Although in the same concession as Jacana, Kwetsani and Jao – the landscape in this area is very different to that of those other primarily water-based camps. This particular area of Botswana's Okavango Delta is much drier and so offers access to large areas of acacia and mopane woodland. Water-based activities are usually possible when the Okavango's flood waters are high, but for the rest of the year, game activities are limited to day and night game drives and walks. Note that if you're staying in the Jao Reserve for more than a few days, then you have the option when you make a booking to include a night or two 'sleeping out' in a simple campsite in the bush.

Tubu Tree has a special atmosphere – it is a traditional tented safari camp situated in a lovely spot, and has a very relaxed and down-to-earth feel. There are beautiful views from Tubu's raised bar and lounge area across the surrounding plains, and the restaurant is large and airy. There is a wooden walkway which leads down to some sun-loungers and an appealing plunge pool (see our slide show on the right for pictures). There is also the “loo with a view” which is a very nice spot in itself!

The five high-ceilinged tents are stylish and have been built on raised decks. Each room has a lovely verandah with wonderful vistas – the wall of the tent which opens out onto these decks is completely gauzed and the beds face out in this direction too. The outside shower also affords great views, although each room has an inside shower for when the weather is chilly.

The flora and fauna present in this area is varied, although lion stands out as being the dominant predator. Other species present include leopard, elephant, tsessebe, giraffe, kudu and impala; bird-watching is very good. Moa was our guide during our stay at Tubu Tree and was excellent. He is also a very talented photographer – if you do visit, ask him to show you some of his recent pictures.

Click on a link for more details of:
Tented Chalet at Tubu Tree Camp

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 5

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: 3 nights.

Central facilities: Tubu Tree's main lodge comprises a large open deck looking out over a picturesque floodplain, a comfortable lounge area with leather sofas, a small library and polished bar and “help yourself” refrigerator built in the shade of a marula tree. A very appealing small pool is accessed down a wooden walkway along with sun loungers and umbrellas. There is a scope on deck for guests' use and there are also various well-crafted traditional carvings dotted around. The camp also offers a curio shop and boma area where a fire is lit in the evenings and early mornings.

Geographics

Location: Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana

Directions: Fly-in. Transfers to Tubu Tree are by game vehicle.

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Marketed and managed by Wilderness Safaris.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: Food at Tubu Tree is served buffet-style and was of very good quality during our most recent stay in November. Early morning breakfast is served on the deck where you can watch the sun rise. We were served cereal, fruit, muffins, tea and coffee, which was just right for lining the stomach before our game drive. A cooked breakfast was then offered at “brunch-time”, along with cheeses, banana curry, avocado salad, fruit salad, freshly baked bread and a variety of other dishes. At tea time iced tea and savoury snacks are served, along with fresh cakes. A three-course main meal accompanied by a choice of red and white wine is also served in the evenings. On Monday nights, Wilderness camps organise “cultural evenings” where traditional fare is served up and you are treated to a performance by the staff – usually traditional dance or singing. Vegetarians and any other special requirements can be catered for if notice is given.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: No - this is a safari camp!

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of (usually) South African red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits will cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.

Children

Attitude towards children: Generally children are welcome but please take into account the restrictions below.

Age restrictions: Children of 12 years of age and over are accepted in camp. Tubu Tree may accept slightly younger children at their discretion – this must be arranged in advance.

Activities: Not really, although special kids' meals can be arranged.

Equipment: No special equipment is available.

Generally recommended for children: Please see our comments below.

Notes: Tubu Tree is a very open camp with dangerous wildlife in the area. The rooms, walkways and balconies are on stilts and would therefore not be suitable for small children.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: For all intents and purposes you should consider yourself out of contact. There is no mobile reception, no direct phone or fax and no email – this is the bush! In an emergency contact can be made with Maun via radio.

TV & radio: There is no TV or radio - this is the bush!

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: All camp managers are first-aid trained and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept at camp. In more serious cases of illness, Wilderness have an affiliated nurse who is based in Maun and can always be contacted for further medical advice. In an emergency, camps can arrange for clients to be flown out.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: Because of the Okavango's large population of dangerous game, and the fact that Tubu Tree is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after dark. Alarms, sirens or whistles are provided in the rooms in case of an emergency.

Fire safety: There are extinguishers on the balconies of all rooms. There is no fire drill as such.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included, save for the washing of underwear. Washing powder is provided in the bathrooms for this purpose.

Money: No exchange facilities are offered. There are safe deposit boxes in the rooms.

Accepted payment: Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Diners and Amex are not. No commission is charged on credit card transactions. Rand, £, $, Euros and Botswana Pula are accepted.

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