Botswana: Okavango Expeditions' - New MmaTsebe Tented Camp north of Khwai

Okavango Expeditions

New MmaTsebe Tented Camp north of Khwai - opening Apr 2024  

Introducing the NEW MmaTsebe Tented Camp

Opening 1 Apr 2024 in Khwai

MmaTsebe Tented Camp is named after Mmatsebe, the iconic leopardess of Moremi – a leopard whose life became synonymous with Khwai.  Mmatsebe, meaning "ear marked", was loved by all and was quite the celebrity during her time in fact your photo of a leopard in Khwai could very much be that of Mmatsebe. Her cubs still roam the forests and floodplains of Khwai to this very day.

MmaTsebe Tented Camp Directors are all veterans of the Botswana tourism scene. Greg & Kelly Butler, formally of Khwai Private Reserve for 19 years, have vast experience in owning and operating first class camps and lodges.

Pieter Ann Sollitt and Clint Gielink have run Okavango Expeditions for 15 years & have a reputation of delivering simply some of the best safari experiences in the industry.  They have come together to create MmaTsebe Tented Camp and in the near future a circuit that brings exceptional quality at very reasonable rates.

The camp is situated approximately 8km north of Khwai Village along the Mbudi channel flowing from the Khwai River and the Okavango River further north.

The camp faces west offering iconic African sunsets.   Buffalo, elephant and hippo are regular residents in camp along with kudu, impala, lion, leopard, hyena and wild dogs.

Access to MmaTsebe Tented Camp is via air with the Khwai airstrip located a short drive from camp and road transfers from Maun, all intended to offer our guests a fabulous experience with very affordable rates.

The camp offers peaceful mekoro excursions along the Mbudi Channel in front of camp and game drives early morning and late afternoon into the Moremi Game Reserve.

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Botswana: Natural Selection Predator Conservation Wild Entrust

Natural Selection

A recent call to action from Botswana Predator Conservation (Wild Entrust) to conduct a de-snaring sweep, was in response to sightings of animals with snares in the Khwai Village and Mababe Village areas. A total of 6 wild dogs, 1 lioness, 3 hyena and 1 zebra had been reported as snared in the last few months. Although all of the animals (with the exception of 1 wild dog) were darted, snares removed and wounds treated - there was an urgent need to conduct a de-snaring sweep of the areas near the villages to ascertain the extent of the problem.

Snares are commonly used in developing countries (across Africa, South America and particularly Southeast Asia) as a means of acquiring “bushmeat” for human consumption. One of the many issues with snares, is that they are indiscriminate with many non-target species being caught. The species reported above are testament to this.

The de-snaring sweep was conducted over five days, between 27th June and the 1st July 2022, and was a joint operation with various government bodies and private entities (including Natural Selection and other tourism operators in the area). In total 108 snares were found.

Natural Selection supported this initiative financially as well as logistically from Khwai Private Reserve. Our concessions also play an important role in the protection that they afford a multitude of species - providing refuge for biodiversity, corridors for migration, buffers between wildlife and other land uses.

The swift support received for the de-snaring sweep, and the action taken from multiple stakeholders is a reminder that collectively we have an important role to play in protecting Africa’s wildlife and wild places. Collaboration is key!

Natural Selection Travel
Cirtech House
Stibitz Street
Westlake 7975
Cape Town
South Africa

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Natural Selection: An enriching 8 days Botswana safari experience

AN ENRICHING 8 DAY SAFARI EXPERIENCE…

More of us are making conscious decisions about travelling in a more eco-friendly, impactful, and ethical way. We want to connect with nature, with communities, and get a deeper understanding of the places we visit.

At Natural Selection we are proud to introduce our new 8-day Botswana Conservation Itinerary for those of you not only wanting a rich safari experience, but also wanting to see first-hand how responsible tourism can positively impact conservation and communities.

This conservation focused trip will take you deep into the heart of our sustainable safari operation, where you’ll stay at 3 of our luxury camps – Meno a Kwena, Little Sable and Mapula - and get greater insight into 5 projects we are involved in, and how they help us protect some of Africa’s last great wild places.

Your trip will be privately guided by a specialist guide, with deep experience in conservation and a passion about sharing their knowledge and wisdom with you.

We believe this trip will inspire you and give you a better understanding into how, together, we are helping to protect beautiful Botswana and its people.

Your trip will take you deep into the heart of our sustainable safari operation, where you’ll stay at 3 of our unique camps – Meno a Kwena, Little Sable and Mapula - and get greater insight into 5 projects we are involved in, and how they help us protect some of Africa’s last great wild places.

This exclusive conservation focused safari adventure, is an incredible opportunity for you to not only stay at our camps, but also to see the significant difference and impact your stay can have on the conservation of wildlife and the lives of the people living sustainably in and near wildlife areas.

Our exceptional safari guides have had years of experience in the wildlife and conservation space and are passionate about protecting it and teaching about it. Their personal and intimate understanding of the bush, conservation and community, will truly leave you inspired, giving you a better insight into how together we are helping to protect beautiful Botswana and its people.

MENO A KWENA

PROJECT 1: ELEPHANTS FOR AFRICA (EFA)

Elephants for Africa is situated on the north western edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. This conservation project is dedicated to enhancing human-wildlife coexistence in rural farming communities, which we believe is crucial to protect both the elephant and the communities in this wildlife area. The project focuses on mitigating human-wildlife conflict primarily through community workshopping and installing elephant proof fencing.

LITTLE SABLE

PROJECT 2: WILD DOG RESEARCH CAMP

The Wild Dog Research Camp sits within the Moremi Game Reserve, on the south eastern edge of the Okavango Delta. It is the most well established research centre in the Okavango, and has conducted over 30 years of research on wild dog packs, as well as members of the large carnivore guild, the lions, leopards and spotted hyenas. While the various projects supported by this centre are dispersed across the Okavango landscape, on your visit you’ll get to meet the dedicated resident researchers who are available to take you through some of the projects and showcase the importance of applied conservation in Botswana.

PROJECT 3: KHWAI COMMUNITY / VILLAGE

The Khwai community and village is situated on the eastern edge of the Khwai Private Reserve. It is here that we dedicate a lot of time and effort to implementing multiple community outreach initiatives in and around the settlement of Khwai village. This veritably reflects our goal of continuously improving the livelihoods of communities living alongside wildlife. And like it is for us, your visit and interaction with the community, will truly be an insightful and humbling experience.

MAPULA LODGE

PROJECT 4: ELEPHANT EXPRESS

The Elephant Express project is situated on the north eastern edge of the Okavango and is a wonderful solution to a complex human-wildlife conflict issue. The project transports vulnerable members of the community – children, elderly and the disabled – to school and clinics through dangerous elephant corridors. The Elephant Express helps to minimize human-wildlife conflict by creating a space within which elephants and people can co-exist more easily.

PROJECT 5: COMMUNAL HERDING FOR LIVESTOCK & WILDLIFE PROTECTION (CLAWS)

CLAWS has been set up in the north eastern edge of the Okavango Delta to support human wildlife conflict (HWC) mitigation. This communal herding program safeguards cattle, creates employment, reduces retaliatory killing of lions, and restores overgrazed landscapes. Here you will see first-hand how by facilitating a return to traditional herding practices, whereby a herder accompanies livestock, lion-livestock interactions are reduced and the perceived conflict between lions and farmers is alleviated. This initiative combines different herds, to reduce the costs of herding per household and achieves two incredible goals: it reduces retaliatory killing of lions, and it improves the grazing land for livestock herders through rotational grazing.

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Botswana: Stars of Africa's new camps

NEW COMMUNITY CONCESSION CAMPS OPEN IN BOTSWANA

Stars of Africa, a company that has a collection of safari camps, private game reserves, luxury hotels, beach retreats, and wine estates in Southern and Eastern Africa, has opened two exciting new camps in Botswana.

The first of these is the exciting African Excursions Guest House, which is in the Khwai Community Concession in the northeast of the Okavango Delta, adjacent to Moremi Game Reserve. The second is Mogogelo Camp, which is in a private, game-rich concession area on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta.

African Excursion Guest House offers comfortable accommodation in 7 classic thatched chalets with glass sliding doors, twin or double rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and a small deck area overlooking the garden. It offers a family-friendly way to explore the delta in one of Botswana’s most active wildlife areas.

Mogogelo offers 10 classic canvas suites, raised on wooden decks and with en-suite bathrooms and private decks. All have a view of the waterhole and the wildlife that visit it. Facilities at the camp include a thatched dining area with a bar, an outdoor lounge, a swimming pool, and a traditional fire pit looking toward the waterhole.

Both are easily reached from Maun which makes them convenient for any itinerary but also allows for self-drive use. Being in locally-owned concessions means that fees paid, go directly into benefiting the indigenous communities with facilities such as schools and clinics as decided by a community trust as well as providing employment.

There is a varied range of activities available within both camps' private concessions; day and night game drives, walking safaris with local guides, and mokoro (traditional canoe) rides dependent on seasonal water levels. African Excursion also offers full-day trips into the neighboring Moremi Game Reserve.

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Stars of Africa: Two new camps in the Okavango Delta & Khwai area in Botswana

New Camps in Botswana

Stars of Africa is delighted to announce the opening of two new camps in Botswana. Mogogelo Camp is a classic tented safari camp in a private concession (NG34) in the Okavango Delta. A Motswana-owned and run operation in northern Botswana’s illustrious wildlife territory, it brings an authentic edge and the engrained knowledge of the local Okavango Delta community.

Mogogelo is a classic tented safari camp in a private concession bordering Moremi Game Reserve. A Motswana-owned and run operation in northern Botswana’s illustrious wildlife territory, it brings an authentic edge and the engrained knowledge of the local Okavango Delta community. This is a classic, authentic Botswana safari experience.

Accommodation at Mogogelo is in 10 classic Meru-style canvas tents, raised on wooden decks and with en-suite bathrooms and private decks on each tent. All rooms stretch out alongside the communal area, and each has a view of the waterhole and the Okavango Delta wildlife that frequents the area in front of camp.

Each canvas tented bedroom has either a king-size or two twin beds with characteristic wooden frames and headboards, complete with crisp, white linen and mosquito canopies. Simply decorated with a practical wardrobe, writing desk, and bedside tables, rooms are functional, comfortable, in tune with the bush.

There are en-suite bathrooms at the back of each tent leading from the bedroom through a zip-up canvas door. Each has a shower, flushing toilet, and a basin set in a handcrafted wooden vanity station, complete with a mirror and a plug socket for electric shavers.

Game Drive

Discover the wild and unique landscape of the Okavango Delta on twice daily game drives, which depart at sunrise in the mornings and again in the late afternoon to overlap with sunset. Wildlife encounters include getting up close with elephant, buffalo, and lion, while the experience of having sundowners at a scenic spot in the bush mid-game drive is an iconic element of safaris in southern Africa.

Night Drive

Heading out in the game viewer after dark brings the night life of the Okavango Delta into focus. Night drives are only possible in the privacy of a concession, making this a sought after and special activity at Mogogelo. Leopards and lions are more active at night, while nocturnal creatures like civet, porcupine, honey badger, and jackal are likely to be seen, so this is one not to be missed.

Located in the Khwai Community Concession (NG19), African Excursions Guest House is in the north-eastern sector of the Okavango Delta and on the border of Moremi Game Reserve. Accommodated comfortably in thatched chalets, hosted, and guided by Setswana people who know this region best.

API integrations are available via Nightsbridge and ResConnect. Live availability can be found here.

Xaxaba Camp in the Okavango Delta (NG27B) has also joined my portfolio. Please contact me for updates on the camp.

Meru-style Tents

(6 rooms)

There are a maximum of 6 Meru-style tents individually set-up in a prime location overlooking the world-renown Chief's Island. Each of the tents sleeps 2 people, which means the camp can accommodate 12 people in total.

Activities

Walking Safaris to Chief's Island

This is the way to experience Chief’s Island in the Okavango Delta. On foot with a guide who knows the area like the back of his hand. Morning's start with a quick coffee, and then a 3 hour guided walk of the neighbouring chief's island, famed for its game viewing.

Mokoro Trips on the Channels of the Delta

The traditional dug-out wooden canoe utilised especially in the Okavango Delta. Silently gliding through the waterways, guides take guests closer to nature and to the wildlife in the Delta than ever before. Your guide will pole you through the tranquil waterways while you observe elephants from the water.

Sundowners in a Special Location

Guides will take you to an exquisite set-up on the sandy banks of the island to celebrate golden hour. Snacks, drinks and plenty of chatter will take place.

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Natural Selection: Every dog had its day | Дикие собаки Ботсваны

Natural Selection

Every dog had its day...

AS PART OF A VACCINATION AND STERILIZATION OUTREACH INITIATIVE IN NOVEMBER 2021, WE WORKED TOGETHER WITH THE MAUN ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (MAWS) & BOTSWANA PREDATOR CONSERVATION TRUST TO VACCINATE VILLAGE DOGS IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE AFRICAN WILD DOG POPULATION.

There may be some dispute about the appropriate name of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) - also referred to as African painted dog, African hunting dog and painted wolf - but there is no disputing that this is a species under threat. In fact, African wild dogs are the most endangered of Africa's iconic apex predators with a current IUCN status of endangered, and with future prospects looking precarious.

Apart from habitat fragmentation, one of the primary threats to the African wild dog is their susceptibility to viral diseases such as Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). CDV is easily transmitted from domestic dogs to African wild dogs. Unfortunately, African wild dog contact with human settlements (and their canine counterparts) is unavoidable, especially for a wide-ranging species in an increasingly fragmented environment. Inevitably, as villages grow so too does the domestic dog population. A further complexity is that villages in Ngamiland (North-West District of Botswana) are situated in wildlife management areas, further exacerbating the likelihood of encounters with African wild dog.

The recent illness and death of a wild dog close to Khwai Village, was a timely reminder of this ever-present viral threat and the need to take immediate action. A CDV outbreak could wipe out the wild dog population of the area, and as a matter of urgency, The Natural Selection Foundation funded a vaccination program for domestic dogs in villages closest to the Khwai Private Reserve.

It was coordinated and run by the Maun Animal Welfare Society and Botswana Predator Conservation Trust. They focused on the villages of Khwai, Mababe and Sankuyo. The community support and adoption of this disease management initiative is critical for managing not only the health of village dogs, but is an essential component of protecting Botswana's wildlife, National Parks, and Game Reserves. The vaccination program creates a “buffer zone” between domestic animal diseases and wild animal populations.

In total 87 dogs were administered a 5 in 1 vaccination which covers Canine Distemper, Adenovirus, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza. 79 dogs were vaccinated for Rabies and 3 dogs were sterilized.

From the beginning, Natural Selection has been about creating an excellent safari experience that gives back. Through the Natural Selection Foundation, we are fully committed to making a significant positive impact on the conservation of wildlife and on the communities living in and near wildlife areas of Africa. To do so we pledge 1.5% of every guests stay in our camps to conservation.

Natural Selection Travel
Cirtech House
Stibitz Street
Westlake 7975
Cape Town
South Africa

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Botswana: Natural Selection - Exploring Botswana's Diversity with 10 days safari

Natural Selection - Exploring Botswana's Diversity...

IF YOU’VE EVER WANTED TO DISCOVER ALL THE HIDDEN GEMS THAT BOTSWANA HAS ON OFFER, THEN OUR 10 DAY BOTSWANA EXPLORER TRIP IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.

It will take you deep into the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi National Park, where you will spend 10 glorious days exploring the abundant landscape, birdlife and wildlife in each area, gaining a deeper understanding for Botswana, its beauty and its people.

From game drives, houseboat adventures, bushman walks, hidden hides, scenic flights over the Okavango, ancient rock art, mokoro meanderings, nocturnal night drives, game viewing on horse back and community visits - this 10 day Botswana exploration will give you a wide and diverse variety of activities to experience and enjoy. 

DAY 1 - 2: OKAVANGO SPIRIT, OKAVANGO DELTA. 

Your trip will start in the tranquil 'Panhandle' area of the Okavango Delta in Northern Botswana, on the Okavango Spirit Houseboat. With serene waterways and phenomenal bird-watching, here you’ll enjoy peace and quiet, as you float along blissfully, spotting birds and wildlife from the comfort of your own bedroom. Enjoy a trip to Tsodilo Hils, to see one of the most significant rock art sites in Africa.

DAY 3 – 4: EXPEDITIONS CAMP, OKAVANGO DELTA.

Next, you’ll head by road to our mobile-tented camp set up in a private game concession in the Okavango Delta. This area offers some of the most incredible game viewing opportunities and is one of the best areas to see big cats and wild dog. You'll find yourself in a world of dry lands rising between vast wetlands and crystal clear water channels on the edge of mopane and apple-leaf woodlands. Perfect to weave your way around on mokoro or game viewing vehicle.

DAY 5 – 6: HYENA PAN, KHWAI PRIVATE RESERVE.

From here you’ll head to a remote airstrip and charter a small plane to Hyena Pan in the Khwai Private Reserve, 200 000-hectares of pristine wilderness. This cosy and comfortable tented camp overlooks a magnificent forest of cathedral mopane trees and a watery lagoon. One of the highlights of your trip will be hiding out in the ground-level hide near the waterhole. A favourite amongst guests and photographers and the perfect opportunity to get up-close-and-very-personal with all the wildlife.

DAY 7-8: MENO A KWENA, KALAHARI / BOTETI RIVER / MAKGADIKGADI NATIONAL PARK.

After this incredible experience, you will fly back to Maun and then take a short drive to Meno A Kwena, a refreshingly stylish tented camp, perched on a rocky clifftop above the Boteti River, overlooking the Makgadikgadi National Park. This offers spectacular scenery and unforgettable sunsets. Take a guided walk & cultural safari with the San Bushmen, discovering the natural world through their ancient eyes. 

DAY 9 – 10: ROYAL TREE LODGE, MAUN.

Your last day and evening will be spent at Royal Tree Lodge, only a 20-minute drive from Maun Airport, perfectly situated to get your COVID-19 testing done before flying home. Set in a private nature reserve on the banks of the Thamalakane River, you’ll discover an abundance of wildlife and activities to enjoy, while taking in the peace and tranquility of this beautiful reserve. 

10 days on safari in beautiful Botswana will leave you exhilarated, enriched by every experience and ready to come back for more! You'll discover that here the journey matters just as much as the destination and we guarantee you'll find happiness in both. 

For all enquiries & to find out more contact info@traveltonamibia.com

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Botswana: new Saguni Safari Lodge

#Botswana #SaguniSafariLodge #OkavangoDelta #MoremiEast #Khwai #mokorotrips

New luxury destination, Saguni Safari Lodge, to open in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
Saguni Safari Lodge, a new luxury tented camp, is due to open this year, date to be confirmed.

Situated in Moremi East, in the Okavango Delta, the lodge will be comprised of 6 standard tents and 8 luxury tents.

A honeymoon suite and a family room will also be available to guests. All the tents will boast en suite bathrooms and air conditioning.
The tents offer spectacular views as they will be located on the riverfront. The lodge will have two tents which will be easily accessible to disabled guests.

The name ‘Saguni’ is a bushman word for Khwai, meaning “an area with abundance of game”. Wildlife such as lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe can be seen in the area. Experience the amazing wildlife and spectacular sights of the region with open vehicle photographic safaris or walking safaris offered by the lodge. Night drives, cultural excursions and mokoro trips will also be available at Saguni.

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