Machaba Camp

Set on the bank of the Khwai River in the northeastern reach of the Okavango Delta, the camp overlooks the Moremi Game Reserve and a concession rich in elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and African wild dog. Ten canvas tents face the river. Each has an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower, twin beds, fan, and a veranda from which you can watch herds come down to drink. Two family tents sleep four and are designed with ramps and wider doorways for guests with restricted mobility. Pathways wind between tall riverine trees.

Game drives run morning and afternoon along floodplain tracks and the river system. Walking safaris set out in the morning with an armed guide; pace is unhurried, allowing time to observe plants, birds, and smaller signs often missed from a vehicle. Mokoro excursions pole through shallow channels and tributaries when water levels allow, a quiet means of moving through the papyrus and watching hippo and crocodile at water level. Day-long mokoro trips explore islands downstream of camp. Night drives track hyena and lion after dusk.

The tented lounge and dining area sit under canvas and thatch on a raised deck above the river. A plunge pool and sundeck occupy the same platform. The camp has a curio shop, a small library, bar service, and complimentary laundry. Wi-Fi is available in guest rooms. Solar panels and a battery bank supply electricity; a thermodynamic system heats water. Staff speak English. The airstrip lies a short drive from camp.