Mapula Lodge

There’s an area on the northern fringes of the famed Okavango Delta, an enormous, 220,000 acre concession that’s a matrix of floodplains, woodlands and channels. Waterways snake across the landscape, spilling into glassy lagoons and encircling islands of stately palms and trumpeting elephant. It’s an iconic Delta landscape, and a magical environment in which to enjoy the abundance of wildlife.

In the middle of it all, on a large tree island surrounded by seasonal floodplains, is the laid back Mapula Lodge. Designed by the creators of the Kalahari legend, Jack’s Camp, this is a stylish safari outpost with serious panache. Even better, it’s located on a private concession making for exhilarating game viewing in a blissfully uncrowded area.

At Mapula there are nine canvas-and-thatch bedroom tents (one family tent), replete with king size metal four-posters and feather-filled pillows. En-suite bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers. Safari-chic finishing touches finish the decor.

At the main area, an aquamarine swimming pool is the perfect for hot Delta afternoons. Activities include game drives and boating & mokoro safaris.