Karangoma: Our full report

Karangoma is in the northeastern region of the Okavango Delta, within the expansive KAZA Transfrontier Park.

This park spans over 500 square kilometers across Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, dwarfing the state of California in size and nearly equivalent to France's land area. Karangoma sits centrally within this area, at a crucial juncture where the waters of the Okavango Delta meet the expansive northern woodlands. As a result, the camp is surrounded by a diverse range of habitats, abundant wildlife species and birds, and takes full advantage of this varied terrain in offering a wide array of safari experiences.

Extending into the Okavango’s floodplains from its shady site in the forest, Karangoma is an intimate camp, with only six spacious tented suites – including one for families. Raised on low wooden decks to allow for high flood years, the classic safari exteriors make way for modern interiors inspired by local Hambukushu basketry patterns. They are stylish and understated with comfortable beds and small lounge; large mesh windows afford panoramic views and a welcome breeze, and ensuite bathrooms which feature both indoor and outdoor showers. All round, the tents make a great spot for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of adventure in the wilderness.

Neat, winding paths lead to the central tent where guests meet for drinks, shared meals and campfire stories of an evening. With a maximum of 14 guests in camp at any time, its small size leads to laid-back socialising, and the team here are always on hand to talk about the area, wildlife and community.

For safari activities, the camp’s location between woodlands to the north and the Delta’s floodplains allow for both land and water-based activities. Safari game drives (day and night) are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles, providing opportunities to observe Africa's most iconic large mammals. Walking safaris, tracking animal prints, learning about the flora, and exploring the surroundings with incredibly knowledgeable San trackers make for enlightening trips and a welcome chance to stretch your legs. And for a truly memorable Okavango experience, occasional refreshing dips in the waters of the delta are possible! Depending on the season, the Magweqgana Channel also offers the chance to enjoy boat rides or mekoro trips (traditional canoes), affording super sightings of red lechwe and wetland birdlife.

The wildlife is diverse here. For those keen on predators: there are two resident packs of wild dogs in the area, one with a healthy 14-strong population, who make for exciting tracking and fast-paced game drives if you’re lucky to spot them hunting impala and reedbuck. There are also prides of lion patrolling the area and leopards in the established forests behind camp. You can expect to see a good range of herbivores, with particularly high densities of elephant and zebra. Buffalo, wildebeest and lechwe also occur in good numbers here. By the water, the birdlife is super with colourful kingfishers and waders in evidence.

Unlike most safari camps, Karangoma offers visitors real chance to interact in a meaningful way with the local Bukakhwe San community, who are partners in the safari camp. The camp has a real commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism practices, and is committed to employing members of the Bukakhwe clans. In conjunction with local NGOs, Karangoma is working to help local people protect their livestock, access better veterinary care and manage grazing more effectively – thus reducing cattle losses in the community and allowing the wildlife population to thrive. There is a genuine opportunity here to witness these conservation efforts first-hand – so you can gain an insight into satellite-collared lion movements and the frequency with which community cattle are at risk from wildlife interactions. Guests can take time with their guide to visit Gudigwa village (30km), see the cattle boma, engage with herdsmen and learn about techniques used to prevent lion preying on livestock. If you’d like to spend more time with the community, Karangoma will arrange a fly-camp on request, to providing an insight into village life alongside wild animals.

Karangoma offers not only an terrific safari experience but also a chance to contribute to the preservation of the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Okavango Delta. So whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, tranquil moments in remote wilderness, or cultural immersion, Karangoma promises an authentic safari experience in Botswana.

Our view

With only 6 tented suites, Karangoma is an intimate safari camp, classically built with contemporary finishes to keep you comfortable, and a local team that warmly welcomes you into their ‘backyard’. It’s a place where time is taken to appreciate and understand northern Botswana’s wilderness surroundings. A rare camp for genuine San experiences and gaining a real insight into conservation initiatives aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict.

Tracy Lederer

Country manager: Botswana

Geographics

Location: Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
Ideal length of stay: 3 nights at Karangoma works well given the diverse range of habitats to explore, however, if you plan on spending a full day on activities at Gudigwa, the Bukakhwe San village, or would like to fly-camp, then we’d recommend you stay for 4 nights. Karangoma also combines well with 3-4 nights at its sister camp Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe.
Directions: Karangoma is accessed by light aircraft from either Kasane or Maun (25 minutes), landing at Vumbura bush airstrip; it is then a helicopter flight from the airstrip to the camp. Helicopter transfers from Maun (10-12 minutes) are also possible, with super Delta views from low-level flying.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: With Karangoma yet to open, we haven’t had the chance to sample its culinary delights, but we’ve stayed at its sister camp in Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe dozens of times and enjoyed delicious, home-cooked meals so we expect the same high standards.

Meals will follow the traditional safari pattern of a dawn campfire bite, followed by a filling brunch after your morning safari activity. Afternoon tea of savoury and sweet treats at 3 o’clock, before heading out for your afternoon activity, and finally a social, communal dinner in the evening, often under the stars.

Dietary requirements can be catered for but must be shared in advance due to the remote nature of the camp.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: There is no room service at Karangoma.
Drinks included: All drinks that are stocked in camp.
Guests are given a water bottle that is filled up for them before activities etc. Bottled water is available on request.

Special interests

Cultural experiences: Karangoma has the local Bukakhwe San at its heart. The lodge is a genuine partnership with the San community and there are excellent opportunities to learn about their culture and lifestyle here, as well as the challenges of living alongside wildlife. At Karangoma, you can learn about how the ingenious measures being employed to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and learn about the collective measures being taken to promote conservation in the area. It is also possible to fly-camp in the village for a night of your stay at Karangoma.; See ideas for Cultural experiences
Walking safaris: Karangoma is a small, classic tented camp with great herbivore densities, especially zebra and elephants; it offers walking and San tracking – and is a good camp for walking safaris in Botswana.; See ideas for Walking safaris

Children

Attitude towards children: Children aged 8 years and older are welcome at Karangoma, though they must be over 12 to participate in walking safaris and mokoro trips.
Property’s age restrictions: 8 years +
Equipment: Karangoma has 1 family tent.
Generally recommended for children: Yes – but it's really best for older children who are also sensible and careful, ideally at least 10 years old, and will enjoy both the wildlife and interactions at the village.
Notes: Children must be supervised at all times by their parents/guardians, as predators wander freely through camp.

Communications

Communications: There is no cellphone reception or internet, but a satellite phone and radio are in place for emergencies only.
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Borehole

Sustainability

Bukakhwe San Community Development

At Karangoma, the most important component of conservation is their partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan and their commitment to conservation through reduced human-wildlife conflict.

This community live alongside wildlife and have often lost crops to elephants or livestock to lions and other predators. Working in partnership with a local NGO to introduce innovative herding and veterinary techniques, the team from Karangoma and the community hope to reduce stock loss and improve herd health. They have also introduced a sophisticated early warning system using satellite collars placed on lions so that local farmers on this northern edge of the Okavango now rarely lose cattle to stock-raiding lions.

From every guest’s booking, US$50 per person, per night is paid into the Community & Conservation fund which directly benefits community projects like this one.

In addition, Karangoma is committed to community training and employment in camp, and focuses some activities on the impressive traditional skills of the people. From the incredible wildlife tracking of the guides to the traditional music of the Bukakhwe people, there is much to be celebrated here.

See more great sustainability projects in Botswana

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: Senior staff and guides have medical first-aid training. The nearest medical facility is in Maun and the camp has links to a flying- doctor service.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Fire safety

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Karangoma only has a limited laundry service.
Money: There is no currency exchange here.
Accepted payment on location: If you wish to tip, which is optional, then bring cash with you. Cash is accepted in any major currency.