Okavango and Kalahari Contrasts (ITT)

In marked contrast to the camps in the Okavango, Wilderness Kalahari Plains sits on the edge of an immense pan. Large herds of gemsbok (oryx) and springbok arrive in the wake of the summer rains, attracting the attention of cheetahs and black-maned Kalahari lions. The annual transformations belie a sense of timelessness, and authentic San cultural experiences give insights into an ancient yet sustainable way of life.

Eight cool canvas guest tents (including one family unit) each feature a rooftop sleep-out platform, with unequalled views of the night sky. A refreshing pool and unique architecture make the desert temperatures much more comfortable.

INSIDER'S TIP: Journey back in time on a guided walk to learn about the fascinating and ancient lifestyle of the San people.

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Wilderness Kalahari Plains Camp Credit: Dana Allen A springbok on the open plain

Wilderness Kalahari Plains Camp The thatch-covered lounge and open campfire

Wilderness Kalahari Plains Camp Credit: Dana Allen The interior of a guest tent

Wilderness Kalahari Plains Camp Credit: Lance Van De Vyver The Central Kalahari is known for its black-maned lion population

Wilderness Kalahari Plains Camp Credit: Lance Van de Vyver Young lion cub

Wilderness Kalahari Plains Campp The Central Kalahari offers some of the world's best cheetah viewing

Standard Twin/Double Tents Family Accommodation

En-suite canvas tents overlook an immense pan, with views that extend to where the sky meets the horizon. The star attraction is the sleep-out platform at each suite, offering a night of private star-gazing in one of the best places to see constellations in the southern hemisphere.

Perfect for a family of four, this unit has two bedrooms each with two three-quarter beds, private en-suite bathrooms, and a central deck for treasured shared moments.

Property Facilities

Bar, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available)

Room Facilities

Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

Available Services

Credit Card Facilities

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Game Drives, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided)

Activities Nearby

Cultural Tours

Machaba Camp is situated in the game rich Khwai area. The Khwai Concession is a 35 000 hectare reserve situated in the north eastern Okavango adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve. The name Machaba is the local Setswana name for the Sycamore Fig Tree, the tree of life. Machaba trees are renowned for their abundant fruit, which feed a vast array of animals throughout the year, including elephant, baboons, bush buck, green pigeons and many more.

Machaba Camp is independently owned and run, and is aimed at the affordable luxury travel markets across the world, offering great value for money and a unique classical safari experience. Machaba Camp will appeal to the novice safari guest as well as to the seasoned safari traveller. The camp is built in the classic 1950’s style, with luxury safari tents, en-suite bathrooms and living areas, not forgetting the romantic outdoor showers. All the tents are situated on the ground and the pathways to the tents meander between the large riverine trees.

 All 10 luxury tents are situated in the beautiful riverine treeline on the Khwai River, overlooking the famous Moremi Game Reserve. From these tented verandas one can watch the daily parade of animals coming down to drink at the river in front of camp.

Machaba Camp electricity is run on a hybrid system which incorporates both solar energy and a generator. The solar farm enables harvesting energy from the sun to run the camp, whilst the generator is used to back the system up during peak periods and inclement weather from time to time. The hot water system in camp is based on a Thermodynamic Solar Energy system, this latest technology ensures hot water generation no matter what the weather.

Activities offered at the camp:

• Morning & Evening Game Drives
• Year round water activities, with dug-out canoes (mekoro) water level dependent.
• Walking (guide dependent)
• Game-viewing from the comfort of your own tent
• Relax at the pool, with wonderful views over the Khwai river
• Catch up on some reading, with a large selection of reading material provided
• Visits to the local community
• Spa Therapist – treatments include massages and facials done in guests rooms

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Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Main Area - guest interaction

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Dining

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Camp fire overlooking the Okavango Delta

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Luxury tented suite

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Luxury tented suite

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Luxury Tented suite room view

Mokoro Activity at Machaba Camp Credit: Martin Harvey Mokoro Activity at Machaba Camp

Sundowners on Safari at Machaba Camp Credit: Martin Harvey Sundowners on Safari at Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Sundowners on Safari at Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Machaba Camp Pool

Machaba Camp Pool Credit: Martin Harvey Machaba Camp Pool

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Wildlife - Elephant

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Wildlife - Elephants

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Game viewing - elephants under the Milky Way

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Game viewing - leopard in the spot light

Machaba Camp Credit: Andrew Howard Game viewing - lion in front of the camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Luxury Tent Luxury Family Tent

There are 8 Luxury Tents that each sleep 2 guests.

The camp is built in the classic 1950’s style, with luxury safari tents, en-suite bathrooms and living areas, not forgetting the romantic outdoor showers. All the tents are situated on ground level and the pathways to the tents meander between the large riverine trees.

There are 2 Luxury Family Tents that each sleep 4 guests.

The camp is built in the classic 1950’s style, with luxury safari tents, en-suite bathrooms and living areas, not forgetting the romantic outdoor showers. All the tents are situated on ground level and the pathways to the tents meander between the large riverine trees.

Property Facilities

24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available)

Room Facilities

Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Verandah

Available Services

Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Room Service

Activities on Site

Big 5, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Massages, Mokoro Excursion, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)

Activities Nearby

Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Massages, Walks (Guided)

Mokoro safari Game drives Walking safaris

This is a dug out canoe poled by an experienced poler in the shallower waters of the Okavango. It is a great way to see the waterways and is tranquil and quiet. These excursions take place in the mornings or longer day trips can be arranged. Explore the islands around camp and come back rested and rejuvenated.

Game drives are conducted in the mornings and afternoon/evenings at camp. They usually last about three hours each and are conducted along the river systems and flood plains around the camp. The wildlife in the area is prolific and chances are good to see some of the larger predators, herds of elephant and buffalo and all the plains animals that occur here. Night drives are conducted in the early evening offering one a chance to see the smaller more nocturnal animals with spotlights.

Walking safaris are also conducted generally in the morning with armed guides. The walks are leisurely and time is taken to observe the smaller things in the bush that one normally misses when driving. Walking is weather dependent, or dependent on the condition of the terrain.