Mapula Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana

A Luxury Lodge or Hotel in Botswana

Camp Details

In the middle of it all, on a large tree island surrounded by seasonal floodplains, is the laid back Mapula Lodge. Designed by the creators of the Kalahari legend, Jack’s Camp, this is a stylish safari outpost with serious panache. Even better, it’s one of only a handful of camps in the concession making for exhilarating game viewing in a blissfully uncrowded area. And if you don’t believe us, you’ll just have to pay us a visit.

It’s not a Bousfield family camp if it’s not a little bit quirky and jam-packed with character, and Mapula is no exception. The team have given the original lodge a facelift, and the nine canvas-and-thatch bedroom tents are replete with king size metal four-posters and feather-filled pillows to fall face first into after a day’s game viewing. Ensuite bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers, and there’s two natty Malawi chairs in the mini lounge area, ideal for siesta snoozes. Safari-chic finishing touches include rich Kilims on the floors, polished butler trays and brass lanterns.

At the main area, an aquamarine swimming pool is the perfect antidote to hot Delta afternoons – and 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. Then there’s our ‘chill pit’, a sunken lounge area overlooking the lagoon, which does exactly what it says on the tin.

WHY CHOOSE MAPULA LODGE?

• This is your chance to explore one of the continent’s most game-rich and beautiful concessions.
• Safari in complete exclusivity, away from the tourist crowds and bulging 4x4s; here, it’s just you, your binos, and the wildlife.
• Float down secluded waterways and access areas remoter than you can imagine on a mokoro safari.
• Game view from the cool depths of the swimming pool and watch the steady stream of wildlife at the lagoon in front of camp.
• The guides at Mapula are some of the best in the business; trained by safari legend Ralph Bousfield, each one has an intricate knowledge of the area that’s hard to beat.