Banoka Bush Camp

Named after the Banoka people or river Bushmen, who first settled in the Okavango Delta, Banoka Bush Camp is one of Botswana's newer safari camps, having opened in late 2010. Situated in a former hunting concession and overlooking a lagoon connected to the Khwai River, Banoka lies in the Khwai Community Concession, close to the northern border of Moremi Game Reserve.

Our view of Banoka Bush Camp

Following our first visit to Banoka Bush Camp in March 2011, and subsequent return in November 2011, we came away with mixed views. The accommodation and main area are of a very high standard with a fantastic swimming pool area and an expansive, open space in front. The food was very nice, the staff friendly, the guiding good and the management always attentive. It's also good value, compared with what you'll often have to pay for a similar-standard camp in the Moremi / Okavango Delta area.

However, the lack of game around camp, and the need to drive far to find it, is the camp's main drawback. We do have reports of animals in the area – for example wild dogs were seen passing through in late May 2011 – but even so we think that game densities have some way to go before sightings will be consistently good. Travellers should be aware that Banoka is sometimes used for groups touring through Botswana, which might not appeal to individual travellers.