Vumbura Plains, Okavango Delta, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Botswana - Luxury Hotel

Summary

- Vumbura Plains lies in the far north of Botswana's Okavango Dleta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest inland delta on Earth
- The annually inundated grasslands provide a spectacular photographic paradise, including phenomenal herbivore and predator sightings – arguably the best antelope diversity in the Delta, particularly sable and sitatunga
- Design elements showcase the core purpose of the camp, and successful partnership with the Okavango Community Trust (OCT) since 1996, with art installations highlighting Vumbura's heritage through cultural stories and local traditions

Contemporary and luxurious, Vumbura Plains, lies in an area that is a mix of water and land habitats – from the beauty of the vast floodplains, to deep waterways and crystal clear channels, permanent swamp and island acacia woodlands, this is a truly premium year-round Okavango delight. The wildlife is abundant and diverse, so that both water and land based activities on vehicles, mekoro and boats deliver an extraordinary all-round African safari experience. The 60 000-hectare (148 263-acre) Vumbura Private Wilderness Area is leased from five villages, through the Okavango Community Trust (OCT), a partnership that spans many successful years of impactful conservation tourism in the area.

Wildlife: the Vumbura Private Wilderness Area is found in the northern-eastern Okavango Delta adjoining the Moremi Game Reserve. Its prime position in the dry savannah interior, set on one of the main channels that feeds the inland Delta, means year-round adventures on land and water. The annually inundated grasslands of the Delta surrounding Vumbura Plains are locally referred to as "melapo", and offers superb seasonal viewing of elephants, giraffes, impala, sable antelope, kudu, zebra, common waterbuck and reedbuck, tsessebe, wildebeest, red lechwe and Cape buffalos. Hippos and crocodiles are common in the waterways. Predators include the African wild dog, several resident prides of lion, as well as leopard, occasionally cheetah and African wildcat. Birding is exceptional all year round.

Accommodation: Vumbura Plains is an artful, contemporary balance of wood, glass, and canvas, reflecting the colours of the Delta. It comprises two satellite camps, each with its own main area encompassing expansive vistas across the vast floodplains, and furnished with idiosyncratic objets d’art. Perched on raised decks, the fourteen luxury tented suites (eight, including two family units, and six with no family accommodation, at North and South camps respectively – each of the two family units have private decks linking the two separate tents) are unique and stylish in design. Vumbura Plains is one of the most spacious offerings in the Okavango Delta as reflected in the camp's generous suites with private plunge pool and outdoor sala from where you can view the never-ending wildlife parade. Celebrating its sense of space and culture, this artful and well considered camp – that seemingly floats on water – provides the highest level in safari comfort, enhanced by an outstanding menu and superlative hospitality. A truly Okavango experience, with the promise of endless adventure.

Purpose: the Vumbura Private Wilderness Area is leased from remote rural communities organised under the Okavango Community Trust (OCT). The result of this meaningful and long-standing partnership includes socio-economic benefits, livelihood diversification, and benefits from training and skills development for the people of the villages – as well as building on more positive attitudes to tourism and conservation.

Facilities

Experiences - activities

Game Drives
Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 vehicles. Bringing you closer to many thrilling interactions being played out in the wild, our knowledgeable guides are the vital link between guests and the intricacies of the natural world.

Guided Nature Walks *
Vumbura Plains’ unique community concession agreement means that many of the professional guides here grew up in this area, adding an extra layer of authenticity and cultural relevance to their expert tracking and identification skills. Swap your game drive for a nature walk, and marvel at the smaller things you may miss when travelling by vehicle.
* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

Night Drives
After dark game viewing with filtered spotlights allow you to find intriguing nocturnal animals.

Mokoro Excursions *
Vumbura is truly an Okavango experience, and there is no better way of viewing game and exploring the channels than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). The wondrous wetland habitats result in a multitude of aquatic life, and these excursions reveal the fascinating smaller creatures of the Delta including colourful frogs and lively waterbirds. * Water levels permitting.

Boating *
Water-level dependent, boating is another idyllic form of water wildlife exploration in the amazing Okavango Delta.
* Water levels permitting.

Fishing *
Fishing is on a catch and release basis, and the Vumbura Private Wilderness Area, is considered one of our best fishing areas as there is permanent water all year round. A limited supply of basic equipment is available at camp, whereas all fly fishing equipment is to be supplied by guests if required.
* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

Birding
The birding at Vumbura Plains is as varied as it is exceptional all year round. Search for some of the the hundreds of bird species, from lilac-breasted rollers, to carmine bee-eaters, and secretary birds. Or even the Pel's fishing owl! In the summer months many migrant species are present, while other specials which are regularly seen include wattled crane, slaty egret, chirping cisticola, fan-tailed widowbird, pink-backed pelican and possibly rosy-throated longclaw for the dedicated birders.

Hot Air Ballooning *
Take to the skies in style and soar over the rich ecosystem of the Okavango Delta in a hot air balloon. Gaze over scenic splendour, watch elephant playing far below and fly eye-to-eye with an eagle. This experience ends with champagne and snacks. * Optional activity at extra cost, and weather permitting.

Wilderness & Olympus, A Visionary Partnership *
As part of this unique collaboration, lightweight and compact OM-D photography equipment has been provided for guests to try out a number of the impressive features offered by Olympus. The picturesque vistas at Vumbura Plains will amaze even the most seasoned safari explorers, and we hope that you will enjoy learning more about wildlife photography with their passionate guides. * Olympus Photo Hub experience dependent on camera availability.

Children in the Wilderness
Children in the Wilderness (CITW) is a non-profit organisation supported by ecotourism company Wilderness Safaris, which aims to facilitate sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of children in Africa. Insight, care and commitment are required to conserve Africa’s pristine wilderness and wildlife areas. If we are to ensure that these places continue to exist – in this generation and those to come – we need the rural children of Africa to understand the importance of conservation and its relevance in their lives. Hence, this Children in the Wilderness programme: an environmental and life skills educational programme for children, focusing on the next generation of decision-makers; inspiring them to care for their natural heritage and to become the custodians of these areas in the future. This is achieved in a variety of ways – from hosting Eco-Club programmes at local schools, to running camps at Wilderness Safaris and partner camps, for the children within the rural communities that live on the edges of the wild areas of Africa.

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Vumbura Plains

| Botswana | Okavango Delta | Moremi Wildlife Reserve |

Summary

Location

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Experiences - activities

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Vumbura Plains

| Botswana | Okavango Delta | Moremi Wildlife Reserve |

Map

Summary

Location

Facilities

Experiences - activities

Videos