Mokolwane: Our full report

Taking the local name for the tall palm trees that pepper the Okavango Delta, Mokolwane is a simple tented camp.

Seven rooms built up on stilts have sweeping views of a seasonal floodplain and wildlife in abundance. The only safari camp in a 1,800km2 private wilderness, the tapestry of woodlands and floodplains is rich in wildlife can be viewed in relative seclusion and in the company of informative guides.

Mokolwane is a small camp with a secluded location in a private wilderness spanning 1,800km2. The only other camp sharing this concession is a film camp – the base of National Geographic and Netflix big cat filmmaker Brad Bestilink and his team. That means many of the predators here are habituated to vehicles, often allowing for long, relaxed and close encounters. Yet you’ll share these sightings with few to no other vehicles – a situation that’s becoming more unusual, even in Botswana’s private reserves.

Set on a tree island, on the edge of the Matsebi channel, Mokolwane’s seven tented rooms are built high on stilts and nestled amongst jackalberry, mangosteen and palm trees. Six of the tents and the main areas overlook the floodplain, whilst the seventh (the family room) has views through a tranquil woodland.

During the flood (about June to September) the Okavango Delta waters replenish the channel, and the camp overlooks a pretty lagoon. This then dries up to become an open grassland with a central waterhole. Throughout the seasons the floodplain is a magnet for wildlife and a variety of animals and birds can be seen from camp.

Mokolwane is a simple camp with stretch canvas and wooden frame structures. From each room’s private viewing deck, sliding mesh doors open to a high-ceilinged interior where a large double or twin beds are set out under a mosquito net canopy. Cushioned cane chairs create a seating area to one side, and there’s a small writing desk on the other. A wooden or curtained door leads through to a large bathroom with sink, walk in shower, storage shelving and partitioned toilet.

The rooms are functional, with the basic comforts covered - the focus at Mokolwane is on the wildlife and safari adventure. Ceiling fans and large mesh windows help with good airflow, but be aware that these tented rooms can get quite warm from September to November in particular.

The camp’s main area is a raised deck with three tented buildings. The bar, with main lounge, and the dining room both have splendid views over the floodplain. Then there’s a smaller lounge set to the back. An adjacent mound has canvas seating around a campfire and, nearby and also overlooking the plain, another deck has a small swimming pool and sunloungers under a rustic pole cover that breaks up the sun’s full strength.

Currently, access to Mokolwane is only by helicopter. The tapestry of floodplains, woodlands and grasslands is then explored by safari vehicle on day and night drives. When water levels allow, mokoro excursions are also offered on the channel. Predator sightings, in particular leopard, regularly occur here, but there’s also an abundance and diversity of other wildlife to enjoy.

Our view

The focus from Mokolwane Camp is firmly on safari adventure and wildlife. Accommodation is in functional rooms with the basic comforts covered, service is very good, and the food is excellent – but it is not luxury. Guests explore this large wilderness area in the company of informative guides, seeking out the predators that the reserve is particularly known for and sharing the wildlife encounters with very few others.

Anton Walker

Botswana expert

Geographics

Location: Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
Ideal length of stay: Two to three nights at Mokolwane would combine well with one of its sister camps in Botswana: the more unique and fairly luxurious Duke's Camp, in a different part of the Delta; Elephant Pan the smart Sable Alley on the Khwai River; and Camp Kalahari at the edge of the vast Kalahari Salt Pans.
Directions: Mokolwane is currently only accessible by helicopter. Its then a short drive to camp.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: The quality of meals served at the relatively simple Mokolwane Camp is excellent. However, please do note that there’s usually only one plated option for lunches and dinners, so if you have dietary preferences, it is particularly important to make us aware of these well before travelling here.

Camp meals are served at individual tables and the timings of lunch and dinner is relatively flexible, working around activities and wildlife sightings.

On our visits we enjoyed one lunch of lamb koftas, garlic chapati, three bean salad and hummus. A second lunch was spiced chicken enchilada with a rocket salad. Both dishes were very tasty and well cooked.

Dinner is usually three courses, and on our most recent stay we savoured mushroom soup accompanied by a toasted bruschetta, and a main of butternut steak topped with tasty mince and served with jeweled couscous. This was rounded off by a particularly delicious blackberry and honey mille fois.

In order to take advantage of the time of day when predators are usually most active, the morning activity sets off after a quick tea or coffee and rusk or biscuit. After a couple of hours, you’ll pause at a scenic spot in the bush to stretch your legs and have a bush breakfast. Set out on a makeshift table attached to the front of your game drive vehicle will be a selection of cereals, yoghurt, fruit salad, fried toast, boiled eggs and baking such as a date loaf.

The other food service is at high tea where a selection of hot and cold drinks is usually accompanied by one savoury and one sweet option.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: Filtered water is provided in the camp’s main areas and guests are provided with personal drink bottles on activities. A selection of soft drinks, juices and alcoholic drinks are also included at Mokolwane Camp. Champagne, premium liqueurs and specialist wines can be made available at an additional cost, if requested in advance of travel.

Children

Attitude towards children: Mokolwane Camp welcomes children aged 6 years or older.
Property’s age restrictions: Families travelling with children aged between 6-9 years are required to book a private vehicle and guide at additional cost. However, children aged between 6-18 years receive a discounted rate when sharing a room with adults.
Equipment: Mokolwane has a family chalet with a master bedroom and second, twin-bedded room, divided by a shared toilet and shower area. The room takes a maximum of four guests.
Generally recommended for children: Mokolwane Camp is unfenced and located in a high-density wildlife area where big animals can and do regularly pass through camp. Children must be under adult supervision at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes: Backup generator.
Communications: The camp has WiFi connectivity in the rooms, but not in the main area. Rooms have multi-socket and USB charging points.
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Maun. All management and guides are first-aid trained and there is a nurse on call (via radio) 24 hours a day. Medical evacuation is available in case of emergency, 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 rooms after dark as dangerous wildlife is known to wander through the camp. A safety briefing is given on arrival. “Foghorns” are provided in the rooms to attract attention in case of emergency.
Fire safety: There is a fire extinguisher at each tent and in the main areas. There’s also a fire break at the back of camp.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Private activities

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included at Mokolwane Camp. Clothes are usually collected in the morning and returned washed and ironed by the evening.
Accepted payment on location: Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as are cash payments in US dollars, euros, GB sterling, South African rand and Botswana pula.