Seba Camp: Our full report

Seba Camp was built in around 2006, and is situated on the south-western side of Botswana's Okavango Delta, in the same concession as the renowned Abu Camp.

This beautiful and relaxed camp overlooks a small lagoon, complete with (rather entertaining) resident hippos. When we visited, there was also a family of banded mongeese, which had become semi-habituated, and could therefore be viewed at close quarters. The camp is unusual in that there is no age limit for children (although obviously safari is not suitable for the very young due to the fact that this is a malarial area and the high risk nature of the surrounding environment), and it is well-equipped to cater for families.

Seba camp has five luxurious rooms, one of which is a rather unusual double-decker family room, sleeping four, complete with its own plunge pool, toybox and hide-away sandpit. They are all raised up on wooden decks and linked by sandy pathways.

Seba's main area consists of two open-sided wooden structures, one housing the dining room, and the other a lounge area. Both are decorated with traditional Botswanan basketwork and other local artefacts.

Comfortable sofas and armchairs define the lounge area, along with a small library of books and magazines. To the front is a circle of directors' chairs around a campfire, which is lit in the evenings. In front of the dining area is a small, well-stocked bar and further seating, where brunch is often eaten.

To the rear of the camp is another decked area with a few sunloungers and parasols, and a lovely small swimming pool: perfect for hot afternoons.

Seba Camp offers a variety of water and land activities, depending on the time of year, including guided walking. You may also get the chance to visit the Abu released elephants, which are used by Abu Camp for elephant back safaris. The reserve also acts as a base for a unique elephant research programme into elephant behaviour, pioneered by Randall Jay Moore, and backed by Bristol University. Whilst staying at Seba, you will have the opportunity to learn more about this project if you wish, as the guides and researchers are very willing to share their knowledge with you.

Geographics

Location: Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana

Ideal length of stay: 2-3 nights: – although we didn't have high expectations of the game in this area when we arrived, we saw plenty of antelope, elephants and buffalo. So whilst this isn't a top game camp, it's a lovely location for water-based activities and great for birding

Directions: Fly into Abu airstrip (approximately 30 minutes from Maun). The camp is only 5 minutes' drive away.

Key personnel

Owner: The camp is owned and managed overall by Randall Jay Moore. Wilderness have a marketing role only.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: The standard of food that we had at Seba on our last visit was excellent.

Brunch is a buffet-style affair, with a variety of dishes on offer. When we were last there we were served beef quiche with a selection of salads, fruit, cheese and crackers. In the evening we were treated to a barbeque and offered chicken kebabs, lamb chops and boerewors, accompanied by squash, creamed spinach, pap and onion marmalade - so again, lots of variety!

Meals usually follow the format of a light breakfast before your morning safari activity, brunch on your return, a tea-time snack before your evening activity, and then a full three course dinner on your return at around 8 pm.

The camp will cater to special requests if some notice is given, and will also prepare child-friendly meals if required.

Meals are served on the deck of the main lodge, which overlooks the lagoon, or are served in the shady area below, right next to the lagoon.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: Yes, save for champagne and premium-brand drinks. Special requests can be accommodated, if notice is given in advance.

Children

Attitude towards children: No age limit, which is unusual for camps in Botswana.

Equipment: Please note that the camp does not provide any special equipment such as cots or highchairs.

Generally recommended for children: Yes, within reason – and parents must be aware that this is an area of dangerous game, and so children must be supervised at all times.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: For all intents and purposes you should consider yourself out of contact. Communication is by radio only.

TV & radio: No - this is the bush!

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Maun (a 30 minute flight away). Camp managers are first-aid trained, and a comprehensive medical kit is kept on site.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: Each room is equipped with an alarm horn in case of an emergency, and guests are escorted after dark.

Fire safety: Each tent is equipped with a fire extinguisher.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Included.

Money: There are electronic safes in all the rooms.