One of my strongest memories from my time in Botswana was the scent of wild sage filling the air. Even when I’m cooking with sage, I am immediately transported back to Botswana, and Vumbura Plains in particular.
Vumbura Plains is a Wilderness Safari premier camp located in the northern extreme of the Okavango Delta. Its location between the wetland and the dry mainland makes it an excellent wet/dry combo safari option; it gets the best game movements at all times of the year. Land and water-based activities include drives, walks, power boats, and mekoros. The camp itself makes quite the first impression. Both public spaces and private rooms face the vast delta flood plane and provide beautiful views.
My favorite spot in the camp was the fire deck hanging out over the delta marsh with vast open skies above for incredible stargazing. Of course, I enjoyed that spot so much that I never took a picture of it! The rooms are large with an open plan and stylish yet understated decor. All rooms have outdoor showers, comfortable salas & plunge pools out on the deck. At night, you can hear hippos and elephants wandering below your window! Inside, the rooms feature a sunken living room, dressing area, and open-plan bathroom with the most extensive shower I’ve ever seen! This would be a perfect hideaway for honeymooners.
Every morning, your game drive begins by bumping over a low-lying boardwalk-like bridge that allows access to the camp when the floods are in. If the ground is dry enough, you’ll be surrounded by fragrant wild sage. Travel through this field enough times, and you become Pavlov’s dog. Every time you smell sage, your adrenaline will rise, and you will immediately feel excitement and anticipation for another fantastic adventure! Sightings for the day might include swimming elephants, grazing zebra and giraffe, an energetic leopard, or a mischievous hyena. But don’t forget to look up because Vumbura Plains is full of a dizzying variety of birds! My favorite sighting was the green pigeon.
After your game drive, you might be treated to an incredible bush dinner with lanterns hanging in the trees and seats around a fire that create an adventurous atmosphere. The bush location won’t detract from the quality of service in the slightest; you’ll enjoy a full bar and enormous brai-style buffet. Or, take your sundowner on the deck next to a cozy fire and settle in for one of the most spectacular night skies and star-gazing opportunities.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take advantage of the unique safari activities offered by the camp. The most popular are fishing excursions, sunset cruises, and mekoro safaris. The Mekoro (a dugout canoe) was a highlight for me. A safari at the water level is a completely different experience than one at the Land Rover level!
If Vumbura Plains are too much for your budget, one of the best-hidden gems in The Wilderness Safari Botswana line-up of camps is Little Vumbura. This classic camp is on a small island in the Delta and requires a boat ride. I love the romance of arriving at your safari destination by boat and watching this little island emerge from the Papyrus and reeds before you! Little Vumbura is a bit more rustic than its sister camp, but these semi-permanent tents are quite homey and perfect for families or adventurous couples!
