Vumbura Plains Camp - A Review

Vumbura Plains Camp - A Review

This exquisitely designed safari lodge is beautifully located alongside permanent flood waters in the Kwedi Concession of the Okavango Delta. Run by the indomitable and peerless Wilderness Safaris, Vumbura is part of a ground-breaking partnership that brings the benefits of tourism to five local villages, providing them with an income and with job opportunities



The 14 rooms are split equally between the Vumbura North & the Vumbura South camps, although the word ‘room’ actually does the guest accommodation a great disservice; for the lucky few who stay here are actually housed in palatial suites which stretch along the water’s edge and would not look out of place in an airy beachside villa. There is as much outside space as there is inside, with the soft seats and loungers outdoors complemented by a plunge pool and outdoor shower. Inside, a sunken lounge area sits at the front of the open-plan room, with a huge king-sized bed and toilet to the rear. An indoor shower, surrounded by drapes, is stunningly sited almost in the centre of the room, and all the expected five-star mod cons are provided, with the novel inclusion of a mini bar, stocked full of complimentary beers, wine, spirits and mixers, which slides out from a hidden draw.



Outside is where the action really is though. Ordinary game drives (if there is such a thing in magnificent game-rich Botswana), are offered day and night with lion, hyena, leopard & wild dog amongst the frequently spotted, but the camp’s location means that water-based activities are its forte. Motorised boat excursions are a wonderful way to round off a day in the Delta, with G&Ts served as the sun sets a deep orange colour, but for many safari aficionados a visit to Botswana is not complete without a leisurely mokoro trip. The African version of a Venetian gondolier, the poler slowly and serenely guides the dug-out canoe through the calm waters, allowing guests to get up close to, and to experience, the smaller side of nature – the frogs, the birds and the fish.



Back at camp, both North & South each have relaxing dining and lounge areas, with fire-pit areas the perfect places to share a safari story. Telescopes sit ready to spot game through, and massages can be arranged in the privacy of your suite.



The only negative, (and it is a very minor one), in a safari lodge jammed full of positives, are the numerous hippos which reside in the vicinity. As night falls these humongous creatures really come to life, and the areas right in front of the suites turn into their playgrounds. Whilst being wrapped up in luxury inside the suite is undoubtedly the safest place to be, the hippos outside can create a tremendous amount of noise, (and quite a stink), so earplugs are the unlikely insider tip for those planning a stay at Vumbura! Restless sleep aside, there really is nowhere quite like Vumbura Plains Camp, (North or South), for the ultimate in a land and water-based combination safari.

If you are interesting in experiencing Vumbura Plains Camp for yourself then get in touch with our experts by calling 020 7843 3500 or emailing info@africatravel.co.uk