Where Vumbura Plains sits
Vumbura Plains lies in the far north of the Okavango Delta, on a 60,000-hectare private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. The northern Delta is where floodplain, island and dry woodland interlock most tightly, and the concession’s size means the camp has a great deal of country to itself. The Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest inland delta on earth.
Two camps, not one
Vumbura Plains is built as two separate camps — North and South — of seven suites each, fourteen in total. They operate independently, which keeps each camp small and lets guests be split by activity preference during the day rather than moved as one large group.
The suites
Suites are elevated on wooden decking at the water’s edge. Each has a private viewing deck, a plunge pool, sun loungers and a covered sala. The architecture is deliberately open — this is a camp that puts you outside rather than inside.
The main areas
Each camp has an open lounge and dining room with a pool, wifi throughout, and a store selling locally made crafts.
Game drives
Game drives run twice daily across the concession. The Vumbura floodplains carry lechwe, buffalo, elephant and good predator numbers, and because this is private land the vehicles are not bound by national park rules.
Mokoro excursions
Mokoro trips are offered on the channels. The mokoro is the Delta’s own vessel, poled from the back, moving at the pace of the water — and the northern Delta’s permanent channels make it viable here across much of the year.
Boat safaris and fishing
Motorboat safaris and sunset boat trips run on the deeper water, and catch-and-release fishing is offered. The mix of land and water activity in one camp is the reason many travellers choose the northern Delta over a purely dry camp.
Walking safaris
Guided walking safaris are available on the concession. Walking is not permitted in Moremi next door, so this is one of the things the private concession buys you.
Families
There is no minimum age. The camp runs children’s menus and a Bush Buddy programme for ages six to twelve, with staff dedicated to keeping children occupied through the day. That is unusual in the Delta, where many camps set a minimum age of six, eight or twelve.
Community, access and season
Wilderness partners with the Okavango Community Trust, working with residents of five villages on skills, education and livelihoods; the concession is community land. Access is by light aircraft on the daily Wilderness Air circuit. The camp operates year-round: the flood peaks around the middle of the year, when the water activities are strongest, and the green season brings birds and newborn game.
