure a safer and more enjoyable driving in Namibia experience. If you follow this advice you will have a successful vacation in Namibia.

Driving in Namibia, General Tips

Rent the Right Car

Whether you rent a 2WD or a 4×4 Sports Utility Vehicle will depend entirely on your itinerary, destinations and season you plan to be driving in Namibia.

Route Planning

Route planning is essential to driving in Namibia, as Namibia is a big country and many tourists underestimate the distance between the towns. It does not pay to speed to your next destination, as you put your life and those around you at risk. Gravel roads are notorious for causing accidents, not only driving in Namibia but around the world.  If you’re running late, contact the place of accommodation and tell them that you might be late and inform them where you are coming from.

The Seasons in Namibia

What season will you be driving in Namibia? When you’re driving in Namibia, the road conditions will change according to the seasons. Namibia has many gravel roads, as well as tar roads, and both are well maintained.

Animals on the Roads

When traveling on the roads, always be alert and careful for animals. Many animals often graze alongside roads. Warthogs frequently run across. If you do see an animal, slow down your speed and approach carefully as there may be more members in the herd waiting to cross.

Wild animals should not be your only concern. Namibia is also home to many domestic animals (cattle, goats, and sheep) that roam and cross the roads to new grazing grounds. Animals make driving in Namibia especially dangerous.

Signs warning you of animals are to be taken seriously. Warthogs, Kudus and Elephants can pose serious problems. Also bear in mind that domestic animals wander around the countryside all the time, especially in the north where herds are grazed across communal lands.

Driving in Namibia needs caution, for example sudden braking maneuvers on a corrugated gravel road stands a good chance of overturning the vehicle. This would really ruin your vacation!

In dusty conditions, it is advisable to drive with your lights on so other motorists can see you.

It is highly recommended to avoid driving in Namibia at night, especially on the gravel roads. Wildlife is most active at night and due to their camouflage is already difficult to see. Kudus are especially famous for leaping into the path of oncoming vehicles at night. They are BIG and will do some serious damage!

If there is an animal or an object on the road, it is often better to keep control of the vehicle and to hit the animal than swerving to avoid it and risking your lives by rolling the vehicle. However, don’t try this with elephants.

Speed limits in Namibia

The majority of road accidents in Namibia are caused by excessive speed. It is not always an easy task to maneuver a vehicle on a gravel or dirt road, especially if there are any unexpected or sudden obstacles like rocks, sand drifts, potholes or animals on the road. Vary your speed according to the road conditions when driving in Namibia, always be alert and make sure that you have total control over your car.

Fuel Planning

Proper fuel planning is essential to driving in Namibia. Before setting out for your next destination a general rule of thumb is to make sure to have a full tank of fuel. Inform yourself where the next petrol stations are and fill your tank as often as you can, even when it is still half full. Driving in Namibia successfully is all about having enough fuel.

Driving in Namibia Guidebook

Although driving in Namibia is one of the best countries in Africa to self drive, there are a number of vital points that must be taken into account to prevent unfortunate mishaps.

In this guide, Wild Safari Africa’s Managing Director lists the vital points in great detail to ensure you stay safe and off the side of the road. Here is what you will learn from this guide:

• How to choose between a 2×2, 2×4, and 4×4
• How to plan the perfect route according to your driving abilities
• Essential must know tips for driving on gravel roads and through mud, sand, rivers, and over rocks
• What kind of drivers license is required
• The 2 most critical factors to avoid in order to stay safe and off the side of the road
• The importance of car insurance and what insurance to get and what to avoid
• Namibia’s top 3 car rental companies
• How NOT to get scammed by car rental companies
• Namibia’s road conditions and how this can affect your self drive holiday.
• The exact maps to use and where to get them
• The regulations for crossing into neighboring countries and across borders
• Best practices for wildlife viewing and how to approach closely while staying safe
• The most popular self drive itineraries
• How to self drive Namibia on a tight budget without sacrificing the experience (in fact if you follow this method your experience is even better than the alternative)
•  My personal secrets to keeping dust from getting into everything (This is my personal favorite and it’ll knock your socks off!)
•  And much more!

Unlike East African destinations such as Kenya or Tanzania, countries where the self-drive is more difficult for the average traveler, driving in Namibia is regarded as one of the safest destinations in Africa to travel, and arguably the safest in all of Africa in terms of a self drive safari destination. Grab your copy today and ensure you and your family stays safe and off the side of the road when driving in Namibia.

Driving in Namibia During the Rainy Season

Driving in Namibia during the rainy season adds an additional element to the situation as the roads can be especially bad and even the tarred roads may be prone to substantial flooding.

It is possible you may be faced with a river you cannot cross in a small vehicle while driving in Namibia. Do not try your luck; instead enjoy the adventure and scenery. The 4×4 vehicles can cope with much more, but we urge you not to cross a river that is flowing. My experience tells me that patience will prevail as most rivers stop flowing after a few hours. When they stop you will then have to drive through mud.

Looks can be deceptive. If you are in doubt as to whether it is safe to cross, walk through the river first to establish a safe route. If there are crocodiles or other animals in the area, wait until the flow is diminished first, and drive through when it is shallower.

Driving in Namibia is already a daunting task. Don’t complicate the matters more by driving into a river if you have never done this before. Driving into a river with a hot engine can cause serious damage. Remember patience prevails!

4×4 Off Road Driving in Namibia

Driving in Namibia is a 4×4 drivers paradise. There are numerous places where 4×4 is not merely recommended but quite simply required. Other places a convoy of 4×4’s is required due to its harsh environment and remoteness.

Driving in Namibia is not like driving at home. Even if you drive a 4×4 at home, be aware that driving a 4×4 off-road is very different indeed from driving it to work.

If you’re serious about 4×4 driving in Namibia to the more obscure areas, prepare well. There are numerous good maps to be had (notably, Shell produces a passably good map of Kaokoland), but better still is a 4×4 trail guide, which will tell you exactly how bad the road is likely to be, suggested routes, GPS coordinates, detailed maps of those areas where normal cartographers never go. A good one is Jan Joubert’s imaginatively titled 4×4 Trail Guide (available in many places around the country, including Cymot in Windhoek), which covers Kaokoland, Damaraland, the Kaudom, and other parts of the country in sufficient detail to keep you happy, busy and dusty for weeks. It contains hand-drawn maps, extensive notes and lots of other good stuff pertaining to the places way off the map.

Detailed topographical maps are available from the Surveyor General’s office in Windhoek, Tel. (061) 245056. Be aware that tracks marked on these maps may well have moved, and that they’re most useful for landmark orientation.

A GPS device is not really necessary, as long as you have a decent map. However if it makes you feel more secure, then you better get one.

Any 4×4 you hire should be equipped with at least 2 spare tires, and if you’re heading out into the bush make sure that it is also equipped either with a long-range fuel tank or additional petrol canisters. If you’re doing sand driving, remember also to bring a shovel and a tire pump.

More tips and techniques are offered in the guide book mentioned above.

Plan Your Driving in Namibia Experience with a Specialist

There are a dozen good reasons driving in Namibia is the preferred experience. But it’s still a good idea to come prepared and that’s where I come in. At Wild Safari Africa we have years of knowledge to help assist in creating the perfect itinerary for driving in Namibia – from what to see, when to see it, Namibian road conditions, accommodation establishments, camping sites, vehicle rental and anything else that strikes your curiosity. I will help you plan your driving in Namibia tour and will recommend (and book) your accommodation in Namibia (as well as other southern Africa countries), organize the vehicle you require, and generally take all the hassle out of the planning process. It’s a fantastic way for me to share the knowledge I have acquired!

Driving in Namibia is completely customized to your schedule, desires, and requirements. Your tour can range from 3 days to 24. It can take you to the coast of Swakopmund or throughout the entire country and they are a great way to add differentiation to your travels if combining driving in Namibia tour with a fly-in safari in Botswana.

The island of Medjumbe is about 130 kilometers north of Pemba, and perhaps 40 kilometers north of Materno. Medjumbe is a tiny speck of an island, hardly visible on most maps. In essence, it’s little more than a large sandbar – notable for a lighthouse and little else. With that being said, the beach and sea here are absolutely marvelous!

Medjumbe Lodge

Guests to Medjumbe relax at the bar and dining area that sits above the beach in a large open-sided building that looks out over the sea. Dark wooden floors and high thatch ceilings project a rustic feel that coincides with the beach side location and barefoot luxury. The interior décor is mostly Arab-Swahili style with complimentary brass lamps hanging from the ceiling, dark wood Swahili furniture and Persian rugs on the floor. Below the bar, guests will find a large stone terrace and swimming pool, lounge chairs and shady parasols. It’s incredibly relaxing and the tables and chairs offer a fantastic place to enjoy evening drinks as the sun sets over the ocean.

Medjumbe Island’s menu is inundated with seafood, with meals being taken in the restaurant or at the pool.

Medjumbe Accommodation

Medjumbe Private Island is home to 13 chalets, all of which are spread along the beach and have wooden sided walls and thatched roofs. Each chalet has steps leading up from the sand beach to a small shaded veranda where guests relax in either a swinging hammock or wooden chair. Each chalet also has a broad outside deck with a private plunge pool and comfortable sun loungers.

Chalet amenities include:

• Air conditioning
• Ceiling fans
• Mosquito nets / screens
• Hair drier
• Mini fridge / mini bar
• Electronic safe
• Satellite TV
• Tea / coffee appliances

Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom with spacious and tiled floors. Guests to Medjumbe have a choice of a bath, or an inside or outside shower. There is a single sink, separate toilet.

Medjumbe Activities

Medjumbe is an ideal paradise for both divers and snorkelers. The coral reef hosts a spectacular array of marine life. For those who prefer to remain on dry land will delight in the dolphins frolicking the surf as well as the Humpback whale migration during the months August – October.

Non-motorized activities such as sailing, kayaking and windsurfing are all included in the rates.

There is a PADI certified dive center, snorkeling, fishing and water skiing. However, all these come at an additional cost. Medjumbe will also occasionally organize sunset cruises and there is beach volleyball equipment available.

Moreover, for a peaceful holiday, the sparkling pool area and gorgeous beaches provide an excellent opportunity to work on the perfect holiday tan.

Our take on Medjumbe Private Island

Medjumbe is a Honeymoon paradise for those who require tranquility and a small hotel. Good diving around the island on typical “walls” which the Quirimbas are renowned for and due to the lack of fresh water there is no malaria on the island!

Savute Under Canvas is accessed by fly in charter flights from Maun or Kasane. Guests will arrive at the Savute airstrip and then be transferred by 4×4 vehicles to the camp.

The Savute (or Savuti) Channel, was once a dry, open grassland where numerous antelope and plains game congregated attracting abundant predator populations. For several decades the river remained dry until 2008 when Botswana’s strong seismic activity combined with an outstanding flood season caused the river to once again come to life. With the water back in the area game and wildlife enthusiasts are discovering the treasures of the Savute once again.

Guests to Savute Under Canvas can expect a simple kitchen that produces top camp cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are generally mixed with the day’s activities and the evening settles in with a drink around the camp fire. Guests will have a choice between wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks all to be enjoyed with your 3-course dinner.

Savute Under Canvas Accommodation

Savute Under Canvas is a camp comprising of 5 spacious, walk-in tents with en-suite bathroom, flush toilet, shaving mirror, tin basin, water jug and a selection of complimentary soaps. Each tent is furnished with a comfortable double bed and sisal matting covering the floor. Guests will find light during the night with the rechargeable lanterns provided to all the tents. Clothes can be hung in the canvas wardrobe and luggage chest.

A rolled-up canvas doorway leads from your bathroom to the bucket shower. Hot water is supplied to all tents after the day’s activities. Being places near waterholes, a variety of game tend to be seen from the comforts of your tent verandah.

Savute Under Canvas Activities

Activities at Savute Under Canvas revolve around wildlife viewing. Guests will be led by knowledgeable and professionally trained guides. Savute Under Canvas is particularly well known for large herds of migrating zebra in the summer months, and huge herds of elephant. This region is also known for high concentrations of predators, especially lion. Leopard, cheetah and African wild dog are also common sights. Hippo and crocs are expected to make a comeback in the river.

Savute is also a famous battleground for lion and spotted hyena whose ongoing fight for dominance has been captured in the brilliant National Geographic documentary film Eternal Enemies filmed by Deryck and Beverly Joubert.

Birders have the opportunity to see fish eagle, pied kingfishers, egrets and a variety of wading birds in addition to many other species.

Game Drives at Savute Under Canvas

Morning or afternoon safari in open-sided 4×4 vehicles, are conducted around the known wildlife areas of Savute, including the marsh.

Rock Art

A trip to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills is worth a visit.

Why stay at Savute Under Canvas

• In the Savute corner of the game-rich Chobe National Park, which hosts the annual zebra migration
• Fully staffed mobile tents at private wilderness campsites
• Dine beneath the stars with friendly butler service
• Camp in comfort with en-suite bathrooms and al fresco hot bucket showers

Savute Under Canvas is an undeniably high quality operation and definitely the best accommodation option in the area. The greater question is whether guests interested in this type of accommodation should be staying here or combining it with a visit to a private game concession in the Okavango or Linyanti.

The Elephant Camp is situated within a private wildlife concession and has good views of the falls spray and the natural beauty of the Masuwe River and Zambezi Gorge. The Elephant Camp is most well known for its regular visits from the resident elephant herd which guests regularly see roaming in the front of the camp.

Guests should note there are not many activities around the immediate conservancy but trips to the falls can be organized to participate in the plethora of activities on offer there. Nevertheless, the Elephant Wallow is just around the corner where guests can join an elephant back safari or simply a close encounter with an elephant.

The Elephant Camp Highlights

• Elephant Camp lies in its own private concession near Victoria Falls.
• Shuttle services available from lodge to the falls.
• Intimate safari experience in Zimbabwe.
• Interaction with wildlife and especially the elephants at their Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Child friendly

The Elephant Camp employs local Zimbabwean staff that is extremely welcoming. The Elephant Camp is not a rustic bush camp, rather a contemporary safari camp with canvas and sliding glass doors.

Being located away from the falls provides guests with the benefit of escaping the drone of helicopters and microlights that are consistently flying around the falls. Guests staying at the Elephant Camp delight in the sounds of the African bush.

The Elephant Camp Accommodation

The Elephant Camp is situated on a hill adjacent to the Zambezi National Park and has stunning views of the grasslands, the dramatic gorges and the spray of Victoria Falls. With only 9 (12 by July 2012) luxury air-conditioned tents, the Elephant Camp delivers safari intimacy clients come looking for. All the tents are gorge facing with a private viewing deck and plunge pool, sitting area, air-conditioning and fans, full bathroom with bath and shower in addition to an outside shower and tea/coffee facilities. All are mosquito proofed.

The main lodge of Elephant Camp comprises of a spacious deck, lounge, bar and dining area – all overlooking the Batoka Gorge and the spray of Victoria Falls.

Activities at The Elephant Camp

The majority of activities is found at Victoria Falls and includes helicopter flights, microlight tours, white water rafting, dinner cruises and a whole lot more! The Elephant Camp offers close interaction with elephants at their Wildlife Sanctuary. Guests who particularly like elephants will thoroughly enjoy their time here. Elephant back safaris are the camps specialty.

The Elephant Camp also has some good foot paths to walk for birding and photographic opportunities. Contact us for a quote today!

Popular Mozambique Diving Areas

12 Day Mozambique Dive Discovery Special (Download pdf Here)

Ponta Mamoli

In southern Mozambique there is a well known Mozambique diving destination that is popular among South Africans. Here guests can choose between a variety of dive sites, ranging from idyllic shallow dives to extreme deep blue waters (40 meters) and long range drift dives. All these Mozambique diving sites are relatively close to the launch site at Ponta Mamoli. The area is visited by Humpback whales between July and November. Dolphins also frequent the coastal waters.

Inhambane / Tofo

One of the most popular Mozambique diving sites. The area of Inhambane / Tofo is known for Whale Sharks and Manta Rays that favor the waters around this part of the country. The best time of year to see Whale Sharks is generally from November until April; however it’s possible to catch sight of these fascinating creatures year round. This specific area is home to the largest concentration of Whale Sharks in the entire world and as a result there are various research projects based here to monitor and study this species. Humpback Whales migrate through the coastal waters during the winter months between May to October. Between the pure white sand beaches and these Mozambique diving sites, no holiday to Mozambique should go without considering a visit to this area.

Bazaruto Archipelago

Mozambique diving in a National Park. In 2001 the Bazaruto Archipelago was proclaimed a National Park and instantly the wildlife and underwater sea life was protected. It remains protected and is a tremendous reason why this is a Mozambique diving hotspot.

The warm waters around the islands are exceptionally rich in coral and marine life making the Archipelago a wonderful choice to explore. Whale Sharks can also be seen in the area, generally between April and July. Humpback Whales migrate along the coast between August and October. This area is also very popular for sport fishing and can easily be combined with Mozambique diving opportunities.

Quirimbas Archipelago

The Quirimbas Archipelago is situated in the far north of Mozambique. Its remote location is part of its magical allure as there are many undiscovered and unexplored dive sites and reefs in this Archipelago, home to an estimated 30 separate coral islands. This area has also been proclaimed a National Park, and thus this Mozambique diving area is protected. Several of the islands in the Archipelago are also known nesting sites for sea turtles.

All certified divers: please remember to bring your certification card and/or log book with you when you come to dive in Mozambique!

Mozambique Diving & Wildlife Safaris

Mozambique diving offers pristine beaches, warm waters and unspoiled reefs. Scuba diving here is truly world class. Mozambique has steadily established itself as one of the top dive destinations in the world and a safari to southern Africa is no longer only limited to wildlife viewing from Land Cruisers but also into the depths of the ocean in Mozambique. Contact us to tailor make your itinerary and get yourself one step closer to your own Mozambique diving experience.

The Moremi Game Reserve is considered to be one of the continent’s outstanding wildlife sanctuaries and at 4,871 km², covers a considerable section of the Okavango Delta. It consists of an impressive variety of habitats that support enormous concentrations of wildlife, including one of the largest populations of the endangered African wild dog.

Vegetation is dominated by mopane tree canopies on the dry lands of the Moremi. The remainder of the reserve is a combination of floodplain grasses, sandveld, riverine woodland, as well as areas of permanent delta. The animals here are both numerous and somewhat more relaxed than they once were. Finding safety in numbers (and the end of indiscriminate hunting) allows vehicles to approach quite closely.

Oddballs Camp Quick Facts

LOCATION: Oddballs Camp is situated on the edge of Chief’s Island, deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

THE FOCUS: Oddballs Camp offers an extraordinary value-for-money experience in the Okavango Delta.  Activities are conducted by your own professional guide (a maximum of two guests per guide), a man of the swamp, born and bred in the area.

ACCESS: Serviced by Delta Air – a 20-minute flight from Maun.

CATEGORY OF SAFARI EXPERIENCE: Oddballs Camp is a water camp with bush walks and mokoro excursions.

ACCOMMODATION: Oddballs Camp accommodates 28 guests in 14 dome tents, fully equipped, and set on elevated wooden decks shaded by reed shelters. These tents are the same tents used by most mobile operators in Botswana. Each tent has its own beautiful outdoor shower, hand basin and flush toilet.

ACTIVITIES: Daily walks and mokoro excursions with your own professional guide

CHILDREN: are welcome at Oddballs Camp.

RATES: Rates are offered on a full board with activities basis.

Oddballs Camp Accommodation

Guests to Oddballs Camp will be accommodated in dome tents set on elevated wooden decks and shaded by reed shelters and trees. Each tent is equipped with bedding, a storage trunk and a light. Visitors looking for a more “down to earth” experience will especially like the outdoor showers as they provide both privacy and beautiful views. Each tent is en-suite.

• 14 x (2m x 2m) domed tents: These tents at Oddballs Camp are all raised on wooden decks and set in shady areas. Each tent is equipped with a mattress, bedding and a light. They also have individual rustic bathrooms consisting of a bucket shower, wash basin and toilet.
• 1 Honeymoon Suite: A chalet built out of reeds with its own en-suite toilet and hot water shower facilities. This is ideal for a rustic romantic getaway or for the more mature traveler who desires the Oddballs Camp experience.

Visitors to Oddballs Camp can relax at the central bar and lounge area that has comfortable chairs and sofas perched on an elevated deck overlooking the delta. It is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset over the plams and view wildlife at the water’s edge at the same time. It is also here you will find an extensive library and games.

Set a few hundred meters to the south of Oddballs Camp is ‘The Enclave’ which opened in June 2009. It is a small but intimate hideaway that affords some dramatic views of the surrounding floodplains. It consists of 5 x comfortable tents, each with twin beds, en-suite facilities and a rustic décor in remembrance of the Hemmingway journey ‘when safaris were a real adventure’.

The enclave has its own dedicated cook and host and each tent is assigned a personal guide, the focus being on mokoro and walking trails. This is an ideal alternative to the main camp and is perfect for family gatherings, networking or for business ‘character building’ excursions.

Oddballs Camp Activities

Activities at Oddballs Camp tend to revolve around boat trips, (water levels permitting) and walking safaris. All excursions are led by your own knowledgeable and professional guide (a maximum of two guests per guide), a local who was born and bred in the area.

Mokoro Excursions

Cruise the waterways and channels on a relaxing afternoon trip takes visitors into the further reaches of the delta. The duration is usually around 2-3 hours, depending on the wildlife and riverine activity.

A Full Mokoro Trail

For those who can stay at Oddballs Camp for a minimum of 4 nights, this trail allows explorers to spend nights 2 and 3 in the bush. You will be guided all the way – 1 guide per 2 guests. All of your camping equipment is provided which includes a 2m x 2m tent, mattresses, cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, BBQ grid and cooler box all packed into your mokoro as you set off with your guide to sleep under the stars as the nearby wildlife do.

Walking Safaris

Oddballs Camp offer walking safaris on Chief’s Island. They are usually conducted in the early morning and at a suitable pace. There is a 2 to 1 ratio of guests to guides. Trails last around 3 hours. In the cooler months many walkers prefer to stay out a bit longer and take a delicious picnic lunch.

Your walking safari will take you along winding channels lined with reeds, into the Moremi Game Reserve, an area famous for its diverse bird and animal life. Your personal guide may take you into his village, meet the elders and perhaps his family.

Oddballs Camp Eco-Friendly Practices

Oddballs Camp is powered by solar panels and where possible their water is heated in a similar fashion. As a result the camp compromises guests’ creature comforts such as air-conditioning and unlimited supplies of ice. Their mission is to provide the most authentic experience with the least amount of pollution – including noise pollution from diesel powered generators – to keep peoples impact upon the environment to a bare minimum and for this Wild Safari Africa recommends Oddballs Camp.