MAPULA LODGE – OKAVANGO DELTA

Mapula Lodge is set in the northern fringes of the Okavango Delta on a large tree island surrounded by seasonal floodplains within a 220,000 acre concession. The area is a matrix of floodplains, woodlands and channels and waterways snake across the landscape, spilling into glassy lagoons and encircling palm islands.

With just 9 canvas thatched cottages and a family suite – Mapula offers the chance to immerse yourself in a pristine wilderness on a private concession whilst enjoying some outstanding wildlife viewing and birding.

Float silently down secluded waterways and access remote areas on a mokoro safari, game view from the coolness of swimming pool and watch the steady stream of wildlife at the lagoon in front of the camp and enjoy traditional 4 x 4 safaris in a remote and very uncrowded concession.

LOCATION

Mapula Lodge is situated in a private concession in the north of the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana.

CAMP

The camp 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 river that connects the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti.

The nine canvas-and-thatch bedroom tents are widely spaced and hidden under shady trees. Inside the tents are king size metal four-poster beds and feather-filled pillows to ensure a good night’s sleep after a day’s game viewing and the ensuite bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers. Relax on the Malawi chairs in the mini lounge area or sit on the deck and enjoy some bird watching. Safari-chic finishing touches include rich Kilims on the floors, polished butler trays and brass lanterns.

The family suite has 2 adjoining rooms to accommodate families with children and has a king sized bed and two singles and an en-suite with both indoor and outdoor showers.

The enormous main area includes several comfy seating areas, a small library, dining area and a generous swimming pool – the perfect antidote to hot Delta afternoons. If the cool waters don’t tempt you in, the views over the hippo-filled lagoon below might.

If you’d rather stay dry, pick a perch in the lounge to keep watch over the wildlife action; there’s a variety of comfy sofas and slouchy armchairs to choose from in the lounge and sunken lounge area overlooking the lagoon.

ACTIVITIES

Mapula Lodge is open all year round and every season is a brilliant time to visit.

The months of April to October in the Delta are dry, winter months. Water levels are at their highest and 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 and this combined with the pleasant, mid-20s temperatures and sunshine-filled skies, makes it a great time to experience the Delta.

The end of October to March are the green season months. Rain comes in the form of short, sharp thunderstorms and the dramatic skies make for even more dramatic sunsets. Water levels are slightly lower at this time of year but there is always permanent water around Mapula Lodge and mokoro and boat safaris are still possible. It’s also the best time of year to spot breeding animals and the migrant birds.

There is a huge diversity of species in the reserve including lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog – but you might also spot elusive and lesser-known predators like caracal, serval and mongoose. On the edge of the water, buffalo congregate en masse elephant bathe, watched beadily from the channels by crocodile and hippo. Antelope, giraffe and zebra dot the floodplains in every direction. The birdlife here is especially noteworthy and you may spot the endangered wattled crane, carmine bee-eaters and the African paradise flycatcher.

Game Drives – through the vast concession to see the diverse wildlife of the area including wild dogs, sitatunga antelope, big cats and extensive birdlife. Their beautiful habitat changes with the season from seasonal floodplains, waterways and grassy savannah.

Fishing – try your hand at a spot of fishing (01 April – 31 December; fishing is not permitted from January to March due to breeding season).

Birding – tick off some of the Okavango specials – the slaty egret, Pel’s fishing owl and the African skimmer to name a few.

Mokoro and Boat Safari – whilst water levels are at their highest in April to October boating and mokoro activities are an integral part of a stay at Mapula. Exploring by boat, cruising through lilies and reeds offers a new perspective to the area.

Hot Air Ballooning – take to the skies on a hot air balloon flight (at an additional cost; only available if combined with a helicopter transfer; 01 April – 30 September).

Helicopter Flights – fly over the vast landscape by helicopter to give a much broader perspective of the Delta. (This incurs an additional cost).

MAPULA LODGE IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE LODGE WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 6 YEARS AND OVER AND THERE IS A FAMILY TENT AT THIS LODGE. PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY CHILDREN AGED 6 YEARS AND OLDER CAN TAKE PART IN MOKORO OR BOAT SAFARIS AND CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET WHICH WILL BE PROVIDED.