Karangoma

Set on a wooded peninsula in the north-eastern Okavango Delta, Karangoma is eight canvas tents on low wooden decks beneath leadwood and sausage trees. The camp operates in partnership with the local Bukakhwe San community and occupies ground at the overlap of floodplain and northern sandveld woodland, thirty kilometres by helicopter from Vumbura airstrip. Each Meru tent holds a bedroom and lounge area behind floor-to-ceiling gauze panels that face the floodplain, plus a separate bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers and a double vanity. Interiors draw on Hambukushu basketry patterns printed onto headboards and fabrics. A family tent comprises two connected rooms sleeping two adults and two children. Paths between tents remain at ground level, winding through croton and mopane.

The main lodge area includes a plunge pool, a fire pit, and dining and lounge spaces that look across the floodplain to a game path leading to the water. Game drives depart in open four-wheel-drive vehicles with a professional guide, continuing after dark to track nocturnal species. Walking safaris cross the concession on foot with a tracker. Mokoro excursions glide through shallow water in traditional canoes in search of red lechwe and malachite kingfishers. Boating operates seasonally along the Magwegqana Channel, which winds for more than twenty-five kilometres and holds hippo, elephant, zebra, and buffalo. Visits to the village of Gudigwa introduce guests to the resident Bukakhwe San. The camp is solar-powered. Laundry service and internet access are complimentary.