Mombo Camp has acquired a reputation as one of the very finest safari lodges, not just in Botswana but in all of Africa. What makes it so special? The location, for a start. Mombo Camp is located on Chief's Island, part of a private concession at the very heart of the Okavango Delta. This area – the island and the floodplains that surround it – is only accessible by light aircraft, and offers perhaps the best game-viewing of any region of the Delta. The quantity of game on Chief's Island is staggering, and the visitor numbers very low. There are huge concentrations of plains game, as well as the big cats (lion, cheetah, leopard) and elephant, while much rarer species such as wild dog, and black and white rhino, are present in healthy numbers.
The exclusive location and stunning game-viewing on offer account for most of Mombo's reputation, but the camp itself also stands out. Managed by luxury safari operator Wilderness Safaris, it is the flagship property in their portfolio, and one of Botswana's most impressive (and most expensive!) safari camps. Its immediate setting is striking. The camp is built largely in and around the shade of a band of ancient mangosteen, ebony and fig trees, its nine tented suites and public areas carefully positioned to ensure a view of the floodplains. Wooden walkways connect the various sections of the camp together—the nine tents, cosy 'pub' and lounge, dining room, two plunge pools, firepit, and (what you probably don't want to see while on safari!) a small gym with running machines—allowing for game to pass freely below the camp, undisturbed. All of the rooms have been positioned at some distance from each other, spread out across the edge of the island so as to ensure guests' privacy.
There are some disadvantages to Mombo, however, beyond the prohibitive cost. Though it occupies a private area, it is still within the public Moremi Game Reserve and so national park regulations apply. This means that walking safaris and night drives are not possible. For this reason, other camps in the Okavango are able to offer a more varied game-viewing experience than Mombo.
Accommodation
Mombo Camp's nine tents are raised high off the ground on platforms and connected to the main lodge buildings via wooden walkways. The rooms are very spacious, incorporating a bedroom with king-size bed, separate lounge with sofas, bathroom en-suite with indoor and outdoor shower, sala, and private verandah with a view of the floodplains. They are constructed of canvas and timber frames, and feature wide mesh windows to make the most of the views.
Dining
The food and service at Mombo are as good as you would expect for a camp of this category. Most meals are served in the thatched, open-air dining room, overlooking the floodplains. There is also a Kgotla, or boma, for dining under the stars. Private dinners can be served on the verandah of your guest room or in the private lounge. Picnics are also offered on game drives allowing for full-day excursions.
All drinks are included at Mombo except premium brands and champagne.
Facilities
- Dining room, lounge and pub on raised deck under thatch
- Reading room/library
- Two plunge pools
- Boma
- Private lounge for smaller groups and private dinners
Activities
- Game drives on Chief's Island (with private vehicle on request)
- Short game walks can be offered on request, but not extended walking safaris
Child Policy
Mombo Camp accommodates children over the age of eight only.
