About Little Machaba
Welcoming staff, a wildlife-rich setting and attention to detail are the hallmarks of the small yet classic Little Machaba.
Elegant without being ostentatious, this lovely camp fringing the Khwai River floodplains feels very much at one with its environment.
From the carefully designed tents to the pool deck perched right on the edge of the plains, it’s clear that Little Machaba’s independent owners have put a lot of thought into their camp.
Light-coloured canvas enhanced by unobtrusive lighting and wide mesh windows gives an airy feel that would have been the envy of earlier safari goers. And raised platforms ensure unrestricted views over the grassy plains, without separating guests from their surroundings.
It’s an intimate camp, too, with just four comfortable yet uncluttered tents – two set up for older families – linked by low wooden walkways to a lounge area that invites relaxation. To watch elephants grazing at dawn, or to soak in your open-air bath after the day’s adventures, is to gain a heightened awareness of the African bush.
Home to leopard, lion, wild dog and countless antelope, that wilderness awaits exploration by vehicle, by mokoro or even on foot. You’re close enough to Khwai village to pay the local community a visit too – or opt instead for a massage on your deck before a delicious dinner. The pace is gentle, the atmosphere unhurried.
Our view
Little Machaba is a lovely, intimate camp where the excellent hands-on management, thoughtfully designed tents and year-round good game (albeit in a fairly busy area) will make for a memorable stay. We think that it would suit small groups and families looking for something a little more exclusive than the norm.
Country manager: Botswana
Accommodation
4 rooms
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Little Machaba
10 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 4 pictures of Little Machaba to get the candid view.
View galleryLittle Machaba: Our full report
Overlooking the floodplains of the beautiful Khwai River, and within easy reach of Botswana's Moremi Game ...
... Reserve, Little Machaba is a small but classic safari camp in an area teeming with wildlife. It is independently run and – with a maximum of 8 guests (or 12 if exclusively booked) – both intimate and personal.
Built in a 1950s' style, Little Machaba was opened in 2016 and is located in the same game-rich area as its slightly larger sister camp, Machaba Camp, within the Khwai Community Concession.
The camp has just four tents: two standard en-suite tents and two with two bedrooms sharing a bathroom, making them ideal for families. All are built on wooden platforms and are connected to the main area by wooden walkways that meander between large trees. A good-sized veranda with a table and chairs is a great place to take in the views towards the river.
We consider that the tents at Little Machaba (and at its sister camps, Machaba Camp and Gomoti Plains Camp) in the Delta) feature one of the most well-thought-out designs of the many camps that we have visited over the years. From the natural light pouring through the large mesh sides in the bathroom to the use of a very light-coloured canvas and the position of lighting and mirrors, the tents were a joy to stay in.
In the bedrooms, muted safari tones of beige, grey and khaki form the backdrop for twin or double beds with bedside tables, two comfy chairs and a writing desk. The en-suite bathrooms each come with a shower, his and hers washbasins beneath large hanging mirrors, and a flushing toilet in a separate cubicle. Three of the tents also have an outside shower, and all have an outside bathtub.
The main area at Little Machaba consists of a tented lounge, bar and dining area, again built on raised wooden platforms with beautiful views across the river into Moremi Game Reserve. Breakfast and brunch are served at individual tables, with communal dining at one long table in the evening. There is also a library, an on-site spa therapist and a small swimming pool with sunloungers.
Activities at Little Machaba are varied, with day and night drives, walking safaris, mokoro excursions (water levels permitting) and community visits. The wildlife in the Khwai region is fantastic, with good populations of leopard, wild dog and lion. The camp is also close to the game-rich Moremi Game Reserve, so it's possible to explore both environments.
It's worth noting that the Khwai Community Concession, where many of your activities will take place, is shared by a number of camps and is also accessible to self drivers, so it tends to be busier than the private concessions in Botswana, especially between July and October. However, as in the private concessions (but unlike in the national parks and game reserves), you are allowed to take part in walking safaris and night drives, and the guides are allowed to drive off road to get a closer look at animals – so there are pluses as well as minuses.
We popped into Little Machaba only for a fleeting visit in November 2019, but last stayed in 2017. Although the camp staff were very friendly and attentive, our guide on that occasion was not particularly informative and we were decidedly underwhelmed – not least as we have generally experienced great guiding at the main Machaba Camp. When we mentioned this to one of the owners of Machaba, he followed it up directly, and we have been assured that standards are once more as we would expect.
Geographics
- Location
- Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 nights
- Directions
- It's roughly 30 minutes by light aircraft from Maun to Khwai airstrip, followed by a 20-minute game drive to camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Although we didn’t stay during our most recent visit, in November 2019, the standard of food at Little Machaba was very good on our October 2017 visit. With advance notice, the camp will cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. They will also prepare special meals for children, on request.
Before heading out on our morning activity, we tucked into a breakfast of cereal, yoghurt, muffins, toast and fresh fruit, with a cooked breakfast also available.
Brunch is served after your morning activity. We understand that there is usually a selection of hot and cold dishes with salads, rounded off by fruit and cheese.
After canapés of fried onion rings and homemade chutney, dinner was gazpacho with a freshly baked bread roll, followed by a delicious lamb curry with rice, sautéed vegetables and salad. Dessert was a light fruit salad on yoghurt with a shortbread biscuit. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Bush dinners, bush picnics, and private dining in your tent are available upon request.
- Drinks included
- Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers, spirits and a limited selection of generally South African wines are included. Champagne and premium or imported wines and spirits must be requested in advance, and will cost extra.
Guests are given a water bottle on arrival, which they are encouraged to top up from the filtered supply in the camp's main area. Each tent is provided with glasses and bottled water. We don't recommend that travellers drink from the tap
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Little Machaba welcomes children of 12 years and above. Families with younger children have the option to book exclusive use of the camp.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Minimum age 12, unless the whole camp is booked for exclusive use.
- Special activities & services
- Little Machaba likes to meet both parents and children before arranging activities, so these are organised with the managers on arrival.
- Equipment
- There are two very spacious family tents, but no specific equipment for children.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend Little Machaba for more mature children who are genuinely interested in wildlife.
- Notes
- Little Machaba is unfenced, and dangerous wildlife, including lion and leopard, can wander through the camp at any time. There is no fence around the pool. Children must be supervised by their parents at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Little Machaba
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Little Machaba have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
86% success
86% success
80% success
71% success
71% success
67% success
57% success
33% success
17% success
17% success
17% success
14% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator, and the camp has 24-hour electricity, with a charging station in each tent.
- Communications
- An emergency telephone is available for guest use at additional cost. Some guests may pick up cellphone reception, as Khwai Village is close by, but this is not always possible. Very weak and intermittent WiFi is available in the main area, but do not rely on this being available.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- All the tents have plumbed hot and cold running water for showers, and flushing toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Management and guides are first-aid trained and and guides carry field kits in their vehicles. The nearest doctors are a short flight away in Maun or Francistown. In an emergency, guests would be flown to Johannesburg, but please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight hours as the bush airstrips do not have any lighting at night.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted to their tents after dark as dangerous wildlife is known to wander through the camp. Fog horns' are provided in the tents to summon help in case of emergency.
- Fire safety
- Each tent has a fire extinguisher.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- There is a full laundry service, including underwear. Laundry is collected in the morning and usually returned the same day, weather permitting. Washing powder is provided in the bathrooms for guests who prefer to wash their smalls.
- Money
- There is a small safe in each tent that can fit travel documents, cash and wallets. No exchange facilities are offered.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted (with a surcharge); Diners and Amex are not. Cash in the form of South African rand, GB sterling, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula is accepted.
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Little Machaba's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Little Machaba.
Excursions from Little Machaba
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Little Machaba. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Helicopter Flight - Botswana
Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.
Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.
More about Helicopter FlightOther lodges in Moremi Game Reserve
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Private Mobile
The Botswana Private Mobile Safari has no fixed location; it's exclusive to your group and comes with a top professional guide. Expect comfortable camping, great food, and a superb wildlife experience wherever you decide to go.
Machaba Camp
Overlooking the Khwai River to Moremi Game Reserve beyond, the classic Machaba Camp combines comfort with excellent game viewing.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Located deep in Botswana's Okavango Delta, Xigera Camp normally focuses on mokoro excursions and motorboat trips, with 4WD game drives when water levels permit.
Xakanaxa
Camp Xakanaxa is a well-established traditional camp beside a huge lagoon within the Moremi Game Reserve, with access to some superb wildlife viewing.
Khwai Lediba
Khwai Lediba offers a traditional African safari experience, with very comfortable tented accommodation, in a fantastic game area north of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Sable Alley
Smart, independent and well-run, Sable Alley overlooks a beautiful, hippo-filled lagoon within the diverse Khwai Private Reserve.
Okuti
With an innovative design and good service, Okuti Camp offers game drives and boat trips in a beautiful, game-rich part of Moremi Game Reserve.
Mombo Camp
Mombo is one of Botswana's most exclusive safari camps, set in a beautiful, remote location within the Moremi Game Reserve and with exceptional game densities.
Chief's Camp
Chief's Camp is situated on Chief's Island, within the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve. Experience one of Botswana's top game-viewing areas by 4WD and mokoro.
Elephant Pan
Fairly rustic, and relatively inexpensive, Elephant Pan overlooks a natural waterhole that attracts an almost constant parade of animals.
Skybeds
Situated in a private reserve close to Moremi Game Reserve, Skybeds offers a simple yet wonderful opportunity to sleep under the stars and watch wildlife from your bed.
Camp Moremi
In one of the best locations for game viewing in Botswana, Camp Moremi sits at the tip of the Mopane Tongue, overlooking Xakanaxa Lagoon.
Little Mombo
One of Botswana's top safari camps, Little Mombo stands on the north side of Chief's Island, in the heart of the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve.
Little Sable
Little Sable camp is located in the Khwai Private Reserve – which borders the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe
Tuludi
Tuludi is a brand new luxury camp, within the Khwai Private Reserve, built on a site under giant leadwood trees and overlooking the Okavango Delta floodplains.
Mokete Camp
New for July 2023, Mokete has 9 luxurious tents, raised on platforms above the surrounding bush and offers an experience of the Kalahari Wilderness.
Sango Safari Camp
Sango offers comfortable tented accommodation, without some of the frills often found in Botswana's camps, with an area that's scenic and gets excellent, consistent game sightings.
Khwai Leadwood
Khwai Leadwood is a luxurious lodge located in the heart of the Khwai Community Concession, offering guests exceptional service, stunning scenery, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Monachira
A new lodge in Moremi Game Reserve, with a focus on water-based activities, the family-friendly Monachira will be opening in May 2025.
Tawana
An exclusive new lodge on the banks of the Gomoti River, Tawana has just eight very spacious suites.
When to go to Moremi Game Reserve
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Little Machaba in Moremi Game Reserve
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Moremi Game Reserve in January
January is the height of the rainy season in Moremi Game Reserve. Evening showers and occasional thunderstorms cool the air, making temperatures more comfortable than the peak heat of October to December. Wildlife disperses across the landscape, but the Khwai River area still offers good sightings of lions and elephants.
January is also an exceptional time for birdwatching, with migratory species abundant and breeding activity in full swing. The lush greenery creates stunning photographic opportunities, while mokoro excursions allow for tranquil exploration of waterways. Despite the rain, Moremi’s diverse ecosystems, including mopane forests and waterways, offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Lower visitor numbers mean better rates at camps and lodges.
- Warm with occasional heavy thunderstorms
- Spectacular birdlife throughout the reserve
- Wildlife dispersed in the floodplains and woodlands
- Good availability in camps and lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Moremi Game Reserve in February
February in Moremi Game Reserve sees the wet season continue, with heavy evening rains and cooling temperatures. The reserve is green and vibrant, alive with insects, smaller animals, and many animals are raising their young. The Xakanaxa Lagoon area is particularly rich in wildlife diversity at this time.
While thicker vegetation makes spotting larger animals more challenging, patient observers may encounter leopards or antelope species. Birdwatching remains a highlight, with over 500 species, including many in colourful breeding plumage. High water levels make boat trips a wonderful way to explore the intricate waterways of the Delta. Visitor numbers are low, offering a more intimate safari experience and better availability at luxury camps.
- Warm temperatures with some thunderstorms
- Abundant birdlife, including breeding species
- Wildlife raising young across the reserve
- Game viewing improving in central areas
- Low visitor numbers and good camp availability
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Moremi Game Reserve in March
March marks the end of the rainy season, with fewer storms and more sunny days. The landscape remains lush, and wildlife activity increases as animals finish raising their young. This is an ideal time for photography, with the green scenery providing dramatic backdrops.
While thick vegetation can still make wildlife spotting challenging, patient observers may be rewarded with sightings of predators like lions and leopards, especially in the Khwai River area. Birdwatching continues to be exceptional, with many migratory species still present. Water-based activities like boat cruises offer unique perspectives on the delta's wildlife. With fewer visitors, March provides a quieter, more exclusive safari experience in Moremi’s mopane forests to expansive floodplains.
- Variable weather, rains easing off with occasional thunderstorms
- Many animals finishing raising their young
- Excellent birdwatching and photography opportunities
- Few visitors and lower rates in camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Moremi Game Reserve in April
April in Moremi Game Reserve typically signals the end of the rainy season, with clearer skies and a vibrant green landscape. Night temperatures begin to drop, particularly in the southern areas of the reserve. Game viewing improves as vegetation starts to thin, making it easier to spot wildlife. This is also an excellent time for boat excursions, offering intimate encounters with aquatic wildlife and bird species.
Birdwatching remains highly rewarding, with many species still nesting or breeding. The Xakanaxa Lagoon area is especially rich in wildlife diversity during this period. With the shoulder season underway, visitors can enjoy better value at top camps. April strikes a wonderful balance of pleasant weather, diverse wildlife sightings, and fewer tourists.
- Cooler evenings with occasional showers
- Lush green landscapes after the rains
- Improved predator-prey interactions
- Quiet period with relatively low rates
- Water levels rising - ideal for boat safaris
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Moremi Game Reserve in May
May is one of the best months to visit Moremi Game Reserve. The annual floodwaters from Angola start to reach the Delta, creating ideal conditions for water-based safaris. Cooler mornings and evenings heighten predator activity, although tall grasses in some areas may still obstruct views.
The Khwai River and Chief’s Island are prime locations for spotting large herds of elephants and buffalo. Birdwatching remains excellent, with over 500 species recorded in the reserve. May is perfect for combining game drives and boat excursions, offering a diverse and rewarding safari experience. Clear, crisp evenings also provide outstanding stargazing opportunities. As shoulder season ends, value-conscious travellers should book early to secure availability at camps and lodges before peak rates apply.
- Cool mornings and evenings with little rain
- Game viewing improves as grasses thin
- Increased predator activity in the reserve
- Final month of shoulder season - rates still reasonable
- Availability becomes limited as demand rises
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Moremi Game Reserve in June
June marks the start of the dry season in Moremi Game Reserve. Mornings and evenings are cool, sometimes reaching freezing at night, while daytime temperatures rise to 25-30°C/77-86°F with clear skies. The air clarity is excellent for photography. As surface water diminishes, wildlife starts to congregate around remaining water sources.
Game viewing improves significantly throughout Moremi, but especially in the Khwai River area and around Xakanaxa Lagoon. June is perfect for night drives, which are possible in areas outside the reserve. Birdwatching remains excellent, with many water birds concentrated around permanent water bodies. With peak season approaching, many camps and lodges are becoming much busier and so booking well in advance is wise.
- Warm days, cold nights in Moremi
- Excellent conditions for wildlife photography
- Animals congregating around water sources
- Vegetation thinning, improving visibility
- Peak season starts, rates increase
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Moremi Game Reserve in July
July in Moremi Game Reserve offers cool mornings and evenings, combined with excellent game viewing. The thinning vegetation and concentration of wildlife around water sources make this one of the best months for safari experiences. The Khwai River area and Chief's Island are particularly rewarding, with high chances of spotting big cats and large herds of elephants and buffalo.
Water-based activities like motorboat cruises on the permanent waterways provide unique wildlife viewing perspectives. Birdwatching remains excellent, with large concentrations of water birds. July is ideal for photography, with clear skies and animals gathering at waterholes. Night drives offer opportunities to spot nocturnal species.
- Comfortable days, cold nights in the reserve
- Excellent game viewing as vegetation recedes
- Khwai area becomes busy with visitors
- Private concessions offer exclusive experiences
- Peak season with high rates in most camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Moremi Game Reserve in August
August is a popular time to visit Moremi Game Reserve, coinciding with peak safari season. Temperatures are generally cold at night and comfortable during the day, rising towards month-end. Wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, making game viewing exceptional.
The Khwai River area offers excellent predator sightings, though can be very busy with travellers. August is one of the best times to experience the delta floods at their peak, ideal for boating safaris. Birdwatching is rewarding, with large concentrations of water birds. The clear, dry conditions create spectacular sunsets and stargazing opportunities.
- Dry, warm days and cool nights in Moremi
- Fantastic wildlife watching, especially in the Delta
- Okavango flood waters typically at their peak
- Stargazing opportunities on clear nights
- High rates and limited availability in camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Moremi Game Reserve in September
September in Moremi Game Reserve sees warming daytime temperatures while nights remain cool. The dry conditions create a hazy atmosphere, resulting in stunning sunsets. Game viewing is excellent, with large numbers of elephants and buffalo congregating in the Khwai River area and around Xakanaxa Lagoon. Predator sightings are frequent, especially around water sources.
September is ideal for walking safaris and night drives, offering unique wildlife encounters outside the borders of the reserve. Birdwatching remains rewarding, with migrant birds beginning to return. Water-based activities provide close encounters with aquatic wildlife whilst the clear night skies offer excellent stargazing opportunities.
- Warmer days, cool nights in the reserve
- Prime month for wildlife viewing in Moremi
- Large elephant herds visible near water
- Hazy conditions create dramatic sunsets
- Peak season rates, many lodges fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Moremi Game Reserve in October
October is one of the hottest and driest months in Moremi Game Reserve. The lack of water and vegetation results in excellent big-game viewing, particularly around the remaining water sources. Water levels are lower, limiting some water-based activities, but concentrating wildlife for easier viewing.
October is excellent for walking safaris and night drives, both possible outside the park, which provide unique perspectives on the Okavango’s ecosystems. Birdwatching remains rewarding, with many migrant species arriving. The dry, hazy conditions create dramatic landscapes and stunning sunsets, ideal for photography. The most luxury provide comfortable and cool bases for exploring the reserve during this intense wildlife period.
- Hot days, chance of rain late in the month
- Excellent big game viewing opportunities
- Water activities limited as flood waters recede
- Last month of peak season in Moremi camps
- Migratory birds begin to arrive in the reserve
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in October
Moremi Game Reserve in November
November usually marks the end of the dry season in Moremi Game Reserve, with increasing temperatures and humidity often culminating in the first rains. These short, heavy showers bring a flush of green to the landscapes. Wildlife begins to disperse as water becomes more available, but game viewing still remains very good.
November is fantastic for birdwatching, with the arrival of many migrant species. The first rains create spectacular skyscapes and rainbows, offering unique photographic opportunities. Water levels start to rise, gradually improving conditions for mokoro excursions. The prices at luxury camps reduce to shoulder-season levels, offering bargains for value-conscious travellers wanting to balance of wildlife viewing and comfort.
- Hot days, sometimes humid in Moremi
- Increasing likelihood of rain as month progresses
- Wildlife less concentrated but still good viewing
- Arrival of migratory birds enhances birdwatching
- Shoulder season begins, rates become lower
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Moremi Game Reserve in December
December in Moremi Game Reserve sees the continuation of the rainy season, bringing some relief to the high temperatures. While game viewing becomes more challenging as wildlife disperses, great sightings can still be had in key areas. The landscape transforms with lush vegetation, creating beautiful scenery. December is excellent for birdwatching, with migratory birds in full attendance and many species breeding.
The rejuvenated waterways enhance boat safari experiences, offering unique perspectives on the Delta's ecosystem. Afternoon thunderstorms create dramatic skies, perfect for landscape photography. Luxury camps offer lower season rates, providing excellent value for experiencing Moremi's diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes during this vibrant time of year.
- Temperatures cooling from October-November highs
- High chance of rain, usually short heavy storms
- Birds in breeding plumage and often including migrants
- Wildlife more dispersed
- Low-season rates available in most camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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