LODGE OF THE WEEK - KWANDO LEBALA CAMP

Lebala means wide open spaces in the local Setswana dialect and the scenery is dominated by vast plains with scattered palms and tree clumps backed by wooded savannahs.
Lebala Camp is situated in the South of the Kwando Reserve, adjacent to the head waters of the Linyanti marshes that form the boundary between Botswana and Namibia. The perennial and southerly flowing Kwando River disappears into the vast marshes before emerging as the Linyanti River

KWANDO LEBALA CAMP OVERVIEW
No. of bedrooms: 8 Twin Bedded safari tents
Season: The camp is open year round
Ideal length of stay: 2 nights/3 days
Central facilities:
Lebala Camp comprises of 8 luxurious tents, on Zimbabwe teak decks designed to offer expansive views over the surrounding plains while affording privacy. Each tent has a spacious bedroom area, bathroom including a Victorian ball and claw bath tub and double basin, outside reeded shower and dressing area, and side entrance to preserve privacy. Each secluded tent has its own sundeck, and is set back among the trees
Game activities: At Lebala Camp, the activities concentrate on open vehicle game drives and walking safaris. Game walks are at the guides' discretion due to the concentrations of Elephant. Lebala Camp offers off road and night game drives - night drives being a specialty at Lebala with its high-visibility plains. The wetlands and flood plains around Lebala offer a wonderful variety of wildlife with excellent sightings of elephant, hippo, lechwe, zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, kudu, tsessebe, roan, sable, buffalo and the predators; wild dog, lion, cheetah and hyena.

Geographics
Accessible by: Fly-and-Road Transfer. Road transfers are possible from nearby lodges (Zibalianja, Selinda, Kwando Lagoon).
Flights:
When travelling to Kwando Lebala Camp you will arrive by means of a light aircraft. These air transfers operate from either Maun, Kasane, Livingstone or from one of the other lodges in the area.

Management
Owner: Lebala Camp is owned and operated by Kwando Safaris

Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Vegetarians and any particular requirements can be catered for on request.
You start your day with a light breakfast before your morning game drive. Brunch is served on your return. Dinner is enjoyed in an open-sided dining room.
In addition to the main meals, afternoon tea before the afternoon activity, sundowner 'snacks' on the afternoon activity and a pre-dinner aperitif around the campfire will be served..
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No room service.
Drinks included: All beverages available in camp are included, these are local brand drinks and include bottled and filtered water, soft drinks, local brand beer, selected South African wines, selected spirits, liqueurs and teas/coffee. Champagne and imported wines and selected spirits will cost extra.

Children Policy
Age restrictions: Lebabla camp may accept ages 8 – 12 if a private vehicle is booked. For children under 8 years of age, the full camp must be booked. Children of 12 years and over are welcome.
Meals: Special meals can be organised for children on request.
Notes: Lebala Camp is an open camp with dangerous wildlife in the area. Please follow the instructions and guidance of the lodge staff and management at all times.

Central communications
Power supply:
The camps do not have mains electricity. General lighting is therefore from paraffin oil lamps. However each tent is provided with a battery powered reading lamp in the evening
Please ask the camp manager to arrange for charging of batteries for video cameras as this can be done. It is advisable to have a battery charged while out on drive, so try to keep a full battery on hand and one on charge to ensure continuity
The hot water is from a LP gas powered heater system. This is very efficient but the trigger mechanism requires that you open the tap (faucet) fully to get a strong flow of water to ignite the heater. To regulate the shower you should open the hot tap full and cool it down with the cold water.
Communications: There is no mobile reception, no direct phone or fax and no email Contact in an emergency is made via radio. All Botswana camps are linked with VHF radio with a backup HF radio system
Guests who travel with satellite phones are required to respect the other guests in camp. Satellite phones are only to be used to retrieve messages and to make calls from your personal tent. They are not allowed on game drives.
TV & radio: There is no television or radio in your room.

Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: All camp managers are first-aid trained and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept at camp
Lebala camp has a 24 hour link through VHF radio to Medical Rescue International in Maun. It is important to note that the airstrips are not lit and therefore night evacuation is not advised and is very seldom attempted due to dangers of animals on the runway. Maun and Victoria Falls are staffed with qualified paramedics who will undertake and coordinate an evacuation if deemed necessary
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Lebala Camp is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after the dark. Alarms, sirens or whistles are provided in the rooms in case of an emergency.
Fire safety: There are extinguishers in all the common areas.

Extras
Laundry facilities: Full laundry service is included, except for the washing of underwear.
Money: There are safe deposit boxes at reception
Accepted payment: Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Diners and Amex cards are not.

LODGE OF THE WEEK - SHINDE CAMP

Shinde Camp is situated on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta. Shinde Camp is an intimate camp, teeming with animal and birdlife. Present at the main lodge is a unique tree house made of a multi-tiered raised dining/lounge area under canvas.
The exclusive Shinde Enclave is a 'camp within a camp', offering the ultimate in personal service. Consisting of three luxurious tents built on raised teak decks, overlooking the papyrus beds, this area is home to the elusive sitatunga. There is a private dining and lounge area at Shine Enclave. This intimate hideaway also offers guests the services of a private chef, waiter and housekeeper as well as their own professional guide and vehicle.

SHINDE CAMP OVERVIEW
No. of bedrooms: 8 Twin Bedded safari tents
Season: Closed Jan, Feb and December
Ideal length of stay: 2 nights/3 days
Central facilities:
Shinde comprises of eight twin bedded classic safari tents each with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water and flush toilet. There is mosquito proofing, generated electricity, and a private viewing deck. Each tent, strategically positioned, offers splendid views, whether across the Delta’s waterways or open grasslands. Accommodation is generally twin share on comfortable three quarter beds, however double accommodation is available on request.
Shinde is a great honeymoon option in the Okavango Delta where guests are accommodated in the honeymoon tent and enjoy some special touches including the option of private breakfast.
Game activities: Shinde Camp has an ideal location affording both water and land activities throughout the year. Game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles with a personal guide, guided walks with experienced guides, boating and mokoro excursions. Fly fishing is also available at Shinde Camp.

Geographics
Accessible by: Fly-and-Road Transfer.
Flights:
When travelling to Shinde Camp you will arrive by means of a light aircraft. These air transfers operate from either Maun or Kasane or from one of the other lodges in the area.

Management
Owner: Owned, Marketed and managed by Ker & Downey - Botswana

Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Vegetarians and any particular requirements can be catered for on request.
You start your day with a light breakfast before your morning game drive. Brunch is served on your return. Dinner is enjoyed in the dining room.
In addition to the main meals, afternoon tea before the afternoon activity, sundowner 'snacks' on the afternoon activity and a pre-dinner aperitif around the campfire will be served..
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No room service.
Drinks included: All beverages available in camp are included, these are local brand drinks and include bottled and filtered water, soft drinks, local brand beer, selected South African wines, selected spirits, liqueurs and teas/coffee. Champagne and imported wines and selected spirits will cost extra.

Children Policy
Age restrictions: Children 10 yrs and older unless Shinde Enclave is booked.
Meals: Special meals can be organised for children on request.
Notes: Shinde Camp is an open camp with dangerous wildlife in the area. Please follow the instructions and guidance of the lodge staff and management at all times.

Central communications
Power supply:
220V by generator run when guests are not in camp, clients to bring own adaptor and very limited use of power only, (charging cameras batteries etc, not for appliances such as hairdryers due to low wattage fuse system). 24 hour lighting provided by an inverter system within camp
Communications: There is no mobile reception, no direct phone or fax and no email Contact in an emergency is made via radio.
Shinde has a satellite phone which enables guests to make calls out of camp to anywhere in the world (at own expense), and it can be arranged through the Maun office or by return phone call for an inbound call for Emergency use. The phone is not switched on at all times hence the need for a pre-arranged call time.
TV & radio: There is no television or radio in your room.

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 the case of a genuine medical emergency, Ker & Downey can have a Medivac aircraft dispatched to camp immediately. Depending upon the needs of the patient, he/she will be transported either to a hospital in Maun or Johannesburg for treatment. Minor medical needs can be treated in camp
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Shinde Camp is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after the dark. Alarms, sirens or whistles are provided in the rooms in case of an emergency.
Fire safety: There are extinguishers in all rooms.

Extras
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included.
Money: There are safe deposit boxes in the rooms.
Accepted payment: Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Diners and Amex cards are not.

LODGE OF THE WEEK - SAVUTI SAFARI LODGE

SAVUTI SAFARI LODGE - SAVUTI AREA OF CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Savute Safari Lodge is located on the banks of the Savute Channel in the Chobe National Park, forming part of the rich Savute ecosystem. The Savuti Marsh, is a remnant of a vast inland lake, cut off from its supply of water many years ago by the same movement of the earth`s tectonic plates that brought the Okavango Delta into existence. It is part of the Mababe Depression and is fed by the temperamental Savuti Channel, which has not seen flowing water since it dried up in 1982.
The world-acclaimed game viewing of Savuti is an experience not to be missed. Dry season game viewing concentrates on Savuti's famous resident bull Elephants, antelope and Lion prides around half-empty pans and permanent waterhole's. Summer rains bring a feast for Lion, Hyena and Cheetah as thousands of migrating Zebra and Wildebeest assemble on the Savuti Marsh

SAVUTI SAFARI LODGE OVERVIEW
No. of bedrooms: 12 Twin Bedded chalets
Season: Closed 08 Jan 2008 – 10 Feb 2008
Ideal length of stay: 2 nights/3 days
Central facilities:
Savute Safari Lodge peers out from ancient camel thorn trees on the shore of the Savuti channel. The lounge, library and cocktail bar are situated in the exquisite thatch and timber main building, where an upstairs viewing deck allows Savute’s enchanting sunsets to mesmerize guests. A large fireplace downstairs is equally inviting on winter nights, while the delicious aroma of dinner and the prospect of candlelit dining beckons guests to the elegant dining-room. The lodge also boasts a swimming pool and shaded viewing deck, both of which overlook the channel, and where afternoon tea is served and guests can sit around the campfire after dinner.
Savute Safari Lodge accommodates only 24 guests in local timber and glass suites with cool thatching and beautifully furnished. All chalets have private decks, a combined bedroom / lounge area and en-suite facilities
Savute Safari Lodge has very recently undergone a refurbishment and has been transformed into an elegant lodge. The signature blue furnishings have been replaced with more neutral tones and all the chalets and main areas have brand new furniture which blends into the natural surroundings
Game activities: Game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles in the Savute area, including the Savute Marsh and a visit to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills

Geographics
Accessible by: Fly-and-Road Transfer. Savute Safari Lodge can also be reached by 4x4 vehicle
Flights:
When travelling to Savute Safari Lodge you will arrive by means of a light aircraft. These air transfers operate from either Maun or Kasane or from one of the other lodges in the area. The main gateway into this area is Victoria Falls, Livingstone or Maun Airport

Management
Owner: Owned, Marketed and managed by Desert & Delta Safaris

Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Vegetarians and any particular requirements can be catered for on request.
You start your day with a light breakfast before your morning game drive. Brunch is served on your return. A silver service dinner enjoyed either in the elegant dining room or outside on the deck.
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No room service.
Drinks included: Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of local brand wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits will cost extra.

Children Policy
Age restrictions: Children of 12 years of age and over are accepted. Children aged 16 yrs (inclusive) & younger to share with a parent at all times
Meals: Special meals can be organised for children on request.
Notes: Savuti Safari Lodge is an open camp with dangerous wildlife in the area. Please follow the instructions and guidance of the lodge staff and management at all times.

Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Video batteries can be charged when guests on game drives. Hence bring spare battery and charging unit.
Communications: There is no mobile reception, no direct phone or fax and no email Contact in an emergency is made via radio.
TV & radio: There is no television or radio in your room.

Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: All camp managers are first-aid trained and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept at camp
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Savuti Safari Lodge is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after the dark. Alarms, sirens or whistles are provided in the rooms in case of an emergency.
Fire safety: There are extinguishers in all rooms.

Extras
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included.
Money: There are safe deposit boxes in the rooms.
Accepted payment: Mastercard, Diners and Visa credit cards are accepted. Amex cards are not.

NEW LODGES OPENING IN OKAVANGO DELTA - JUNE 2008

CC Africa has announced details on the two new lodges it will open in Botswana's Okavango Delta in June this year.

Xaranna Tented Camp will have eight suites. Each suite will have a private plunge pool and open-sided pavilion.The concession is 25 000 hectares in size and access will be via an airstrip, 20 minutes away from Maun, followed by a 45-minute game drive or boat ride to the lodge.

Xudum Delta Lodge will also have eight suites. Each suite will have a private plunge pool and a 'lofty hideout'. Access is via the same airstrip as Xaranna Tented Camp, but Xudum is located only a 20-minute game drive away.
Activities at both lodges will include mekoro rides, boat safaris, walks, and both day and night game drives

LODGE OF THE WEEK - VUMBURA PLAINS

VUMBURA PLAINS - OKAVANGO DELTA


The Vumbura Reserve offers land and water activities. The reserve offers an huge traversing area of 130 000 acres and has a wide variety of habitats and wildlife..
The main activity at Vumbura Plains is game viewing in open 4x4 Land Rovers. The Vumbura area is possibly the only area in the Okavango where one can see Red Lechwe and a Sable antelope on the same game drive. You will also see Lion, Leopard, Elephant, cheetah and Buffalo along with all the plains animals. Birding is spectacular with large varieties and quantities. Walks, mokoros and boating give Vumbura's guests the opportunity to enjoy Africa from a different perspective in wonderful and varied countryside.


VUMBURA PLAINS OVERVIEW
No. of bedrooms: 7 (in each camp) Vumbura Plains North and Vumbura Plains South
Season: Open Year Round
Ideal length of stay: 3 nights/4 days
Central facilities: Vumbura Plains overlooks a vast floodplain and the rooms are built under shady trees. Vumbura Plains consists of 2 x 14-bedded camps linked by raised boardwalks and each has its own dining, lounge and bar area. Rooms are raised off the ground on wooden platforms with walkways connecting them to the main living areas. Each room has a large, comfortable bedroom, a lounge, a "sala" and en-suite facilities with a shower, a flush toilet and an outdoor shower. Each room has its own plunge pool
Main areas: dining, lounge and pub area are also raised off the ground with a wonderful vista across the floodplains. There is a curio shop.
Game activities: Game drives in open 6 x 10 seater 4 x 4 Land Rovers each accommodating a maximum of seven guests
Night drives
Walking safaris
Mokoro excursions
Boat excursions

Geographics
Distance from airstrip: Vumbura Plains is 40 minutes drive from the airstrip.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Road Transfer
Flying times:
To/from Maun 38 minutes
To/from Kasane 1hr 15 minutes

Management
Owner: Marketed and managed by Wilderness Safaris.

Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Vegetarians and any particular requirements can be catered for on request.
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No room service.
Drinks included: Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits will cost extra.

Children Policy
Age restrictions: Children of 12 years of age and over are accepted.
Meals: Special meals can be organised for children on request.
Notes: Vumbura Plains is a open camp with dangerous wildlife in the area. The rooms and walkways are raised on stilts

Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Video batteries can be charged when guests on game drives. Hence bring spare battery and charging unit.
Communications:There is no mobile reception, no direct phone or fax and no email Contact in an emergency is made via radio.
TV & radio: There is no television or radio in your room.

Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: All camp managers are first-aid trained and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept at camp
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 if necessary.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Vumbura Plains is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after the 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.

Extras
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included.
Money: There are safe deposit boxes in the rooms.
Accepted payment: Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Diners and Amex are not.