Machaba Safaris is known for its fresh, understated classic safari camps in sought after pockets of wildlife paradise in Zimbabwe and Botswana. Camps are simple and sophisticated, and transport discerning guests straight back to the classic 50s safari era, where it was all about immersing yourself in graceful design and style. Machaba’s Okavango Delta camps offer a combination of land and water safari options, with each camp located on the banks of the placid waterways and river systems.
The depths of the Delta waters framed by date palms and fringed by reeds, provide the perfect tropical riverfront scenes. Visitors flock to the Okavango Delta for wildlife and landscapes, but Machaba noticed a trend with these eager safari seekers – the desire to combine a pristine water-safari with an idyllic beach holiday.
With that, Machaba’s Delta and Ocean idea was born. Machaba Safaris latest offering is their beach and safari combo called “Machaba Blue Safari”, a 15 day journey from Maun in Botswana to Mahe in the Seychelles.
The itinerary is :
- 3 Nights at Machaba Camp in the Khwai region of the Okavango Delta
- 3 Nights Gomoti Plains Camp situated on the edge of the Gomoti River System
- 1 Night at the Intercontinental OR Tambo (lay over)
- 1 Night Eden Bleu Hotel in Mahe, Seychelles
- 7 Nights Alphonse Island at the Alphonse Group, Seychelles
Machaba Camp in Khwai
Machaba Camp is a 50s style camp designed to exude an atmosphere of “vintage explorer”. A few collectables adorn the main area and decor is designed to reflect a safari style from bygone era. It’s fresh simplicity combined with elegant sophistication, and plenty of added value extras, ensures an ultra-luxurious stay. The location speaks for itself. Situated under a canopy of trees along the banks of the much-loved Khwai River in the Okavango Delta, lies 10 luxury tents and a main lounge/dining area leading out into a boma. The pool is situated in an enclave surrounded by greenery overlooking the hippo-filled waters of Khwai. Each tent features an en suite bathroom, living area and a typical safari-style outdoor shower.
Guests can expect guided bush walks through the riverine vegetation and surrounding emerald landscapes. Game drives lead to all sorts of noteworthy sightings. It’s certainly not uncommon to spot leopard and wild dog in these parts. The most popular wildlife to spot is hippos and elephants; often seen from the swimming pool and open areas of camp.
Of course, there are all the frills and spills that come with staying at an ultra-luxurious safari camp. These include sundowner sessions, boma campfires and al fresco dining under the Botswana sky.
Machaba Camp in Khwai truly is a slice of water safari paradise.
Gomoti Plains Camp
The Gomoti River system spills out over the floodplains in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The delightful woodlands surrounding the river system houses the elegant and bold Gomoto Plains Camp. Built in a similar signature style to Machaba, each of the 10 luxury tents differs slightly to the classic Machaba tent in that there are individual wooden decks with uninterrupted views of the floodplains.
Gomoti is one of the area’s best-kept secrets and offers up a wildlife spectacle right on your doorstep. It’s known for its high concentration of big game. Head out on a mokoro ride to view elephants, hippos and wading birds. Quietly cruise past massive raptors striking a pose on proud reeds jutting out from the water’s edge. There’s just so much to see in this part of the Delta – absolute magic around every corner.
There is a central lounge, bar and dining area, filled with a range of colourful decor items and statement pieces. It’s a stylish breakaway abode ideal for relaxing between morning and evening safari activities.
Gomoti is a sheltered hideaway protected by water fig and mature acacia trees. Just perfect for a water wilderness escape.
Alphonse Island in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles
The dazzling stark blue waters of the Indian Ocean greatly contrast the darker indigo waters of the Okavango Delta. Botswana would have delighted its visitors with its water and land based safari, and the Seychelles will astound visitors with its variety of marine activities and colourful aquatic life.
Alphonse Island is dotted with lagoons and flats seas, and there’s only one single lodge located on the island. Guests can choose from a range of accommodation options. There are beach bungalows and beach suites, set in tropical gardens just metres from the shoreline.
In typical Seychelles style, there are giant tortoises roaming the island and over 3o pristine dive sites. Guides cycling tours, fly fishing, swimming, snorkelling and canoeing.
A private island all to yourself. Is that not the epitome of Indian Ocean paradise?
