“Mapula” which means goddess of rain, is named after its owner, a local Motswana lady – who took it the pre-existing camp around May 2006. This lodge occupies a stunning position set on the edge of seasonal floodplains, and overlooking a permanent lagoon complete with resident hippos – we counted 17 on one visit here!
The staff are employed from local villages, which is refreshing, and the camp managers, Dr and Tsoghang, are both from Botswana. Mapula Lodge has a nice family-feel to it, and combined with the staff's welcome and enthusiasm, you'll quickly feel at home here. Special mention goes to the groundsman, “4x4”, who is aptly named, and always on the go making sure the lodge is spic and span.
The central area of Mapula Lodge is a lovely traditional thatched affair, with a comfortable lounge and dining area, small library, curio shop and large deck where you can sit in the shade of an ancient African ebony. On a lower deck there is a small pool (very refreshing) with sun-loungers and shady spots for taking a nap in the afternoon. Nearby, the bush bar is a gathering point for pre-dinner drinks and recounting the day's safari tales.
Mapula has nine twin chalets, which can be converted to doubles, and it is also possible to request an extra bed if there are parents travelling with a child. Read more about the chalets at Mapula Lodge.
Mapula Reserve is a private concession slightly north of the renowned Vumbura concession in the Okavango Delta, in an environment that's very similar to that found at Vumbura. Although the Okavango's main buffalo fence runs through part of the Mapula reserve the game seems to largely ignore it and easily pass from one side to the other through the many gaps along this stretch. Game drives operate on both sides of the fence, although the range which game drives cover varies depending on flood levels. We are told that there are plans to move the fence to the northern boundary of the concession in the near future.
Visiting in October '07 and again in May '09 we found the wildlife on both sides of the buffalo fence very varied - we saw red lechwe, impala, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, steenbok, waterbuck, reedbuck, porcupine, hyena, jackal, genet, caracal and lion!! The real highlight of our first stay here was a pack of wild dogs which were denning for the second time that year - unusually the Beta female had given birth just a few weeks prior. The highlight of our second visit was a fantastic sighting of a young leopard who was very relaxed in the presence of our vehicle. Buffalo and elephant are also permanent residents in this reserve. The birding was also excellent, and plenty of species could be spotted from your room's own balcony, as they are well-positioned amongst riverine vegetation, with views of the permanent lagoon not far away.
Activities here focus on day and night game drives, mokoro (dug-out canoe) trips and guided walks. The guiding here is impressive – Dix, Josiah and Mat are extremely knowledgeable, experienced guides and are ably assisted by their trackers. The game vehicles are open-sided and sit a maximum of 9 people. In the hotter summer months (Sept to April) each vehicle usually has a canvas roof fitted to block out some of the sun's heat.
In conclusion, when we visited Mapula Lodge it had a very relaxed and informal atmosphere in comparison to some of the more top-end Okavango lodges – and we liked it very much. The wildlife, guiding and atmosphere were all very good. On our first visit in October '07 we felt that the only thing that let Mapula Lodge down slightly was the quality of its food, which was variable. We found this much improved on our visit in May '09 and enjoyed all the tasty, homely meals.
Central facilities: The main area of Mapula Lodge is large, with a great viewing deck overlooking the nearby permanent lagoon. There is a comfortable lounge and dining area, small library, and curio shop. There is also a refreshing small pool with sun-loungers and shaded areas. There is a bush bar nearby, where you can help yourselves to drinks whenever you like.
Directions: Mapula lodge is a 40-minute light aircraft flight from Maun, followed by game drive to the lodge lasting approximately 30-minutes depending on what wildlife you see on the way.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Staff: Managers are Dr and Tsoghang Guides are Josiah, Mat and Dix Trackers are Jo, Simon, Patrick and Mike
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: Early morning breakfast before your first activity of the day is a basic buffet affair. You help yourself to a selection of cereals and muesli, along with yoghurt and fruit salad. Toast with jam and other spreads is also offered, along with coffee and tea.
On your return, an early lunch is served – when we recently visited we enjoyed a hearty meal of meatballs with couscous and kidney bean salad, followed by cheese and biscuits and fruit. Before your afternoon game drive tea is served, usually a savoury snack and a freshly baked cake, along with rooibos iced tea, or hot tea and coffee.
Dinner is a full three-course affair, and as with all meals here, everyone eats together. When we visited recently, we were served a starter of butternut soup with a fresh bread roll, then roast chicken, potatoes and vegetables for our main course, and pecan nut pie with lemon cream for pudding.
In past visits we have found the food here variable - all dishes were perfectly edible but the average standard was a step down from the quality of meal we have experienced in most other lodges in Botswana. Whilst meals here are certainly still not gourmet, in a later visit we found the standard to be much improved and enjoyed tasty, wholesome fare.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Soft drinks, bottled water, spirits, local beers and a selection of (generally) South African wines are included. Imported wines and spirits and champagne cost extra – and need to be requested in advance.
Special interests
Birdwatching: The birding in Mapula Reserve is great and you can happily sit on your balcony at Mapula Lodge and spot a wide range of birdlife. To name a few, on our last visit we saw African paradise flycatcher, wattled crane, saddle-billed stork, brown snake eagle, wattled starling, Meyer's parrot, lesser grey shrike, ostrich and carmine bee-eater.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for birdwatching in Botswana
Wildlife safaris: There is plenty of plains game in Mapula Reserve including zebra, kudu, impala, steenbok, waterbuck, buffalo, lechwe, reedbuck and giraffe. Also present are elephant, jackal, baboon, monkey, lion and leopard. On our recent visit to Mapula Lodge we found a pack of wild dogs with their pups – unusually the beta female had also recently given birth to a second litter. On our night drives we saw porcupine, caracal, bush baby spring hare and genet.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for wildlife safaris in Botswana
Children
Attitude towards children: The camp welcomes children aged 8 years and above. Younger children may be accommodated on special request.
Age restrictions: Families on safari with children under 8 years old will be required to take a private vehicle for all game drive activities. Children under 12 may join mokoro excursions at the manager's discretion. Only children aged 16 years and over may join the usual walking safaris. Shorter walks in the vicinity of Mapula Lodge may be arranged with the manager for younger children.
Activities: No special activities are offered.
Equipment: No special equipment is available.
Generally recommended for children: Yes, for children of over 12 years of age.
Notes: Mapula Lodge is very open with dangerous wildlife walking through the camp, so children will need constant and close supervision by adults.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: For most purposes, consider yourself out of contact here. There is no mobile reception and no email. Satellite phone contact can be made with Maun in an emergency.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The camp managers and guides are first-aid trained and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept at camp. The nearest doctor is in Maun, a 40-minute flight away.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Because of the Okavango's large population of dangerous game, and the fact that Mapula Lodge is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after dark.
Fire safety: You will find fire extinguishers on the balconies of all the rooms.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included (including underwear, as washing is done by machines).
Money: No exchange facilities are offered. There are key-operated safe deposit boxes in the rooms.
Accepted payment: No credit cards are accepted. Cash in the form of Rand, £, $, Euros and Botswana Pula are accepted for any extras.
Mapula Lodge review
We really enjoyed the rustic style of the lodge, although maintenance is very necessary and we understand this is due to commence next year. The wooden bridge that gives access to the lodge was grim t...
Great start to our safari at Mapula Lodge
We had 3 nights at Mapula Lodge in November 2009 - our first camp of 3 on this trip - and from the moment that Josiah and John picked us up at the airstrip we had a fabulous time. The camp and guiding...
Beautiful place in the delta
Beautifully situated in the the Okavango delta…. Met by Dicks & Simon on the airstrip in the middle of nowhere! Quite an individual camp. The most rickety, bone-shaking bridge you are ever likely to c...
We want you to understand more about Mapula Lodge. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Mapula Lodge website Click here to read further information and see some more images of Mapula Lodge.
