...Just back from

Karangoma Camp

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Ben recently explored Karangoma - a wonderfully fresh approach to safari in Botswana with a modern twist and classic wildlife encounters.

Adventure Starts Where the Road Ends

Accessed purely by helicopter and away from any roads – Karangoma has opened up a secret slice of the Selinda river system in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

Karangoma is both a wet and dry camp meaning you can head out on boats as well as land- based safari activities. On arrival to this wild portion of the northeastern Okavango Delta, you’ll find a team of staff who are impressively keen and welcoming.  This arm of the delta has only recently been opened up, with fences removed and new wildlife migratory routes through – an excellent population of big cats and other predators are slowly revealing themselves as the guides learn this new patch.

A huge number of safari camps look and feel the same – sticking to a tried and tested formula that can make them feel indistinguishable. Karangoma is different – brighter, fresher, with more freedom, bigger smiles and a real team ambience and the exceptional game viewing away from other camps is a massive bonus.

Ben Oxley-Brown

Highlights

  • This camp will suit couples as the rooms are so meticulously presented.
  • Amazing guiding – although a new camp, the experienced staff have been cherry-picked from some of the top properties in Botswana. This customer facing experience really shines through.
  • Rooms are a fusion of Scandi accents fused with local weaving patterns; the beds are ridiculously comfortable with views out over the Delta
  • The camp is run in partnership with the local community – your presence provides employment and protects the local wildlife.
  • The final part of the journey to camp is by helicopter from Vumbura – this aerial approach is unmatched for excitement as well as giving a bird’s eye view of the Delta.

 

WHEN TO GO:

Travel between June and November for dry days, hopefully plenty of floodwater and incredible wildlife viewing.

BEST FOR:

Those seeking a more immersive and rewarding wildlife experience will thrive in this freshly uncovered part of the delta, with exceptional game viewing. An added bonus is top-notch staff and incredibly comfortable rooms making this an elevated safari choice for wildlife lovers.

WHY WE LIKE IT:

Cut off from the usual delta safari circuit – Karangoma is a newly discovered region which is slowly but surely proving itself to be just as productive for game viewing as the more famous Moremi and Chiefs Island regions. Each wildlife spot feels like a first.

ON SAFARI AT KARANGOMA

Game drives, walking safaris, lazy mokoro trips on the floodplains, daybreak yoga on the savannah, long lunches in the cool shade, a refreshing dip in the pool and long-pour drinks are the components of any stay at Karangoma. You are free to put it together to your liking – although of course, the excellent team are on hand to give suggestions so you can make the most of your time in this intimate camp and its diverse surrounds.

SLEEP

Just six rooms, each facing out over the floodplains are perfectly angled to be able to observe the wildlife as it moves around the camp. The rooms are bright and comfortable – incredibly well thought out and stylish. For a camp in this location, the rooms manage to keep cool in the heat of the day and are pleasantly cosy at night. Ensuite bathrooms have huge rain showers and there are outside showers too on the deck.

DRINK & DINE

Light, fresh zingy salads in the heat of the day, masterfully rich meals in the evening define the dining at Karangoma, which will surprise you with its varied flavours and tastes. An inexhaustible supply of ice-cold G+T’s are always on hand and you’re never too far from some snacks mid-game drive, if you feel the need. The chef clearly knows how to impress and this is apparent across the whole culinary offering at Karangoma.

OUR TOP TIP

Take your time to really get to know the team and this untouched part of the delta by staying for a minimum of four nights or preferably much longer. There’s no possibility of becoming bored and the region just keeps surprising with its wildlife viewing. The only difficulty will be leaving, with your re-entry back into the life you left to be irrevocably changed.

GOOD TO KNOW

Although a new camp, the staff are seriously experienced and offer highly polished service and guiding having been in the Okavango Delta for years.

The Verdict

If you are looking for truly authentic experiences in the wild – then Karangoma will fit the bill, accompanied by a team of staff who are sincerely dedicated to make your trip the best it can be. I would be delighted to talk through my experiences at this wonderful camp to see if it works for your next safari.

Just back from
Beagle Expeditions Botswana

We explore deeper on a helicopter safari with Beagle Expeditions, a truly wild experience in remote and uninhabited parts of the Okavango Delta.

Botswana
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
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