Mombo Camp

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Mombo Camp is situated on Mombo Island, adjoining the northern tip of Chief's Island, within the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana. Large concentrations of wildlife occur right in front of the new camp. It is not impossible to see up to twelve different mammal species from the comfort of your veranda! Giant umbrella thorns and Ilala palms dot the expansive plains to create a magnificent savannah landscape alongside the marshes and floodplains of the Delta. As a year~round exclusive wildlife destination (especially for predators), Mombo has a record unequalled in Africa. This area provides one of the highest quality wildlife viewing opportunities on earth. Many of the Cheetah photos reproduced in National Geographic's December 1999 issue and the photos of wild dog in the May 1999 issue were taken here. Mombo was rated as one of the top destinations of the 'Ultimate Safari' in the March 1999 issue of Conde Nast Traveler. Mombo also ranks as one of the best lodges in Southern Africa according to the July 2000 issue of Harpers and Queen. Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and all the major predators are common in the region. A large pack of Wild Dogs frequents the area around the camp and has been successful in raising many litters in recent years. The excellent game at Mombo has made this area Botswana's top wildlife documentary location. National Geographic, the BBC and many others have filmed here. Birdlife is prolific, with waterfowl and waders being particularly common.


expandaccommodation

The camp has nine luxuriously furnished tents, raised off the ground. The guests' rooms and connecting walkways that connect are up to two metres off the ground, allowing game to wander freely through the camp while at the same time allowing for guest safety. One often finds that animals take refuge under the rooms. The canvas rooms are spacious and well appointed and have en-suite facilities with an additional outdoor shower for those who enjoy a shower under the stars. The dining room, pub and living area overlook the open plain in front of the camp and there is a plunge pool for relaxing in the heat of the day.

expandguest reviews

Little Mombo was a wonderful surprise. The small, cozy atmosphere was a wonderful way to end our journey. Corli, Julius and B. K. really exceeded themselves in offering us a most memorable experience. Corli is the perfect Pied Kingfisher hovering beautifully around everyone attending to our every need. Corli should be considered the Julia Child of the Bush. We rarely ate at the same location twice. One day our brunch was served on an island where Corli called the pearl spotted owl and it magically appeared and answered back. She truly invented the most impressive meals. Many times we felt we didn't want to eat the meals because they were so artfully arranged. A fellow tourist from Boston actually videotaped the meals because they were so artfully arranged. We marveled at the mountain of vegetables crowned with our own porkie pot of beef. Every meal was dressed in a different table cloth or place mates. We were truly exhausted just watching Corli. The traditional dance before supper at little Mombo was so different from Jao. Corli actually sang with the staff, and danced an exhausting two minute clip, and arm in arm joined the staff if their farewell song. Now we ask you, who wouldn't want to work with Corli? She offered us a position when we retire and we are seriously taking her up on the offer. Hearing the adventures of Julius in California was refreshing. He came from Mombo just to be with us at Little Mombo. He is a gentle giant, patient and kind. He had wooden steps to assist me in and out of the vehicles. He put on a fabulous slide show for the first time and certainly got two thumbs up. Whatever the client wants to see Julius will put forth extraordinary effort to find. The best photographer will be lucky to have Julius because he knows the exact light that will make a brilliant photo. Leopard climbing down a tree, dusting himself in the sand, and finishing up with a drink of water seems like an everyday occasion, It doesn't get any better than an African sunset provided by Julius. This summer we took our son and daughter-in-law along with us. Their jaws were opened most of the time. We only wish we could take more Americans to Botswana and let them experience your remarkable African adventure. P.S . David is looking forward to next summer already.
D.A & R.A., USA

We are back home one week after our African trip and are pleased to report that on a scale of 1-10 this experience was a 20!!!!! Wilderness Safaris did an excellent job throughout our journey. The Grace Hotel in Joburg was the perfect start . Then off to Lesedi which we should have done as a day trip. We thoroughly enjoyed the activities there but the overnight stay a little rough for our tastes.We missed the Grace. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was a better choice on your part than the Hotel. That provided a good introduction to the game viewing. The Falls were spectacular and we took a jetboat ride on the upper Zambesi River. Our small plane ride to DumaTau was exciting. The staff was very friendly and accomodating. We saw all the game including Wild Dogs but no Leopard . We had numerous Elephant encounters especially in camp . We had nightime visits and one of the local residents parked in front of our door blocking our return to the tent. Birds galore. The highlight of the trip was luxurious Mombo which exceeded our expectations. The staff and facilities were outstanding. The game viewing was the best. We saw 3 different Leopards on 3 different occasions. We didn't want to leave. D.M. and D.M., USA

Mombo is like no other place in the world. The new "tents" are exquisite and the animal viewing is wonderful. We have become very vocal ambassadors for Wilderness Safaris. I think you strike just the right balance between comfort and having the sensation that you're on the frontier of civilization as we know it. We look forward to planning our next trip. J M FAHEY National Geographic Society

expandlocal info

Mombo and Little Mombo are situated on Mombo Island, which is an extension of the north western end of Chiefs Island which effectively divides the Okavango into eastern and western sections. The whole of Chiefs Island and Mombo fall within the Moremi Game Reserve, and, in particular a zone within the reserve, set aside for "low intensity" safari use. Thus Mombo and Little Mombo are remarkably exclusive and remote. The sheer numbers and variety of large mammals in this area defy description, all year round. From elephant and both species of rhinocerous, to lion leopard and cheetah. From herds of buffalo to tiny steenbok, they occur in this area in large numbers. All this owes much to its position on the ecotone between the ancient Kalahari sands and vegetation of Chiefs Island, to the more modern, water borne sediments and grasses of the Okavango fan, to the west. Much geomorphological evolution has resulted in a richness and diversity that is legendary amongst the original tribesmen and hunters of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Moremi Game Reserve was amongst the first to be promulgated by tribal request in an effort to protect this fantastic legacy. They have certainly succeeded in the case of the Moremi. As described before, the annual inundation and drying of the floodplains to the west of Mombo, allow the large numbers of wildlife to utilise both habitats to the maximum. When the annual inundation of water arrives in the area during March to May each year, large mammals are able to move into the Chiefs Island area, which contains rich resources of grass and acacia forests. The wetlands are fringed by large hardwood trees, containing shade, cover, nesting areas, and food, for a wide variety of mammals and birds. By September and October the wetlands have started to recede leaving behind vast floodplains of short green grass when the rest of the large islands are at their driest. It is this seasonal food availability and quality that has resulted in the excitement and diversity that is the Mombo area.

expandthings to do

The camp offers abundant big game viewing, arguably the best in Botswana. The highlight is the concentration of plains game and all the predators - including the big cats. Lion sightings are particularly good. Guests can also see Leopard, large herds of Buffalo, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Elephant, Hyaena, Giraffe, Wildebeest and Zebra. Black and White Rhino have been reintroduced with outstanding success to the area (albeit most are further away from camp), thanks to the Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Programme.

expandtipping/customs

The suggested guideline for tipping is $10 per person a day at each property visited. The tips are collectively gathered from all guests after their stay at each property and distributed amongst the staff, you either give the tips to the manager or usually there is a staff tip box within which to put your tips. The tips are then divided equally amongst all the staff on the property. Many people like to leave a little extra with their dedicated guides on game drives as they spend so much time with them and it is perfectly fine to give the tip directly to the guide. For guides we suggest approximately $30-$50 total for a stay of 3 days. If you feel your guide has been exceptional, some guests will sometimes give up to $100.

expandwhen to go

Botswana is an all-year-round wildlife destination. However, there are certain seasonal concerns of which groups with special interests should take note: The best birding months are November - March, when the delta is brimming with migratory birds. The best botanical months are December - May, when the vegetation is lush and green and most plants are in flower. Botswana’s popularity as a destination is such that seasonal differences are not as marked as in other African destinations. Traditionally, however, peak season is from July to October and middle season is from May to June. Note that availability is at a premium during these seasons so you will need to book well in advance. November to April is a less popular time for travel to Botswana. This is the wet season, and due to the abundance of water it is less certain that one will see wildlife at perennial water holes. Also, the heavy rains can make dirt roads impassable.



FACTS & FIGURES

  • Location

    Mombo Island, Okavango Delta

  • Accommodation

    9 luxuriously furnished tents

  • Price Guide

    $$$$

  • When to Go

    year round

  • Things To Do

    Game Drives, Walking, Honeymoon, Photography, Birding, Swimming Pool, Mokoro rides