“Mapula” which means goddess of rain, is named after its owner, a local lady – who took it over relatively recently, around May 2006. This lodge occupies a stunning position set on the edge of seasonal floodplains, and overlooks a permanent lagoon complete with resident hippos – we counted 17 on our recent visit here!
The staff are employed from local villages, which is refreshing, and the camp manager, Dudu, is from near Gaborone. The lodge has a nice family-feel to it, and you can really get to 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. There is a nice small pool (very refreshing) with sun-loungers and shady spots for taking a nap in the afternoon. Next to this is the bush bar, where you can enjoy a few gin and tonics in the evening.
Mapula has nine twin rooms, which can be converted to doubles, and it is also possible to request an extra bed if there are parents travelling with a child.
Mapula Reserve is a private concession slightly north of Vumbura in the Okavango Delta, in an environment that's very similar to Vumbura. It is unusual in that the Okavango's main buffalo fence runs through the middle of it - although when we last visited this was in disrepair, and the game seems to largely ignore it. 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 the wildlife on both sides of the buffalo fence was very varied - we saw red lechwe, impala, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, steenbok, waterbuck, reedbuck, porcupine, hyena, jackal, genet, caracal, leopard and lion!! The real highlight of our 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. 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 trips and guided walks. The guiding here is impressive - Dix and Doctor are extremely knowledgeable and are ably assisted by their trackers, Jo and Simon. The game vehicles are open-sided with canopy-roofs, and sit a maximum of 9 people.
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 was very good, and perhaps the only thing that Mapula down slightly was the quality of its food, which was variable.
We hope that this will get better as Mapula Lodge receives more visitors, but in the meantime don't come here expecting gourmet cuisine.
Central facilities: The main 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 nice small pool (pretty cold when we visited!) with sun-loungers and shaded areas. Next to the pool is the bush bar, where you can help yourselves to drinks whenever you like.
Directions: Mapula lodge is a 40-minute flight from Maun, and then approximately a 30-minute game drive to the lodge.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
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 mushrooms in filo pastry, then lamb chops, rice and vegetables for our main course, and tiramisu for pudding.
It has to be said that overall we did find 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.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No
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 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: 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 here 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 in Botswana
Children
Attitude towards children: The camp welcomes children and there are currently no age restrictions, although an age limit of 8 years may be introduced for 2008.
Age restrictions: None currently, although this may change shortly.
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.
TV & radio: No radio or television!
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The camp manager is 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.
