Vumbura Plains | Best Botswana Safari Lodges

The place

As our light aircraft descends, we have a fish-eagle’s perspective on an incredible patchwork quilt of greens and blues. Minutes later, we meet Mork, who will be our guide for the next few days. His extraterrestrial nickname is the first clue that we’ll be having an out-of-this-world safari experience. Mork is not one for idle chatter, and we appreciate this opportunity to drink in the scenery as we drive towards Vumbura Plains, our delightful safari lodge. The drive to the lodge is perhaps 35 minutes, but we pass through wooded areas, savannah and floodplain fringes where the vehicle is up to its axles in water. We spot red lechwe kicking up spray as they run through the water, and then lose count of the species present in one particular open area known as Jackie’s Pan. We’re staying in the northernmost of the two satellite lodges, and a herd of elephant arrive as we do. We sip homemade lemonade; they make straight for the lagoon and we use the lodge’s telescope to watch them drink.

As our light aircraft descends, we have a fish-eagle’s perspective on an incredible patchwork quilt of greens and blues. Minutes later, we meet Mork, who will be our guide for the next few days. His extraterrestrial nickname is the first clue that we’ll be having an out-of-this-world safari experience.

Mork is not one for idle chatter, and we appreciate this opportunity to drink in the scenery as we drive towards Vumbura Plains, our delightful safari lodge. The drive to the lodge is perhaps 35 minutes, but we pass through wooded areas, savannah and floodplain fringes where the vehicle is up to its axles in water.

We spot red lechwe kicking up spray as they run through the water, and then lose count of the species present in one particular open area known as Jackie’s Pan.

We’re staying in the northernmost of the two satellite lodges, and a herd of elephant arrive as we do. We sip homemade lemonade; they make straight for the lagoon and we use the lodge’s telescope to watch them drink.

The room

A raised wooden walkway connects the airy, open main area (with its intriguing displays of traditional pots and carvings) with our room. Mork opens the door with a flourish, and we step inside our own private safari world. We take in the covered sala for siestas, our own plunge pool, and a secluded private dining spot. The sliding doors glide open, and we enter our immense room. Its scale feels right in this land of vast spaces. I explore as much with my hands as with my eyes – there are so many tactile features, including hanging drapes and textured cushions. We agree that this is unlike any safari lodge we’ve ever stayed in. Clean lines and only the bare structural essentials, combined with the soaring thatched roof and exposed beams, mean that the space is filled with light and a delicious, cooling breeze. I check out the immense rainfall shower – and spot a second one outside – while my partner notes with satisfaction that the mini-bar fridge is stocked with everything we’d requested. Oh, and did I mention the 180-degree floodplain views?

A raised wooden walkway connects the airy, open main area (with its intriguing displays of traditional pots and carvings) with our room. Mork opens the door with a flourish, and we step inside our own private safari world.

We take in the covered sala for siestas, our own plunge pool, and a secluded private dining spot. The sliding doors glide open, and we enter our immense room. Its scale feels right in this land of vast spaces. I explore as much with my hands as with my eyes – there are so many tactile features, including hanging drapes and textured cushions.

We agree that this is unlike any safari lodge we’ve ever stayed in. Clean lines and only the bare structural essentials, combined with the soaring thatched roof and exposed beams, mean that the space is filled with light and a delicious, cooling breeze. I check out the immense rainfall shower – and spot a second one outside – while my partner notes with satisfaction that the mini-bar fridge is stocked with everything we’d requested. Oh, and did I mention the 180-degree floodplain views?

What sets it apart

It’s not just the contemporary design that makes Vumbura Plains stand out. This is one of the most varied of all areas within the Okavango and so is home to almost every delta species, including sable antelope and wild dog – my favourite. The ever-changing balance between land and water means that no two Vumbura Plains experiences are ever the same. The mix of activities reflects both the dynamic nature of the area, and the multiple competencies of the lodge’s expert guides. Long fireside conversations with Mork reveal that not only do the incredibly warm and welcoming staff make us feel right at home, but they are at home themselves. Most them come from the five closest villages, which together form the Okavango Community Trust – the lodge’s landlord, no less. We love being able to contribute to upliftment through eco-tourism. Finally, we must mention the hot-air ballooning – what an experience, to see the delta from above! I certainly recommend this to anyone.

It’s not just the contemporary design that makes Vumbura Plains stand out. This is one of the most varied of all areas within the Okavango and so is home to almost every delta species, including sable antelope and wild dog – my favourite.

The ever-changing balance between land and water means that no two Vumbura Plains experiences are ever the same. The mix of activities reflects both the dynamic nature of the area, and the multiple competencies of the lodge’s expert guides.

Long fireside conversations with Mork reveal that not only do the incredibly warm and welcoming staff make us feel right at home, but they are at home themselves. Most them come from the five closest villages, which together form the Okavango Community Trust – the lodge’s landlord, no less. We love being able to contribute to upliftment through eco-tourism.

Finally, we must mention the hot-air ballooning – what an experience, to see the delta from above! I certainly recommend this to anyone.

At a glance

Luxury safari lodge with 14 large tented rooms, each with wraparound netting for unimpeded views, a private deck and plunge pool.
Flexible schedules, private dining available, maximum six guests per safari vehicle and private vehicles available (additional cost).
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, birding, fishing, boat and mokoro excursions, spa treatments (additional cost), helicopter trips (additional cost), hot-air ballooning (additional cost), volleyball, soccer, cultural visits (additional cost) and traditional basket-weaving demonstrations.
Children welcome from six (although some age restrictions for activities). Two family rooms available.

Luxury safari lodge with 14 large tented rooms, each with wraparound netting for unimpeded views, a private deck and plunge pool.
Flexible schedules, private dining available, maximum six guests per safari vehicle and private vehicles available (additional cost).
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, birding, fishing, boat and mokoro excursions, spa treatments (additional cost), helicopter trips (additional cost), hot-air ballooning (additional cost), volleyball, soccer, cultural visits (additional cost) and traditional basket-weaving demonstrations.
Children welcome from six (although some age restrictions for activities). Two family rooms available.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.