Around the Next Corner & Other Tales

Davison’s Camp

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Who it’s best for:

Wildlife lovers, photographers, younger travelers, families and value-oriented travelers

Activities:

Game drives, walking safaris and visits to the Ngamo village

Why we love it:

It’s no secret that safaris can be expensive, so at Mango Safaris we have spent 21 years seeking out our favorite properties that punch well above their weight in terms of experience, without a hefty price tag. These are the places that give you access to the best wildlife areas and have fantastic guiding – the two elements you really need for a great safari – without any unnecessary frills in camp. Located in the heart of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, Davison’s Camp is the perfect laid-back hideaway for those seeking the rejuvenating tonic of nature away from the noise of modern life.

A Classic Safari Bursting with Life
With open savannah, vast pans, acacia forests and scrub, Hwange is classic bushveld scenery at its best. Sunsets illuminate the sky every night in a melting gradient of coral, blush and dusty blue. During the chilly mornings mist pools in the subtle dips and valleys of the landscape, glowing orange in the early morning light.

The real heart and soul of Hwange is the waterholes though. In this incredible arid land, the park management have made the decision to pump them with water to supply reliable year-round water for the wildlife. The result has been a stable ecosystem where animals thrive, and ecotourism provides employment and other benefits to nearby communities.

These waterholes offer some of the best game viewing opportunities, especially during the drier winter months. Elephants gather in the hundreds, giraffes dip low in their sprawling stoop, zebras kipper to each other and impala tiptoe nervously between them all. You can spend a whole afternoon at the same waterhole just watching the theater of life unfold before you.

Alongside the impressively robust population of elephants and plains game, Hwange is a fabulous destination for predator action. With the open savannah and pans, cheetahs thrive. Lions are also doing very well, with numerous prides ruling the land, including the offspring of the famous Cecil.

Everything You Need and Nothing More
Right in front of Davison’s Camp is the Ngamo Plains, one of the liveliest habitats in Hwange. Wildlife congregates around camp, so the sightings are prolific and memorable. Lions often roam right through camp, and it’s not uncommon for them to make kills in the open pan directly in front of the camp. On top of the main lounge area is a shady deck overlooking the pan and the Davion’s waterhole where you watch the action unfold. With a drink from the bar below and a good book in hand, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon.

With such a beautiful setting and plentiful wildlife by camp, the camp has a simple but comfortable design, so the focus remains on the magic of Hwange. With all the creature comforts and nothing more, Davison’s is a very affordable option that we absolutely love. The national park itself is very close to the iconic Victoria Falls, so accessing the camp on light air transfers is also very budget friendly compared to other regions. For families or younger travelers who have an insatiable wanderlust but need to make their dollars stretch, Davison’s is an ideal safari stop.

The cozy tents have proper shower and flush toilets, electricity overnight and your own little deck for you to enjoy the panoramic views of the bush. The main lounge is an open-air space so even when you’re sitting on soft armchairs with a gin and tonic in hand, you still feel fully immersed into the bush. The staff have struck the perfect balance between welcoming and professional, but without any pretension.

Even though this camp is pared down and relaxed, it delivers big on the safari activities. Venture out into the wilderness with your guide on game drives or walking safaris. With open-air 4x4 vehicles, you can explore the many regions of the park both by day and in the evening. We especially love the time when the sun is setting because you can see the start of the nocturnal wildlife waking up and preparing for their nightly hunting.

Another unique activity that Davison’s offers guests is the chance to visit the nearby Ngamo village. Completely removed from the busy tourism circuits, the village visit has a very open and authentic format, so it never feels voyeuristic. Step into village life for an afternoon with a visit to the school and clinic supported by Davison’s Camp and others in the park. This is also home to a creative project proposed and run by local women whereby they collect empty wine bottles from the camps for free and turn them into beads they can sell to pay their children’s school tuition. A lovely insight to the power of ecotourism for transforming the lives of local communities – we strongly recommend this if you are interested in culture.

Visit Davison’s for Yourself!

Check out our Hidden Gems of Africa itinerary, which starts off with three action-packed nights at Davison’s Camp before stopping at the magnificent Victoria Falls and finally venturing into the heart of the Okavango Delta for three more wildlife-dense nights at Gomoti Plains Camp, another of our Top 20 Favorite Camps.

Why this itinerary is great:

Wildlife intensive itinerary combining an impressive number of days in the bush with diverse activities

What this itinerary gives up in luxury, it more than makes up for in authentic, high quality experiences that are excellent value

Properties located in prime wildlife areas that include all the comforts you need and nothing extra

Extend your trip with a visit to Cape Town for a splash of culture, fantastic restaurants and stunning coastal scenery

 

 

Sirikoi

Lewa Conservancy, Kenya

Who it’s best for:

Wildlife lovers, conservationists, luxury travelers, foodies, families, multigenerational families and active travelers

Activities:

Game drives, walking safaris, wildlife hides, visits to the Lewa Conservation Operations Room and tracker dogs, horseback riding, Sirikoi garden tour, local school and clinic visit, Ngare Ndare Forest hikes, helicopter excursions, quad bike safaris and spa treatments (some activities require supplementary charges)

Why we love it:

At the core of Mango Safaris’ values is wildlife conservation. Beneath all the luxurious camps and sundowners with elephants lies our desire to protect the incredible wild spaces of Africa and the people and animals that call them home. On occasion, there are camps that bring a once-in-a-lifetime guest experience to one of these incredible wild spaces to create pure magic. Sirikoi delivers that in spades.

A Destination like No Other
At the heart of any great safari is the wildlife. Thanks to ecotourism, a quality safari experience and thriving wildlife populations go hand-in-hand. There is perhaps no conservation enterprise more successful in the world than Lewa Conservancy. An impeccably run operation that deploys a combination of short and long-term tactics, it has transformed from a private cattle ranch into an ecosystem bursting with diverse life.

Alongside robust populations of the usual suspects, there are excellent populations of lion, cheetah, wild dog and elephant. It is one of the best places in Africa to see highly endangered black and white rhinos thanks to their diligent anti-poaching efforts. To add a little texture on a multi-stop trip, it is also home to the Northern Five – reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, oryx, gerenuk and Grevy’s zebras – which are quite rare and can only be seen north of the equator.

While there, a visit to the Lewa Conservation Operations Headquarters is an absolute must if you have the time. You can meet the elite staff and their tracking dogs, learn about the network of rangers posted throughout the conservancy and witness their impressive efforts at tracking elephant populations across the entirety of their massive range to help better predict where protection is needed.

Explore, Unexpectedly
If you’re someone who loves to explore all the layers of a destination, then Sirikoi is perfect for you. The conservancy is set in one of the most picturesque parts of Africa, just a few miles from the equator itself. Under the watchful eye of My Kenya’s craggy peaks, the thick glens and waterfalls of the Ngare Ndare Forest give way to rolling savannah, groves of yellow-barked and flat-topped acacias, rocky outcrops and languid creeks. Sirikoi has crafted a collection of activities that let the full breadth of this beautiful land shine.

The lodge is nestled right in the heart of the conservancy near some of the best habitats, so game drives and walking safaris are particularly rewarding. A horseback safari gives you a whole new perspective on a classic game viewing experience by letting you view the wildlife at eye level. Leave behind the savannah for a hike through the Ngare Ndare Forest where waterfalls topple into aquamarine pools begging for a dip and colobus monkeys hide amid the treetops.

Sirikoi also offers two of the most utterly unique activities in the entire safari industry. Take a helicopter excursion of Mt Kenya, weaving through the snowcapped canyons and touching down at remote alpine lakes that few other humans have ever seen.

Home Amid the Wildlife
When you arrive at Sirikoi, the first thing you notice is the giraffes nibbling at the acacia trees and the elephants feeding at the spring-fed marsh stretching along the length of the grounds. Thanks to the permanent water this spring provides, the wildlife is never far from camp. Right from the pool or your private deck you can watch a daily parade of wildlife that stops by for a drink.

Whether you’re honeymooners cozying up in one of their luxurious tents or a family taking over the exclusive-use house or cottage, Sirikoi has an option that’s perfect for you. In typical Kenyan fashion, you can feel the love and personal touches throughout the lodge’s design. Local art and handmade furniture, eclectic rugs layered together, metal vases overflowing with flowers grown in the Sirikoi gardens…it is an expression of the family’s love.

Families will love their time at the lodge. Together you can watch ostriches from the pool, play croquet as elephant graze nearby, pick fruit and meet the resident chickens in the garden, or say hi to Nditu, the former orphan giraffe that still hangs around the grounds.

With the conservancy located at 5,500 feet in elevation, the early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly. There’s nothing better than coming in from a day of exploring and dipping into a hot bubble bath or curling up by one of the big crackling fireplaces with a good book. If it weren’t for the absolutely incredible meals featuring fresh, organic produce from the garden, you might have a hard time pulling yourself away from your fireplace.

Edible Eden
Overseen by George Kaberia, a botanical wizard with a bright smile and infectious enthusiasm, the Sirikoi gardens are a dazzling testament to what can be done with a whole lot of dedication, know-how and love. Covering an acre behind the lodge, all of the produce, herbs and flowers used at Sirikoi are grown and harvested there daily.

Thanks to his use of innovative techniques for everything from soil microbes to beneficial interplanting, the garden is absolutely thriving, both in quality and diversity of crops grown. George has managed to coax the arid soils of northern Kenya to grow luscious berries, creamy avocados, juicy mangos, plump tomatoes and so much more. When you taste a dish at Sirikoi, you are tasting the dedication of a gardener that pours his love into his land. There’s nowhere else in Africa where you’ll get berries picked that morning mere feet away from your breakfast table, while also watching elephants wander by.  

Every year, we send hundreds of clients to the crème de la crème across Africa and more clients come back saying Sirikoi is the best experience and hospitality they’ve ever had. Our best-traveled clients who seek out the top hotels around the world all come back singing the praises of this extraordinary place. It’s all about the little pieces that add up to create a wave of magic that envelops you from the moment you arrive until the moment your plane takes off.

Visit Sirikoi for Yourself!

For your own trip-of-a-lifetime, check out two of our favorite itineraries that include a stay Sirikoi:

Grand East Africa pairs the best classic wildlife destinations in the region – Lewa Conservancy, the Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Park - with a finale in Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking.

Finest Kenya and Seychelles celebrates the best of Kenya’s wildlife destinations for a fantastic safari and ends with a splash of luxury with the white sand beaches and turquoise seas of the Seychelles.

Begin your journey today…

 

 

Entamanu Ngorongoro

& Entamanu Private

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Who it’s best for:

Wildlife lovers, culture lovers, active travelers, honeymooners, families, multigenerational families & photographers

Activities:

Game drives, highland walks, Maasai cultural experiences
Private sundowners with Maasai dancers, Maasai orpul experience and a private picnic brunch complete with chef on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater also available with supplementary cost

Why we love it:

A New Perspective on a Famous Site
For many the Ngorongoro Crater is a popular but quick stop where you spend a day on safari exploring the crater floor and learning a bit about the geology before heading onward to the Serengeti. In reality, this area is home to a cultural history as fascinating as its natural one. Entamanu Ngorongoro offers experiences that beautifully blend these two elements to create an enriching and unique visit to the Ngorongoro Crater that steps beyond the expected.

Prime Location
Perched right on the rim in a pocket of forest, this thoughtfully designed camp overlooks the entire sweep of the crater. We love the location of Entamanu, which is found directly across from the majority of the other rim-based camps, well off the beaten track. Best of all, it is located the closest to the sole descent road, which provides access to the crater floor, saving you up to of an hour of extra driving before even beginning your game drive. This means that you can easily be the first into the crater in the morning, giving you precious exclusivity in a notoriously popular destination. Since most guests only spend one day on safari there, having the early morning with no crowds is invaluable, especially for photographers.

Even if you only spend a few nights at Entamanu Ngorongoro, they are sure to make an immense impact on you. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth thanks to a serendipitous mash-up of geological and ecological factors. Formed about 2.5 million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed in on itself, it is now the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. Rich volcanic soil, a warm climate and proximity to vast, fertile grasslands was the perfect recipe for biodiversity to flourish.

While on safari on the crater floor, you can hardly turn your head without seeing an animal in this remarkable self-contained habitat. Grazers abound and predators ranging from lions and hyenas to bat-eared foxes thrive with the abundant prey. There are even rhino, leopard and caracal for those lucky enough to spot one. Lake Magadi is home to seasonal flocks of flamingos and pelicans that turn the alkaline lake into a watercolor swirl of pinks and whites.

In the Footsteps of the Maasai
On the outer slopes of the crater, dozens of Maasai villages dot the land. To honor this, Entamanu has curated a wonderful collection of experiences that center around their culture and heritage. Go for a nature walk with a Maasai guide, learning about medicinal plants and looking for wildlife as you hike along the rim, the crater on one side and the Serengeti stretching to the horizon on the other. Our favorite way to do this fully-customizable experience is a 2-3 hour hike that ends with a spectacular brunch on a bluff overlooking Lake Empakai, the Oldupai Gorge and the Serengeti beyond.

With your guide you can visit a Maasai village to take in their daily life. Learn how they build their unique houses and boma, including stepping inside a home to see their sleeping and cooking quarters. You will meet their beloved livestock and enjoy a beautiful song and dance performance. Their rhythmic chanting will echo in your ears long after you leave the boma behind. We loved how authentic and relaxed this experience felt. Only the guests from Entamanu have the privilege of visiting this particular village, so it never felt put-on.

For an even deeper dive into Maasai culture, opt for a private sundowner with a traditional dance performance or the Maasai Orpul experience, a strengthening ceremony for men and boys where they gather in the bush for at least two weeks, away from the boma.

Africa Meets Alpine
Back in camp the experience is just as unique. Entamanu feels like a Tanzanian take on Scandinavian hygge (the art of coziness). Canvas walls blend with white-washed wood, fluffy white pillows and plush woven rugs. Plump armchairs encircle crackling fireplaces. Lampshades beaded by the Maasai, cowhide rugs echoing the Maasai herds, and tapestries depicting Tanzanian folklore infuse local flavor throughout the design. It doesn’t sound like it would work in a safari camp, but it absolutely does, and it does so effortlessly. It’s curated, but unfussy. Cozy, but chic.

With the cool misty mornings and chilly evenings (you’re at 7,500 feet of elevation on the rim!) the alpine inspired design beckons you in. Imagine sitting on your deck with a steaming mug of coffee and a warm fudgy brownie (stay tuned for the recipe), watching the golden light and wispy clouds play across the caldera…you might be forgiven for thinking you’ve found heaven.

Visit Entamanu Ngorongoro Yourself!

Check out our Grasslands of Tanzania itinerary, which sandwiches a stay at Entamanu Ngorongoro with stops in Tarangire National Park and the famed Serengeti National Park.

Why this itinerary is great:
Visit the remarkably diverse ecosystems of Northern Tanzania
See the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration and all the predator action that does along with it
Walk with the Maasai in their sacred homeland
See massive herds of elephants roaming the river valleys of Tarangire National Park
Easily add on time in the Mahale Mountains to see wild chimpanzees or on Zanzibar for the idyllic beaches and sleepy island pace

Begin planning my journey today!

 

 

Sausage Tree Camp

Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Who it’s best for:

Wildlife lovers, birdwatchers, photographers, families, multigenerational families & active travelers

Activities:

Game drives, walking safaris, boat safaris, canoeing safaris, birdwatching and catch-and-release spin and fly-fishing 

Why we love it:

Heart and Soul in Every Moment
As a small, family-based company, we love finding camps that share a similar aura to us – passion for the industry that runs deep, a personal touch felt in every moment, and a commitment to creating experiences uniquely tailored to who you are as a traveler. Sausage Tree Camp embodies all of these and they do it beautifully. Run by a family who have been on the safari scene for years, this camp promises the perfect splash of luxury to contrast a destination that packs an extra wallop of adventure. 

A Natural Wonder
Tucked away on a quiet side channel of the mighty Zambezi River, the camp has panoramic river views stretching to the escarpment beyond. As one of the few camps located within the national park, it means you avoid the crowds around the main entrance gates, and have prime early morning and late evening access (when wildlife are most active) to the western reaches of the park. 

Lower Zambezi National Park is a hidden gem largely off the radar of the classic circuits, but it punches well above its weight for both variety of activities and natural beauty. It is a land of giants – elephants roam in abundant numbers, hippos dot the wide and meandering bends of the Zambezi River, towering baobabs and ancient ebony forests edge along the rocky escarpment. 

Explore
We love using this camp as a final stop, especially for families, because the large variety of activities gives you the opportunity to get out of the vehicle and experience Africa in a new way. We absolutely love that Sausage Tree Camp operates with every group having their own private guide. This makes for a highly personalized stay that is tailored to your interests and needs. 

Beyond game drives in search of the many predators and elephants that call the region home, you can venture out on foot with your guide in pursuit of the little things that make up an ecosystem. It’s also particularly good for birdwatching with nearly 500 species, including unique ones like the goliath heron or Pel’s fishing owl. 

As a land defined by its many rivers and side channels, exploring by boat is at the core of a good Lower Zambezi experience. Sit back and relax on a motorboat safari as you float past buffalo and elephants grazing on the banks. It’s a whole new experience to see the wildlife while looking up instead of down at them. From the boat you can also try your luck at landing a monster tiger fish. For sustainability it’s all catch and release using either a spin or fly rod – beginners and pros alike will love this. 

For active travelers, a canoeing safari is an absolute must! Thanks to their location, you are able to canoe down the stunningly beautiful Chifungulu Channel. There’s no skill required – just sit back and let the current and your guide drift you past countless birds and animals. Whether you do a one-hour float or a full-day experience, complete with a picnic lunch en route, this is one of the most memorable ways to experience Africa.

Family Favorite
We’ve already espoused our love of Sausage Tree’s private-guides-for-all policy and their wide array of activities, but it’s for these reasons and more that make it a favorite for Mango’s family clients. Do your kids need to eat earlier or can they only stand sitting still during a game drive for so long? No problem! Having a private guide and a selection of activities means you can tailor your days to suit your children’s needs so every day is fresh and fun. 

Between game drives, your kids can have fun splashing around in the pool. Not only is there a large riverfront one in the main area, but every suite also comes its own private plunge pool. No matter where you choose to lounge your afternoons away, the elephants and hippos on the adjacent bank are sure to provide plenty bush entertainment. Whether you’re a nuclear family or a large multi-generational one that takes over the whole camp, the wonderful staff will attend to your every need so you can focus on making incredible memories together.

Style & Bygone Romance
White canvas walls, luxurious touches and the dreamiest of settings makes this place an absolute winner for couples of all kinds. It’s the perfect place to end a once-in-a-lifetime safari honeymoon. The camp promises the kind of romantic ambiance that only Africa can offer…sipping on champagne in your private pool while elephants wade past and birds serenade you. An outdoor shower, large soaking tub, spacious design and ample privacy make for the perfect hideaway for two. Dine under the stars on your private deck, enjoy a sundowner overlooking the river or simply soak up the magic of the Lower Zambezi in a space all your own.

Visit Sausage Tree Camp Yourself

Whether you’re honeymooners, a family or somewhere in between, a visit to Sausage Tree Camp should be on everyone’s bucketlist. Pair a stay here with a visit to Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and a stop at the iconic Victoria Falls. Hwange promises plenty of predator action and waterholes bursting with plains games against a classic bushveld landscape. The thundering, misty Victoria Falls is a must-see stop for any visitor to Southern Africa. Add on time in Cape Town at the start of your trip for a dash of culture, fine dining, winetasting and coastal beauty. 

Begin planning my journey today!

 

 

 

Lynn Drake

Bag Shipper, Thank You Note Writer & Overall Helper
Team member since 2010

What’s your hometown?
Portland, OR

What’s your favorite thing about working at Mango?
My diverse group of coworkers and getting to learn something new everyday. 

Why do you love to travel?
Traveling connects you to new cultures. I love meeting curious people, trying their food and immersing myself in their everyday life. The more remote the better for me. 

What’s your favorite destination in Africa and why?
Zimbabwe because it has nice people, incredible wildlife and is untouched. In 5 years I've gotten 5 Zimbabwe visas in my passport. 

What’s your favorite destination outside of Africa and why? 
The Polar regions because it is beautiful and peaceful.

What’s your dream trip for 2020? 
It was going to be the Raja Ampat Islands, which are an Indonesian archipelago off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula in West Papua, but the trip was cancelled. 

What’s the best thing you ever ate while traveling?
Anything French, especially mussels in Paris. 


What’s the most memorable wildlife sighting in Africa?
Getting chased by wild elephants on a narrow road and having to go backwards in the vehicle to get away from them. 

What’s the most unique souvenir you’ve ever brought home from a trip?
I buy a Monkey Biz beaded animal each time I am in the Johannesburg airport. 

What 5 things are always in your carry-on bag?
Magazines, my kindle, ear plugs, eye shades, change of clothes and my camera

What’s the foreign currency you have the most of floating around at home?
South African rand and Mexican pesos

What’s your top travel tip? 
Go with the flow!

What’s your favorite animal?
Elephant

What do you love to do outside of travel?
Knitting, cooking, Pilates and exploring the Northwest

What’s your go-to drink for sundowners?
Sparkling water with lime

What’s your favorite movie or book?
A booked called 'A Fine Balance'

What’s your favorite food?
Anything Mexican

What pets do you have? 
A 20 year-old cat

What’s your perfect summer day?
In Sisters Oregon sitting on my deck with coffee contemplating the day
 
What’s your guilty pleasure movie?
The Sound of Music - the singalong version

Nancy Pole Wilhite

Goal Keeper for final planning documents
Team member since 2009

What’s your hometown?
Navy brat, but I spent most of my formative years in Corona del Mar, California

What’s your favorite thing about working at Mango? 
The staff

Why do you love to travel? 
Because I get to experience new ways of looking at the world

What’s your favorite destination in Africa and why?
The next one…

What’s your favorite destination outside of Africa and why? 
South America because it has a varied landscape, culture, people, food, flora and fauna

What’s your dream trip for 2020?
Perhaps Brazil

What’s the best thing you ever ate while traveling?
Beetle larvae

What’s the most memorable wildlife sighting in Africa?
Wild dogs on the hunt at Savuti Camp

What’s the most unique souvenir you’ve ever brought home from a trip?
Sand from the Atcama Desert

What 5 things are always in your carry-on bag? 
Bathing suit, extra pair of cheater eye glasses, miner’s light, dental floss, tooth brush and a copy of my passport picture page

What’s the foreign currency you have the most of floating around at home?
Euro

What’s your top travel tip?
In case you lose your luggage, wear multiple layers of clothing on the flight

What’s your favorite animal?
Wild dogs

What do you love to do outside of travel?
Garden

What’s your go-to drink for sundowners?
Pimm’s Cup or scotch, preferably single malt

What’s your favorite movie or book? 
“Les Enfants du Paradis”

What’s your favorite food?
Chocolate

What pets do you have?
My plants

What’s your perfect summer day?
Spending time in the water- on the beach or in a pool…

What’s your guilty pleasure movie?
Lord of the Rings series

Lauren Gamba

Office Manager
Team member since 2019

What’s your hometown?
Denver, CO

What’s your favorite thing about working at Mango?
Getting to learn about new places and working with great people

Why do you love to travel?
I feel ALIVE when I’m traveling. There’s something about seeing new scenery, eating new food and experiencing new ways of thinking/living. It makes me feel so much more connected to the world

What’s your favorite destination in Africa and why?
I was REALLY excited to go to Kenya and Tanzania this summer with my extended family but alas, COVID is not allowing that to happen. But I'll still get there someday! 

What’s your favorite destination outside of Africa and why?
Torres del Paine in Patagonia took my breath away. The Greek islands are also phenomenal

What’s your dream trip for 2020?
Skiing japow (Japanese powder)

What’s the best thing you ever ate while traveling?
The beef in Chile, and I don't normally even like beef all that much! 

What’s the most unique souvenir you’ve ever brought home from a trip?
I'm not much of a shopper. I tend to spend my money on experiences or food instead

What 5 things are always in your carry-on bag?
Snacks, socks, headphones, book and makeup remover wipes

What’s the foreign currency you have the most of floating around at home?
Probably pesos

What’s your top travel tip?
Make travel a part of your lifestyle, not something you’ll only do when you retire

What’s your favorite animal?
Elephants because they have a lot of emotional intelligence

What do you love to do outside of travel?
I’m a big skier and concert-goer

What’s your go-to drink for sundowners?
White wine

What’s your favorite movie or book?
Cry of the Kalahari is by far my favorite Africa book

What’s your favorite food?
Sushi, which I could easily eat every day

What pets do you have?
Mavis, who is an exotic shorthair cat

What’s your perfect summer day?
A float on the river on my husband's boat, followed by wine on the deck

What’s your guilty pleasure movie?
Spaceballs

Mary Ellen Chown

Air Desk 
Team member since 2018

What’s your hometown?
Melancthon, which is in Ontario, Canada

What’s your favorite thing about working at Mango?
My amazingly talented team

Why do you love to travel?
Because I love to learn and explore cultures and food

What’s your favorite destination in Africa and why?
Botswana because it's untouched and very remote so you feel truly immersed in the African experience

What’s your favorite destination outside of Africa and why?
Britain because I love the history of the country

What’s your dream trip for 2020?
Zambia walking safari

What’s the best thing you ever ate while traveling?
Lamb Curry

What’s the most memorable wildlife sighting in Africa?
Elephant at Kings Pool who came charging out of the bushes behind our vehicle

What’s the most unique souvenir you’ve ever brought home from a trip?
Rain sticks from Africa

What 5 things are always in your carry-on bag?
Sweater, toothbrush, camera, medications and sandals

What’s the foreign currency you have the most of floating around at home?
US dollar

What’s your top travel tip?
Be early so that you allow for extra time

What’s your favorite animal?
Leopard

What do you love to do outside of travel?
Garden

What’s your go-to drink for sundowners?
Tonic & Lime

What’s your favorite movie or book?
Life & Death in Shanghai is the best book ever

What’s your favorite food?
Pizza

What pets do you have?
2 dogs, 2 cats

What’s your perfect summer day?
Full day spent gardening

What’s your guilty pleasure movie?
Up

Gomoti Plains Camp

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Who it’s best for

Wildlife lovers, birdwatchers, photographers, families, multigenerational families, experiential travelers

Activities

Game drives, walking safaris, mokoro rides & boat safaris

Why we love it

Prime access…without the price tag
Found in the famed Okavango Delta, Gomoti Plains Camp is a superb camp that packs in phenomenal value for travelers. The private concession where Gomoti Plains sits is situated right next to several highly desirable concessions home to a handful of luxurious camps that are more expensive. Staying at Gomoti gives you access to this prime location without paying the rates for flashier camps. Instead, all of your money goes toward the safari experience and none of the distractions.

Located in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, this area is where the watery maze of canals and lagoons gives way to the northern edge of the Kalahari Desert to create an ecotone (region where two habitats overlap) absolutely bursting with wildlife. Permanent water from the Gomoti River means the camp reliably delivers a well-rounded delta experience throughout the year.

Life in camp
Strung along a picturesque stretch of the Gomoti River, beautiful views permeate every corner of the camp. Whether you are sipping around the morning campfire or reading a great book in your tent, you will be immersed into the setting with every moment. Founded by a former guide, the camp excels operationally so your stay will be effortless and relaxed. You’ll have all the creature comforts you need without any extra frills that add up – fresh, delicious meals, cold drinks, warm hospitality, and an emphasis on excellent guiding.

Explore
Forests of towering leadwood and ebony trees typical of the northern delta blend with the palm trees of Botswana’s desert landscapes. Grassy plains, open pans and offshoots from the Gomoti River provide diverse habitat that supports a huge variety of wildlife ranging from predators to plains game. Thanks to this tapestry of habitats, the Gomoti Plains private concession offers extraordinary game viewing year-round.

Discover the camp’s surroundings on highly productive game drives and walking safaris that have phenomenal sightings of the concession’s wildlife. Track lions as they hunt in the early morning mist, watch for a flash of spots as a leopard slinks up a tree or spend an afternoon with a family of elephants as they splash in the shallows.

It wouldn’t be a visit to the Okavango Delta without exploring by water, and Gomoti Plains Camp provides an amazing water-based experience in addition to their dynamic land offerings. Drift along the river between sky-high papyrus reeds in a mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) or motorboat. Listen to a chorus of birdsong as you float past animals grazing along the banks or watch as they cross right in front of you. This is a fabulous way to see and photograph water-dependent bird species.

A family favorite
Gomoti Plains is one of our favorite options for not just families but also multigenerational families with children of any age. In the main camp there are 2 two-bedroom family units, meaning 2 nuclear families can stay here with the grandparents in an adjacent tent. They also offer Gomoti Private, a small exclusive use camp nearby that is perfect for a family of up to six. As an added bonus, unlike most camps, they do not charge for use of a private vehicle, which helps make a family safari more affordable without losing any of the convenience. It’s this commitment to bringing the magic of the Okavango Delta to families that makes us love Gomoti Plains so much.

Commitment to conservation
Another reason the camp has found its way into Mango’s heart is its commitment to wildlife conservation. Over the years, they have played host to research teams for both wild dogs and Botswana’s ambitious rhino relocation efforts. This directly benefits and enriches the guest experience by creating strong populations of both highly endangered species. If the researchers are in camp while you are there, they are often very willing and eager to share their work with guests. Having a frontline view of boots-on-the-ground conservation is just one more reason why we love Gomoti Plains so much – this is what ecotourism is all about!

 

Visit Gomoti Plains Camp Yourself

Check out our Hidden Gems of Southern Africa itinerary, which pairs Gomoti Plains Camp with time on safari in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park and a stop at the iconic Victoria Falls. 

Why this itinerary is great...

• Wildlife intensive itinerary combining an impressive number of days in the bush with diverse activities
• What this itinerary gives up in luxury, it more than makes up for in authentic, high quality experiences that are excellent value
• Properties located in prime wildlife areas that include all the comforts you need and nothing extra
• Extend your trip with a visit to Cape Town for a splash of culture, fantastic restaurants and stunning coastal scenery

 

Kristie Noguchi

Bookkeeper
Team member since 2010

What’s your hometown? 
Portland, Oregon

What’s your favorite thing about working at Mango? 
The people I work with

Why do you love to travel? 
The experience of immersing yourself in new places and people

What’s your favorite destination in Africa and why? 
Botswana because of its fabulous array of animals

What’s your favorite destination outside of Africa and why?  
My favorite last-minute getaway for sun is Puerto Vallarta. It’s an easy, cheap fly ‘n flop destination with great food that takes little pre-planning.

What’s your dream trip for 2020? 
Galapagos to see the Blue-Footed Boobies dancing

What’s the best thing you ever ate while traveling? 
Same day catch-and-eat sashimi tuna

What’s the most memorable wildlife sighting in Africa? 
A pride of lions napping while the cubs played

What’s the most unique souvenir you’ve ever brought home from a trip? 
When I was a kid we mailed home a coconut as if it was a postcard

What 5 things are always in your carry-on bag? 
Neutrogena sunscreen stick, sea-bands, book, sunglasses, chewable Pepto

What’s the foreign currency you have the most of floating around at home?
Pesos

What’s your top travel tip? 
Go with few pre-conceived notions, and you’ll have less anxiety when you get there

What’s your favorite animal? 
One day I’d love to see a Pangolin!

What do you love to do outside of travel?
When I have the time, I love to read

What’s your go-to drink for sundowners? 
Vodka/tonic

What’s your favorite movie or book? 
Currently “The Farewell”

What’s your favorite food? 
Dolsot bibimbap, which is a tasty Korean rice dish

What pets do you have? 
2 mutt dogs

What’s your perfect summer day?
83° degrees, on or next to a body of water with a margarita and a stack of trashy magazine

What’s your guilty pleasure movie? 
The Princess Bride