Mapula Lodge (Okavango Delta) Reopening 1st March 2027
Mapula Lodge has now been taken over by Desert and Delta and will be reopening on 1st March 2027. There will be 12 safari suites in total, 2 of which can be booked as interleading for families. Each suite will feature an en suite bathroom, a private viewing deck, and plush in-room comforts (refreshment station, wardrobe, desk, and 2 fans). Inclusive Activities: Twice daily scheduled activities including game drives (by day and night), motorboat safaris (seasonal), mokoro excursions, walking safaris, fishing, birding, and cultural excursions.
Below info relates to the old camp until we have further info although location obviously doesn’t change.
Mapula Lodge is a funky little camp in the game rich in the Sekwana concession (NG12) In the northeastern 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.
*Chobe Savanna Lodge doesn’t have long stay discounts but can be added to itineraries.
2027 Mapula Lodge Rates
1 – 4 night stay
5 – 6 night stay
7 or more nights
Green Season:
6th January – 31st March
$740
$703
$681
Shoulder Season:
1st – 30th April and 1st November 2027 – 5th January 2028*
$1080
$1026
$994
Peak Season:
1st May – 31st October
$1410
$1340
$1297
*The 2027 festive season is valid up until the 5th of January 2028. As such, the shoulder season rate will be applicable during this period.
Single Supplement: $452 in 2026 and $494 in 2027 Peak Seasons.
Single Surcharge applies to any reservation comprising more than two singles during the Green or Shoulder Season.
Rates include:
Accommodation, scheduled activities, all meals, refreshments, local spirits, and wines (excluding premium brands).
Laundry service.
National park fees and all government levies, taxes, and VAT.
Rates exclude:
Curio shop purchases.
Staff & guide tips.
Private activities and charter flights.
Desert & Delta Safaris operates as a collection agent for Chobe Impact, an independent not for profit entity. For every full paying bed night booked in a Desert & Delta Safaris property, $5 will be added to the invoice as a discretionary donation (“donation”) to Chobe Impact. Chobe Impact applies the funds to projects making a positive impact in the key areas of education, community empowerment, research, and conservation. Desert & Delta Safaris commits to match each donation from its own profits. Should any guest be unwilling to make the donation, they shall request for it to be removed in writing prior to booking confirmation.
Camp Closures
2027
Chobe Game Lodge
Open all year
Chobe Savanna Lodge
Open all year
Savute Safari Lodge
25th January – 8th February
Camp Okavango
1st January – 1st February
Xugana Island Lodge
1st – 15th February
Mapula
1st January – 1st March
Nxamaseri Island Lodge
1st – 15th January
Camp Moremi
1st January – 1st February
Camp Xakanaxa
1st – 15th February
Sediba Sa Rona
Open all year
Leroo La Tau
1st February – 1st March
Mapula Lodge Accommodation Special Offers and Packages
Please also see our Best of Desert and Delta Safari Packages where you can combine camps. These packages include flights, accommodation, activities, meals and drinks. Offering great value for money.
Best of Mapula Lodge 3 Night Package
Stay for 3 nights including return flights from Maun.
2027 Best Of Mapula Lodge 3 Night Package Rates
Per person sharing with return flights from Maun
Per person sharing with flights from/to Maun and one flight from/to Kasane
Per person sharing with with return flights from Kasane
Green Season: 6th January – 31st March
$2 855
$3 082
$3 309
Shoulder Season: 1st – 30th April and 1st November 2027 – 5th January 2028*
$3 887
$4 114
$4 341
Peak Season: 1st May – 31st October
$4 943
$5 170
$5 397
*The 2027 festive season is valid up until the 5th of January 2028. As such, the shoulder season rate will be applicable during this period.
Single surcharge: $1 482
Green Season Discovery Packages
The Green Season Discovery Package is available between January and March. This is the Green Season. Or Secret Season as it is often referred to. It is a magical time to travel in Botswana. With exceptional value for money, combining the right regions and lodges can create a truly sensational safari experience.
Stay at 2 x Desert & Delta camps for 6 nights in the green season and enjoy a great introduction to a Botswana safari. It includes all Desert and Delta camps except Chobe Savanna Lodge.
6 night Green Season Discovery Package Cost:
2027: $4 987 per person sharing. The single supplement is $2 964.
Please note the single supplement is applicable to any one reservation comprising more than two singles during the Green or Shoulder Season.
Includes:
Accommodation and all scheduled activities at both properties.
All meals, drinks and local branded alcohol.
Laundry service.
All scheduled flights between the lodges and Maun (Kasane surcharge applies).
A generous contribution to one of our amazing initiatives.
The best local hospitality.
National park fees, airport departure tax and all government levies, taxes & 14% Value Added Tax.
Botswana Honeymoon
This romantic honeymoon safari is not to be missed. See more information on this Botswana Honeymoon Safari.
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