A retreat of contemporary and unique design, Vumbura Plains comprises two separate satellite camps, consisting of 14 rooms overall (of which two accommodate families).
Each camp has its own sumptuous raised lounge, dining and bar area with magnificent vistas across the Okavango Delta, while a deck with comfortable cushions protrudes into the floodplain, either for star-gazing or as a convivial camp fire setting.
Each large, luxurious room is raised off the ground, with indoor and outdoor showers and an en-suite bathroom.
A step down is the lounge area, open on three sides for that iconic view of the floodplains.
Additional room features include a private plunge pool and "sala" - a place from which to watch the passing parade of wildlife or indulge in a soothing massage.
4CS PROJECTS AT VUMBURA PLAINS
In addition to helping to conserve the area, Vumbura Plains is part of a community participation plan that brings the benefits of ecotourism to the communities that live around the Okavango Delta.
Okavango Community Trust - Vumbura Plains is situated in a Wildlife Management Area; five villages have combined to form a Trust which has partnered with Wilderness Safaris; it manages the affairs of the community and ensures that the rewards of ecotourism are fairly distributed.
Botswana Lion Genetics Study - researcher Simon Dures is developing a comprehensive understanding of the past and present genetic structure of the lion population centred in Botswana's Okavango Delta.
Eco-friendly systems - in keeping with Wilderness objective of reducing energy consumption and fuel use at all its camps, Vumbura Plains is 100% solar powered, with electricity and hot water provided via solar panels and inverters.
Waste water (sewage and grey water) is treated in an Above Ground Sewage Plant, ensuring that the water is clean before being allowed to enter the natural environment.
Pack for a Purpose - Wilderness Safaris has partnered with Pack for a Purpose, a non-profit organisation that provides travellers with up-to-date information about required supplies for community-based projects.
Enjoy a massage out on your beautiful pool deck.
Enjoy a stay in gentle water, let your eye please unique species. Feel the connection with nature.
The annually flooded grasslands of the Okavango Delta surrounding Vumbura Plains are locally referred to as "melapo" and offer good seasonal viewing of elephant, giraffe, impala, sable antelope, kudu, zebra, common waterbuck and reedbuck, tsessebe, wildebeest, red lechwe and Cape buffalo.
Hippo and crocodile are common in the waterways.
Predators include the African wild dog, several resident prides of lion, as well as leopard, cheetah and African wildcat.
Birding is exceptional all year round.
Due to the location, Vumbura Plains offers both land- and water-based game-viewing activities, as ways of observing the range of life around.
Take a morning game drive through habitats of all kinds to see a range of wildlife.
Spend the afternoon watching the comings and goings of wildlife from the comfort of camp.
Float down a crystal-clear Okavango waterway on a mokoro, seeing reed frogs and waterlilies.
The birding around Vumbura Plains is exceptional all year round, with migrant species present in the summer. Pel's fishing-owl is regularly seen, with other specials like wattled crane and slaty egret.
Water-level dependent, boating is another idyllic form of water wildlife viewing. Vumbura has two boats seating six guests comfortably.
Dine under the stars in the boma and enjoy traditional singing and dancing.
Fishing is on offer seasonally on a catch-and-release basis. A limited supply of basic equipment is available at camp.
Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 Land Rovers each accommodating a maximum of seven people allowing each guest a "window" seat.
Take the skies in style and soar silently over the rich ecosystem of the Okavango Delta in a hot air balloon. Gaze over scenic splendour, watch elephant playing far below and fly eye-to-eye with an eagle.
Devote your free time to reading a good book. In this atmosphere this should be fascinating.
These excursions reveal the fascinating smaller creatures of the Delta including colourful frogs and lively waterbirds.
On request, and depending on qualified guide availability, nature walks with skilled guides are wonderful ways of getting close to nature and observing the smaller things you miss when travelling by vehicle.
Night drives with spotlights allow you to find those nocturnal animals you might not see during the day.
VUMBURA PLAINS
Okavango DeltaBotswana