Where Wildlife Thrills Never End

Nestled in the heart of northern Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Mbamba Tented Camp promises a wildlife adventure like no other. Located within the game-rich NG12 concession, this camp offers an unmatched experience where the wildlife action is constant and exhilarating. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Ralph Bousfield, Mbamba brings together extraordinary guided wilderness experiences and a classic safari atmosphere.

Set against the backdrop of the Okavango Delta’s stunning landscape, Mbamba immerses you in the true essence of this unique ecosystem. With some of the best safari guides in the business and a variety of exciting land and water activities, every moment spent here is filled with adventure. Between thrilling game drives, you can unwind by the pool or relax in your air-conditioned tent, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking both comfort and a deep connection to nature.

Why You’ll Love Mbamba

Prime Location: Positioned beneath towering leadwood trees in the lush NG12 concession of the Okavango Delta, a region known for its abundant wildlife.

Exceptional Wildlife Viewing: The private concession offers year-round game viewing, including opportunities to spot predators like African wild dogs and lions, as well as an impressive variety of species.

A True Safari Experience: Mbamba combines exceptional wildlife encounters with the classic safari charm that Ralph Bousfield is known for.

Ideal for Families and Groups: This camp provides a perfect balance of comfort, affordability, and wildlife excitement, making it great for families and larger groups.

Accommodation at Mbamba

Designed in the iconic Ralph Bousfield style, Mbamba offers 12 spacious canvas tents (4 doubles, 6 twins, and 2 family units) tucked under the shade of leadwood trees. Each air-conditioned tent rests on slightly elevated wooden decks and embraces the vintage safari aesthetic, featuring plush fabrics, mahogany sideboards, Persian rugs, and romantic four-poster beds—all infused with a timeless charm.

Each tent includes:

• En-suite bathrooms with indoor showers
• Private verandas offering cool shade and magnificent views of the Okavango Delta
• Overhead cooling system, mosquito nets, and standing fans for added comfort
• 24-hour solar-powered electricity and Wi-Fi available in the main area
• Complimentary laundry service
• Note: No hairdryers available in the rooms. Children from 6 years and older are welcome. Please inquire for disabled access.

The Main Camp Area

The heart of Mbamba is the main mess area, where draped fabrics and ancient artifacts create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can relax in one of two lounges, peruse a small library, or enjoy a drink from the well-stocked bar. Meals are served family-style at a long table, with options to dine under the stars or within the canvas dining area. After dinner, gather around the firepit for stargazing before heading to bed.

Activities

The wildlife action at Mbamba is relentless, offering a variety of land and water-based activities to bring you closer to the heart of the Okavango Delta.

Game Drives: Explore the area in search of iconic wildlife like lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, and the rare sitatunga antelope. This area is especially known for its high concentrations of African wild dogs and lions.

Night Drives: Observe nocturnal creatures using a red filter spotlight, offering a unique view of the Delta after dark.

Mokoro and Boat Safaris: Glide through lily-filled channels for an intimate wildlife experience (please note, water activities may be limited from October to January during the low water season).

Bird Watching: The Okavango Delta is a haven for birders, with over 350 species recorded in the region.

Helicopter Flights: For a bird’s-eye view of this stunning wetland, enjoy a helicopter flight (additional cost).

Visit Tsodilo Hills: Explore this World Heritage Site and its fascinating rock art, located just 30 minutes away by helicopter.

When you're not out adventuring, the camp's swimming pool is the perfect place to relax with a drink, a book, and your binoculars. The expert guiding team at Mbamba—trained by safari legend Ralph Bousfield—ensures you have an enriching and close-to-nature experience throughout your stay.

When to Visit

Mbamba is open year-round, but the peak season runs from April to October. During the dry winter months, the Okavango Delta experiences high water levels, offering ideal conditions for mokoro and boat safaris as well as exceptional game viewing. The mild temperatures and clear skies make it the perfect time for a memorable safari.

From October to March, the landscape transforms into a lush green paradise as the “Green” season begins, marked by afternoon thunderstorms and rising temperatures. This period is perfect for bird watching, as migrants flock to the region.

Seasonal Breakdown:

• Green Season: 10 January – 31 March
• Shoulder Season: 01 April – 31 May | 01 November – 19 December
• Shoulder High Season: 01 May – 31 May
• High Season: 01 June – 30 June | 01 September – 31 October | 20 December – 09 January
• Peak Season: 01 July – 31 August.