Chobe River Front Mobile Camp

Along the very north-eastern edge of Botswana flows the Chobe river which creates the natural boundary between the neighboring country of Namibia. Just to the west of the tourism town of Kasane the Chobe National Park boasts a long stretch of river frontage which holds significant populations of wildlife and makes for an excellent starting point or end point to any safari in northern Botswana. This region is made famous for its large population of elephants, buffaloes and zebras during the dry season. It is not uncommon to find herds of these species stretching into a few thousand individuals! Along with great prey densities comes great predator populations – the Chobe river front is home to many large lion prides who take full advantage of the large abundance of prey. The area is incredibly scenic and lends itself to boating activities which are an absolute must-do at either mid-day or the afternoon.

Mobile safaris have been around since the very beginning of safaris in Africa. They have been changed, adapted, advanced and perfected but the original concept has not been lost, the “take everything along, but leave nothing behind”. The luxury in a mobile safari is the ability to uproot the camp and change location without a trace. This allows you to have the same crew, same guide, same camp setup but in a new and unexplored area thus broadening your exposure and increasing your overall safari experience.

The camp crew normally consists of an experience bush chef, a waiter, an expert safari guide and a number of camp hands, all of whom’s jobs are to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The camp is moved in advance by specially modified vehicle or truck, with all duties and setup being done by the crew and is made ready prior to your arrival in the new location. It’s all the benefits of luxury camping, without any of the hard work!

Below are the 5 different levels of Mobile Safaris which we offer in Botswana:

1. Affordable Participation Mobile Safari

Camping safari requiring a minimum participation from the guests, i.e.: setting up the tent and packing it / carrying their bag from/to the vehicle at campsites. The rest of the camp chores are carried out by our team made up of one guide and one camp assistant.

Tents are 2.1m x 2.1m x 1.75m. A 5cm high-density foam mattress is provided for each guest. Ablutions are shared and bush ablutions set up by our team when staying in game reserves and national park campsites. These safaris typically take more guests and are far less comfortable or exclusive. Drinks are normally excluded from the price and are to be purchased before the safari.

2. Affordable Serviced Mobile Safari

Serviced meaning that there is no participation require from the guests. There are staff members who take care of all camp duties leaving guests to relax and enjoy the experience. Accommodation is typically in 3x3m dome tents (slightly bigger than the above). There can be either shared or individual en-suite pitfall toilets and bucket showers. Beds are typically single bedframes or stretchers with comfortable bedding and mattress provided.

3. Classic Serviced Mobile Safari

These safaris are serviced so all camp duties are taken care of so guests can relax and enjoy the experience. These typically include an upgraded menu and drinks list to the previous level. Accommodation is in mini meru tents (much bigger than dome tents, enough to stand upright etc). These safaris are very comfortable, and everything is included and taken care of. Each tent has its own en-suite shower and pitfall toilet. Solid single bedframes, bedding, comfortable mattresses, towels and in-tent lighting are provided.

4. Premier Serviced Mobile Safari

These safaris are considered premier because some aspect of them takes the safari to the next level. This could be in the form of upgraded accommodation, special food or elevated service but most notably the guide or tour leader could be a main feature. We do many ‘privately guided’ safaris and these would fall into this category, as the private guide/safari host/specialist guide is able to create a unique safari experience and thus justifies a separation from the typical safaris. The accommodation could be either 3×3 dome tents with en-suite toilets or mini meru sized depending on the actual tour.

5. Luxury Mobile Safaris

These are the ultimate in terms of comfort in a tented camp. These should almost be viewed as ‘mobile lodges’. Tents are mini meru sized or larger! Large and ultra comfortable beds are provided with en-suite flush toilets, sisal carpets, Persian rugs, copper basins combined with fine dining & premium wines & spirits.

2-5 of the above are complimented with en-suite bathroom areas which contain pitfall toilets (Luxury has a flushing toilet), and bucket shower systems which are filled with warm water upon request. All bedding and linen are also supplied and refreshed on longer trips. Bath towel, face cloths and hand towels are also supplied.

Delicious meals are served under the dining tent where you will be waited on by the beautifully set dining table. The meals are prepared by a specialist bush chef who is skilled in the fine art of cooking over the open fire. Hearty three course dinners, fresh home baked bread, access to coffee at all times of day and a well-stocked bar that’s open 24/7, there’s really not much these camps don’t offer!

2-5 safaris are also fully inclusive in terms of drinks and meals so all that is left to do is relax and enjoy being pleasantly comfortable, exquisitely well looked after and in close proximity to nature and the wilderness that is Northern Botswana.