Our Journal

 

With every new safari experience, we grow and learn. In the strange new world that we live in with some interesting times ahead, it is a privilege to be to explore what’s left of the our magnificent natural world. The wildlife and the incredible locations that we visit will hopefully keep on surviving in their unique way, day after day, year after year. They must thrive and be free to live natural lives. As safari operators, we contribute to this just by going as tourists and by sustaining the industry that keeps their protection going. When we visit, we will try and find these animals and when we do, be awed by their presence in their natural habitat. The lodges that we visit are equally astounding and impressive. However, the harsh natural environment do take their toll and they are not as well adapted as their wild accomplices that we come to see. They need a revamp, redesign, style change or new location. So, how they do this is? With difficulty, especially in the remote locations that they are situated, and even more so if they are located in the largest inland Delta in the world. So, We recently visited the new Mombo lodges (Little and Main) on chiefs island, as well as the brand new Qorokwe camp. Hmmmm… well the Mombo camps are simply mind blowing so the change is most definitely welcome. The brand new Qorokwe lodge is a bold new design, in a great concession, and is rather pleasant. Actually, epically lovely.

Mombo camps

For many years these two camps have been at the pinnacle of the luxury safari lodge industry. Known to be one of the most sought after destinations on any safari itinerary, and for good reason. However, like anything, being exposed to the harsh African climate, in the wilds of the Okavango Delta, there is bound to be a time that arises where upgrades need to take place. In keeping with the Wilderness Safaris ethos, the upgrades needed to have a very limited footprint and are mandated to have as little impact on the environment as possible. There was also the foresight, in our modern day consumption, to incorporate as many renewable resources as possible, such as the use of sustainable materials like Rhino Wood and working toward becoming completely solar dependant. We are happy to say that they have done a wonderful job in keeping the old Mombo charm, but adding a new style and design that will last the next 15 years. They have upgraded their solar farm, and are now 99% dependant on this resource as well as integrating above the ground water waste management systems to ensure nothing enters the natural system.

Below are some of the latest images from the newly renovated Little Mombo and Mambo Camps. Our team will be visiting both of these camps in the coming months and we loom forward to hosting our guests with the Mombo team!

Mombo main

An elephant grazes in front of a Mombo villa.

View of the Mombo reception in the sunset.

Dinner inside the main area.

Elephants crossing a floodplain on chiefs island.

The lounge bathed in afternoon light.

Yoga with at the gym and spa in front of the lap pool.

The curio shop with recycled Old Mombo walls.

View across the interleading, interlinking suite.

View across the interleading, interlinking suite, opposite side.

Relaxing nd taking in the last rays of a glorious African day

Smores and coffee at high tea.

Jaffles served on the firepit deck.

Jaffles, cooked in the fire before game drive, Mombo style.

Little Mombo

Little Mombo guest suite.

Little Mombo tent exterior.

Little Mombo from the air.

Little Mombo bathroom.

Little Mombo deck with an an ancient African ebony tree.

Relaxing on an outside lounger.

Interior of the tent.

Chilling out between safaris…

Below is a magical video of the rebuild and the story behind the upgrade:

Qorokwe

This is a brand spanking new lodge in a brand new concession. An area in the South Eastern region of the Okavango Delta amongst seasonal floodplains is the perfect location for a luxury camp. One of the most influential reasons for the placement of this new lodge is that the concession has an incredibly high biomass of wildlife. Two channels flank the concession, with one holding water all year round, providing the necessary nourishment to all the animals that need it. Huge herds of Buffalo, cheetah, wild dog and rhino are a special attraction here. The are also resident lion prides and leopards that call it home, not to mention the teeming herds of general game such as giraffe, wildebeest and zebra.

The lodge is modern and classy, with stunning views of a beautiful lagoon, which attracts consistent wildlife during all hours of the day. The main area is built upon raised walkways and provides a refreshing take on safari lodges in Botswana. An exciting development for Wilderness Safaris and no doubt soon to be a favourite for many guests.

Cruising the concession looking for all manner of creatures.

The lodge pool overlooking the lagoon in front of the camp.

Brunch preparations.

A view of the main area and deck.

An important palce. The bar…

The lounge and library, with the camp fish pond.

Brunch

A lovely view.

A Qorokwe room.

A different angle.

A soaking and relaxing bath will do.

Warm colours at dusk.

The main area at dusk.

The bar and dining area in morning light

A black backed Jackal sits in a puddle in the rain.

African wild dog focusing on some distant animal.

Cheetah, Qorokwe has ideal habitat for this rare cat species.

A pair of amorous steenbok.

Epic golden sunsets.

Qoorokwe, a gem in the delta.

Whether you are after the luxury, finesse and attraction of the lodges, the newly built or renovated rooms and main areas or the plains and channels of abundant wildlife, our team at Safari Architects is here to ensure you are given the most intimate experience possible. We work closely with the lodges and the lovely staff on the ground, and have formed lasting relationships over the past 9 years of operation in the industry.

We are excited to showcase these beautiful new lodges and look forward to visit them with our guests in the coming safari season.

Photographed by: Matt Murray and Wilderness Safaris