Assessment: Wilderness Vumbura Plains (Okavango Delta, Botswana)

Wednesday newsletters at all times characteristic a resort or flight evaluation.

Early July, I loved one among my greatest holidays ever, an ultra-luxe safari in Botswana with Wilderness, Africa’s award-winning, main eco-tourism firm. My precise itinerary with Wilderness in Botswana may be discovered right here (this web site additionally means that you can guide the identical journey). You may learn my journey stories right here:

At this time: Assessment of Wilderness Vumbura Plains (Okavango Delta, Botswana)

Vumbura Plains gives vacationers a elegant African wilderness journey, with arguably the most effective wildlife encounters in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. A contemporary-style safari camp that wouldn’t look misplaced in an structure journal, Wilderness Vumbura Plains is designed and operated in complete empathy with its numerous environment. Partnerships with native communities on this area of the Okavango Delta have created empowerment alternatives whereas permitting visitors entry to its many treasures. Fourteen mild, ethereal visitor suites characteristic designer fittings and touches of unabashed luxurious, together with non-public plunge swimming pools and salas, in addition to indoor and outside showers. Safari actions concentrate on day and night time recreation drives via a wide range of game-rich terrains and on (seasonal) water actions.

Have you ever ever stayed at Wilderness Vumbura Plains? In that case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

On this evaluation (extra information and pictures beneath my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Wilderness Vumbura Plains is among the prime lodges within the Okavango Delta – a World Heritage Web site as it’s the largest inland delta on the earth – within the northwestern nook of Botswana. The magnificent Okavango River sprawls out over the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert forming this flourishing waterlogged oasis that includes numerous meandering waterways and crystal clear lagoons studded with water lilies, in addition to fertile floodplains and reeded islands inhabited with considerable wildlife. Guests within the Okavango Delta can take pleasure in a lot of fantastic actions corresponding to recreation viewing, fishing, chook watching or taking an genuine guided mokoro tour via this wetland paradise in a standard dugout canoe. Generally noticed animals embrace: lion, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippos, elephants, crocodiles and numerous species of chook.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains lies within the far north of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The lodge is situated in a 60 000-hectare non-public wilderness space recognized for its glorious wildlife recognizing alternatives and water actions. The enthralling mopane bushveld and huge floodplains are house to an enormous variety of animal species, together with wild canine, lion, hyena, and leopard (these species are essentially the most generally noticed) in addition to giraffes, elephants, Burchell’s zebra, and quite a few antelope species. The reserve gives day and night time recreation drives, in addition to guided walks and images excursions. Fringing the world-famous Moremi Sport Reserve, the lodge’s non-public wildlife reserve is embellished with everlasting waterways, tree islands, and swamps – offering the prospect for kayaking, boat excursions, and chook recognizing.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains is reached by mild plane from Maun (or from different Wilderness lodges). The bush airplane flies at low altitude over golden-grassed floodplains, framed by lush palm islands, which might be inhabited by a staggering number of wildlife which may be noticed from a chook’s-eye perspective. For the flights, Wilderness makes use of its personal fleet of Cessna plane. Wilderness Air has gained a status for steadfast operations and glorious visitor service, revered for its diversified fleet of sunshine plane suited to land on filth airstrips in distant areas and for its crew of passionate, skilled pilots devoted to visitors’ security, consolation, and satisfaction. In Maun, visitors awaiting their flights or transfers have full entry to the Wilderness Lounge, which is situated in a constructing adjoining to the airport. The lounge gives seating and eating amenities in its absolutely air-conditioned house. Wi-Fi, showers, snacks and drinks.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains is made up of two satellite tv for pc safari camps – North Camp and South Camp – that are run semi-independently and linked by an elevated, timber walkway that hangs over the floodplain. Though North and South Camp have a barely completely different structure, they each are very comparable in design and have an identical amenities. Every camp contains seven giant pool suites: all suites on the South Camp are single bed room suites whereas two of the seven suites at North Camp are designed with households in thoughts (every with two bedrooms). On the coronary heart of each camps is a communal pavilion, with giant indoor and outside residing & eating areas, a bar and sunken lounges. Each camps embody expansive vistas throughout the huge floodplains and its native wildlife.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains underwent an intensive refurbishment of its exteriors and interiors in 2022. All furnishings was changed or enhanced to mix into the African bush, leading to a refreshed feel and appear that showcases a way of place and tradition. The camp’s trendy design is greatest described as trendy, natural and minimalist, with varied design parts bringing nature inside. The open-sided lounges at each camps boast art work, screens, and maps on the Delta’s formation and the huge vary of life it helps. One whole lounge wall is hung with colourful domestically woven baskets, whose numerous patterns inform completely different tales or depict explicit animal patterns. The camp’s muted earth coloration palette flows in shades of turquoise, blue, purple, and inexperienced, paying homage to the encircling wilderness.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains’ 14 luxurious suites are break up equally between noth satellite tv for pc camps (North & south Camp), with all suites spaced effectively aside and raised up on decks. Every suite options a big outside deck with a shaded lounge space, some solar beds, and a plunge pool. Inside, every suite options excessive thatched ceilings, an enormous kingsize mattress, a sunken lounge space, and an ensuite open-plan rest room with double self-importance and indoor- & outside showers. Enlarged underwater images by Andrea Crawford adorn clad wardrobe doorways and bathe screens. Redesigned doorways and home windows all through maximise expansive views of the floodplains, ilala palms, and small islands. The suites characteristic all 5 star amenities you’d count on in a top-notch lodge, corresponding to WiFi and a mini bar, stocked filled with complimentary beers, wine, and spirits.

All meals at Vumbura Plains are included within the room charge. The lodge’s delicacies is carefully aligned with conventional native fare. The delicious eating choices rejoice the scrumptious native, seasonal elements of the area, its traditions and Wilderness’ partnerships with the native farmers, suppliers and artisans. Substances are bought domestically, thereby decreasing the meals miles inherent in each meal, and offering neighboring communities with another income stream. Every meal is a journey into the tradition and traditions of the folks of northern Botswana, whereas in-camp interplay with cooks and repair workers brings the tales and proverbs related to every dish to life. Signature dishes use the normal powdered root of the Okavango waterlily, ‘tswii’. Native ‘phapata’ bread cooked over the morning camp hearth is an early morning safari staple.

The 60 000-hectare Vumbura Plains Non-public Wilderness Space is leased from 5 villages via the Okavango Group Belief (OCT), a partnership that spans 20 profitable years of impactful conservation tourism within the space. The advantages of income technology, job creation, and various sources of earnings are shared with its neighboring rural stakeholders. The OCT was shaped in 1996 to symbolize the pursuits of the camp’s 5 neighbouring villages – Seronga, Gunotsoga, Eretsha, Beetsha and Gudigwa – within the japanese panhandle of the Okavango Delta. In co-operation with the Botswana Authorities and varied stakeholders, it distributes funds for group upliftment and support to those distant northern communities. Greater than 150 workers from OCT villages are employed throughout Wilderness camps.

Vumbura’s prolific wildlife and diversified habitats – mopane, acacia woodland, floodplains and everlasting swamp – provide visitors an thrilling year-round water- and land-based actions within the Okavango Delta with extraordinary recreation viewing. Wilderness experiences embrace day and night time recreation drives in 4WD safari automobiles, bush walks and mokoro rides (dugout canoes), in addition to scenic helicopter flights and scorching air ballooning. It makes Vumbura Plains one of the vital unique locations within the Okavango Delta for the discerning adventure-seeker. Vumbura Plains’ distinctive group concession settlement signifies that lots of the skilled guides right here grew up on this space, including an additional layer of authenticity and cultural relevance to their knowledgeable monitoring and identification abilities. Every visitor’s expertise is tailor-made to go well with their explicit pursuits.

Wilderness Vumbura Camp is managed by Wilderness Safaris, one among my favourite safari corporations. Wilderness was based in 1983 in Botswana by two younger guides, who needed to make sure each conservation of wildlife areas and that the monetary advantages of their safaris stream to Botswana and its folks. At this time, Wilderness Safaris is broadly acclaimed because the continent’s foremost ecotourism operator, devoted to conserving and restoring Africa’s wilderness and wildlife. They do that by creating life-changing journeys in a number of the most distant and pristine areas in Africa, hereby serving to to preserve Africa’s spectacular biodiversity and share ecotourism’s advantages with the native communities. Jao may be mixed with a keep at Wilderness’ different lodges in Botswana to create an genuine and evocative desert expertise, from Jao and Mombo to DumaTau within the far north.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Opposite to different Wilderness premium safari camps in Botswana (DumaTau, Jao and Mombo), Vumbura Plains doesn’t characteristic communal wellness- and leisure amenities, corresponding to a pool space, spa or fitness center. The concept is that visitors loosen up at their monumental suites in between safari actions, the place they’ll take pleasure in their non-public plunge swimming pools overlooking the flood plains. And whereas there isn’t a devoted spa, visitors can request in-tent therapeutic massage therapies (at an extra price). These safari therapeutic massage therapies are fairly fashionable, so make sure you guide your session while you arrive. The suites on the camp additionally embrace a gym-in-a-basket, consists of an train mat, weights and resistance bands. And whereas there aren’t devoted leisure amenities on the lodge, don’t miss out on the excellent curio store (situated between North & South Camp) because it’s among the finest in Botswana.

The suites at Wilderness Vumbura Plains are spaced effectively aside alongside the boardwalk, so this may imply lengthy up-and-down strolls while you’re staying in one of many suites additional away from the principle lodge. In case you have difficulties strolling, make sure that to tell the workers upfront and request a collection nearer to the principle lodge.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains is not fenced off, so visitors are required to be vigilant always. Leopards, lions, buffalos, and elephants are current within the Okavango Delta, and there’s no bodily obstacle to them coming into the world across the lodge. Not at all are visitors allowed to stroll across the lodge at night time, except accompanied by a workers member. Don’t worry although because it’s all a part of the thrill of being immersed in a real African safari.

Wilderness Vumbura Plains can solely be reached by small plane, both from Maun (30 min flight) or straight from one of many different Wilderness Camps within the space. The considered flying in a small one-engine airplane could make some vacationers – together with myself – nervous. That stated, the flight itself is spectacular and gives phenomenal views of the delta, with wildlife gathering or galloping beneath. Additionally, Wilderness Air – the flying wing of Wilderness – is revered for its diversified fleet of sunshine plane suited to land on filth airstrips in distant areas and for its crew of passionate, skilled pilots devoted to visitors’ security, consolation, and satisfaction. And Wilderness Air provide greater than only a connection, flying fastidiously orchestrated circuits maximizing the time of visitors within the Okavango Delta. For instance, when transferring from one lodge to a different, you’ll by no means should backtrack by way of Maun and flight occasions are at all times between 11 am and 4 pm, permitting you, for example, a morning’s dreamy mokoro experience in a single lodge adopted by an adventurous afternoon recreation drive in one other lodge.

Malaria is widespread within the northern elements of Botswana such because the Okavango Delta (the place Wilderness Vumbura Plains is situated) and Chobe areas, notably throughout or after wet season from November to April. Medicines can be utilized to forestall the possibilities of contracting malaria. For recommendation on the usage of any malaria prophylaxis, you could contact the well being authorities or your native journey clinic previous to your travels. Along with any prophylactics, the next mitigation measures are beneficial: cowl your arms, legs and ft within the evenings and apply a mosquito repellent containing DEET.

MY VERDICT

Location: 10/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 9/10 (solely non-public plunge swimming pools)
Rooms: 9/10
Meals: 9/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10 (solely in-room therapies)
Service: 10/10
Wow issue: 9/10
Worth for cash: 10/10
General expertise: distinctive 9/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Itinerary tip: My precise itinerary with Wilderness in Botswana – which included a keep at Jao, Vumbura Plains and DumaTau safari camps – may be discovered right here (this web site additionally means that you can guide the identical journey).

Get monetary savings: learn right here my suggestions for getting the most effective deal at a luxurious resort like Wilderness Vumbura Plains Camp (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my suggestions for making ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Wilderness Vumbura Plains gives year-round safari actions. Whereas every season brings a novel attraction, wildlife numbers are concentrated between June and October. These drier months additionally enable for seasonal recreation drive alternatives.

The perfect time to go to the Okavango Delta is in the course of the dry season from June to September. Though referred to as the ‘dry season’, the water ranges of the Okavango Delta are at their highest level in these months because the flood waters are arriving from Angola, with animals flocking to the waters from the dry hinterland. That is additionally when many camps can provide water actions (e.g. boat rides, mokoro excursions). Going by the rule of thumb, water within the Delta begins to stream in June (when it arrives from the Angolan Highlands), whereas by the tip of August, many of the water has handed via the Delta and water ranges begin to drop once more.
In the summertime months (December to February), the temperatures are hovering and thundershowers are frequent. Throughout this time of the yr, some areas within the delta develop into waterlogged, making highway journey difficult and airstrips trickier to traverse. That stated, glorious recreation viewing may be loved in the summertime months too, in the suitable areas with good resident recreation and everlasting water channels. Additionally, if you’re a birder, the most effective time to go to the Okavango Delta is usually in the course of the summer time months when the Okavango is bursting with resident and migratory birds.

HOW TO GET THERE

Wilderness Vumbura Plains can solely be accessed by mild plane into the close by Jao Airstrip, which has every day flight connections with all different camps in Okavango, Linyanti, Maun Airport (which is the principle vacationer getaway to Botswana) and north to Kasane (for connections to Livingstone and Victoria Falls). Wilderness takes care of reserving all transfers and flight.

PHOTOS

Beneath is a number of my pictures of Wilderness Vumbura Plains. To view extra pictures (together with meals and safari actions), click on right here.