Mapula Lodge is a funky little camp in the game rich northern Okavango Delta, Botswana. An excellent safari without the crowds.
Location, location, location
This enormous, 220,000 acre Mapula concession is slightly north of the renowned Vumbura and Duba Plains concessions on the northern side of the Okavango Delta. Despite its vast size (and the abundance of the game), the area is home to only a few camps. This makes it a prime destination for those looking for an exclusive experience; in a blissfully uncrowded area.
The camp itself occupies an enviable position on a large, treed island at the edge of seasonal floodplains along the upper reaches of the famous Selinda Spillway. The Selinda river connects the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti.
The landscape is iconic in all its Delta beauty. A pristine wilderness of floodplains and grasslands, lagoons, and palm strewn islands. These diverse habitats support an extraordinary range of wildlife. It truly is one of the most unique wetland areas in the world, and, in our eyes (and many others!) one of the best safari destinations there is.
Accommodation & Amenities
Designed by the creators of the Kalahari legend, Jack’s Camp, this is a stylish safari outpost with serious panache. A little bit quirky and jam packed with character. The 9 x canvas and thatch bedroom tents have king-size metal four posters and feather filled pillows to fall face first into after a day’s game viewing. There are 6 x twins, 2 x doubles, and 1 x family tents. En-suite bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers. Safari-chic finishing touches include rich Kilims on the floors, polished butler trays, and brass lanterns.
Mapula Lodge view from the bedroom
In the main area, a swimming pool is a perfect antidote to hot Delta afternoons with views over the hippo filled lagoon. If you’d rather stay dry, pick a perch in the lounge to keep watch over the wildlife action. A sunken lounge area overlooking the lagoon offers a variety of comfy sofas and slouchy armchairs to watch the wildlife.
The lodge is as authentic and real as possible. To leave a lighter footprint there is no WiFi or hairdryers. Battery charging facilities are available in the mess tent & in the room.
Family safaris at Mapula Lodge:
Mapula accepts children 6 years and older. Children 6 years & older may take part in a mokoro or boat safari and must wear a life jacket on a mokoro or boat. Children 6 years old & taller than 1.2m are allowed in the hot air balloon.
Mapula Lodge Family accommodation
Mapula Lodge Wildlife and Activities ↓
Wildlife Safari
This incredible concession in the Okavango Delta is a true wildlife stronghold. In fact; those in the know say that the area has the highest concentration of lions anywhere in the Okavango Delta. The allure isn’t simply in the number of animals you’ll see but in the diversity of species in the reserve. Yes, there are lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs. But you’ll also spot elusive and lesser known predators like caracal, serval, and mongoose. On the edge of the water; buffalo congregate en masse. Trunk swinging elephants bathe, watched from the channels by sun basking crocs and hippos. Antelope, zebra, and giraffe dot the floodplains in every direction.
Elephants
The birdlife here is especially noteworthy. The endangered wattled crane, carmine bee-eaters, and the African paradise flycatcher are all regularly spotted. This is a delight of many a twitcher.
Birding safari – Little bee-eater
Activities
Game drive through vast tracts of pristine wilderness in search of lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, hippo, and the rare sitatunga antelope. View the wildlife at eye level on a boat or traditional mokoro safari through the lily filled channels. Water activities are subject to water levels in the Okavango Delta. Therefore; they may be limited in the low water season from October until January.
Mapula Lodge Mokoro safari
Try your hand at a spot of fishing. Fishing is not permitted from January until March due to it being the breeding season. Tick off some of the Okavango specials from your bird list. Some important ones are the slaty egret, Pel’s fishing owl, and the African skimmer to name a few. Pour a G&T, pick your spot, and watch in awe as the sun sinks below the watery plains; the perfect sundowner. Cruise over the vast landscapes on a soaring helicopter flight (at an additional cost). Take to the skies on an evocative hot air balloon flight. This is at an additional cost. It needs to be combined with a helicopter transfer between 15th April – 15th September. Spa treatments at an additional cost.
When Is A Good Time To Go
Mapula Lodge is open all year round. So which is the ‘best time of year to visit? There isn’t one as it all depends on your preferences, what you would like to see and do.
April to October in the Delta is the dry, winter months. Confusingly; this means the water levels are at their highest. Consequently, it’s the best time of year for water and mokoro safaris; when you’ll be able to access remote areas. Game viewing at this time of year is exceptional; it always is. This combined with the pleasant, mid-20s temperatures and sunshine filled skies, makes it a great time to experience the Delta.
October to March are the green season months. Rain comes in the form of short, sharp thunderstorms. The dramatic skies make for even more dramatic sunsets. Water levels are slightly lower at this time of year. However, there is always permanent water around Mapula Lodge and mokoro and boat safaris are usually still possible. It’s also the best time of year to spot breeding animals and migrant birds.
Mapula Lodge accommodation rates:
Mapula Lodge is currently closed.
When sharing with adults, children are charged 50% of the per person rate per night. Children refer to kids aged between 6 to 18 years.
Inclusions: All prices are per person, per night. They include accommodation, all meals, & beverages, guest laundry, daily activities, expert guiding, park entry fees & VAT. Exclusions: Premium brand drinks, gratuities, flights, and fully comprehensive personal travel insurance. In addition, a Conservation, Community & Reserve Fee is charged per night.
Lebala Camp – accommodation situated in the Linyanti area is renowned for excellent wild dog sightings and other predators and are able to do night game drives
In the heart of the Okavango Delta, on a diverse, wildlife-rich private concession, is andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, luxury accommodation – honeymoon
