Mombo Camp, now called Wilderness Mombo, is the camp many safari experts name first when asked for the best game viewing in Africa. It sits at the northeastern tip of Chief's Island in Moremi Game Reserve, deep in the Okavango Delta, on floodplains that hold year-round water and remarkable numbers of animals. Lions, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, elephants and buffalo are all seen regularly, often within minutes of camp.
The camp was completely rebuilt in 2019. Its tented suites are spacious and light, with private plunge pools, open-air lounges, ensuite bathrooms with outdoor showers and wide windows facing the floodplain. A wellness space called The Sanctuary has a lap pool, a sauna and a meditation area and there is also a spa and a gym. Rates are fully inclusive, covering meals, twice-daily activities, park fees, laundry and local drinks.
For a honeymoon, Mombo is the splurge of a lifetime. It is among the most expensive camps in Botswana and it is best suited to couples for whom wildlife is the main event. Those who want water-based activities such as mokoro trips should pair it with a water camp, since Mombo is primarily a land camp. Little Mombo, a separate three-tent camp next door, offers even more privacy at a higher price.
Highlights at a glance
- Some of Africa's best predator viewing
- Chief's Island in Moremi Game Reserve
- Rebuilt in 2019, with plunge pool tented suites
- The Sanctuary wellness space with lap pool and sauna
- Fully inclusive with park fees
Why Couples Love Mombo
The wildlife is extraordinary. Chief's Island is the largest island in the Delta and the Mombo area is famous for the density of its predators. Lions and leopards are seen most days and wild dogs and hyenas are regular. Huge herds of buffalo and lechwe graze the floodplains and elephants wander through camp.
The Simbira Channel nearby acts as a natural barrier, keeping animals close to the camp year round. Over 500 bird species have been recorded on Chief's Island, including the wattled crane and Pel's fishing owl.
The guiding is also exceptional. Mombo's guides are among the most experienced in Botswana and they know the individual animals and their territories. For couples, the combination of comfort and wildlife is unmatched. You can watch elephants from your plunge pool, then head out to find lions in the afternoon.
Tents to Book
Mombo has about nine tented suites for up to 18 guests, including a family unit made of two adjoining tents. Each suite has a private plunge pool, an open-air lounge, an ensuite bathroom with an outdoor shower and panoramic windows facing the floodplain. Interiors are light and natural, with wood, canvas and soft colors.
For a honeymoon, any of the standard double suites will do. Ask for one at the end of the walkway for more privacy. The family unit is designed for groups.
Little Mombo, next door, has just three tents for six guests and operates independently, with its own guides and vehicles. It costs significantly more, but it offers an exceptionally private stay. If you want Mombo's wildlife with even fewer people around, it is worth the extra.
Food, Drink and Wellbeing
Meals at Mombo focus on conservation and indigenous ingredients, including baobab, along with modern cooking. Breakfast before the morning drive, brunch, afternoon tea and dinner are all included. The camp has a wine cellar and private dining can be arranged on your deck or in the bush. A boma evening of traditional song and dance is a highlight.
The Sanctuary is Mombo's wellness space, with a lap pool, a sauna and a meditation area. There is also a spa, a gym and a main pool. Spa treatments make a good break during the hot middle of the day.
Local drinks are included, but premium imported brands and Champagne cost extra. Wi-Fi is available, although many couples prefer to switch off.
Why guests fall for it
Safari Activities
Game drives are the core of a Mombo stay, twice a day, in open vehicles with expert guides. Night drives are also offered, which give a chance to see nocturnal animals such as leopard on the hunt, porcupines and genets.
Boating and mokoro trips are possible at times, depending on water levels, but Mombo is primarily a land camp. A hide near camp offers close wildlife viewing at eye level.
Helicopter safaris can be booked for a bird's eye view of the Delta's channels and islands. Stargazing is excellent, with very little light pollution. Most couples spend three nights at Mombo, then move to a water camp for mokoro trips, which gives a more complete picture of the Delta.
Getting There
Mombo is reached by light aircraft from Maun Airport (MUB), a flight of under an hour depending on stops. Maun has connections from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Kasane. Most couples book Mombo as part of a wider safari through an operator, who arranges the flights and links with other camps.
Light aircraft limit luggage, usually to soft bags with a weight limit, including camera gear. Pack neutral clothes, a warm layer for cold winter mornings, sun protection and binoculars for both of you.
The flight over the Delta is part of the experience. Ask for a seat by the window and look for elephants and hippos in the channels below.
Is It Worth It?
Mombo is one of the most expensive safari camps in Africa, with rates from about $3,062 per person per night in the green season to over $5,000 in peak season (approximate). For couples who dream of seeing big cats and plenty of them, it delivers more consistently than almost anywhere.
It is not for every honeymoon. If you want water activities, a quieter romantic focus or better value, pair it with a water camp or choose a camp such as Vumbura Plains or Belmond Eagle Island Lodge. Families are welcome in the family unit.
The Delta is a malaria area. Talk to a travel clinic about prevention and use repellent. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for Botswana. The green season, from November to March, offers lower rates and baby animals.
Insider tips
- Combine Mombo with a water camp for mokoro trips.
- Book the green season for lower rates and newborn animals.
- Ask for a tent at the end of the walkway for extra privacy.
- Consider Little Mombo if you want the same wildlife with only six guests.
