Reviews of Little Machaba
Wildlife sightings and reviews
9 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Little Machaba and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
83% success
83% success
0% success
40% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
80% success
67% success
67% success
60% success
20% success
20% success
17% success
0% success
0% success
"Little Machaba review"
Although we saw lots of animals and birds there was an issue with animal crowding at times. When our guide or another guide from a different camp spotted an animal, they all seemed to be in contact and several vehicles loaded with people would arrive and surround the animal (leopard for example). This was the only camp where this was an issue." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
Aardvark
Multiple sightings
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
8 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Little Machaba review"
In addition to the sightings of mammals recorded below, we saw an African Wild Cat, Springhares, Red Lechwes, Tsessebes and a Steenbok." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Little Machaba review"
The staff were wonderful and a real treat was brunch in the bush, all beautifully laid out, on our last day.
There is, however, one drawback to staying at Little Machaba: it is in a concession shared with other safari camps and private travellers. This meant we saw a lot of vehicles on every game drive and there was no protocol in place as to how many vehicles should be at a sighting at any one time. It was not uncommon to see 7 or 8 vehicles all surrounding the animals, which is not what we are used to. Obviously this is beyond the control of Little Machaba, but it really did spoil the experience. Even trying to find a quiet place for sundowners proved almost impossible." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
1 sighting
Hippo
1 sighting
Lion
7 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
"Small, intimate and wonderful!"
We loved Little Machaba, the food and staff were fabulous, the setting glorious, and the game drives were amazing.
Highly recommend and we'd love to go back." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
"Little Machaba "
The camp was very comfortable and in a wonderful location on the river - you could sit by the pool and watch the elephants giraffes land warthogs.The food here was again wasexcellent quality although there wasn’t a choice in the evening - only one option of starter and main but it wasn’t a problem just an observation- the breakfast,brunch and afternoon tea were superb and the bar always open - all the staff were extremely friendly and professional and made you feel most welcome and relaxed - once again excellent laundry service - you really don’t need to take much with you" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
4 sightings
"Elegant and peaceful camp"
Our guide was experienced and did his job professionally. Although Little Machaba has just 4 tents their two guides "hunted as a pack" with the guides from big Machaba, just next door. We were very aware of other vehicles and the noise of the radio. During our stay the wildlife viewings were few and far between although we enjoyed briefly seeing wild dogs chasing prey. We weren't able to follow them but saw the pack the next day. The dogs had decided to sleep in the Kwai public campsite so we joined an enormous number of vehicles crowding and jostling round the dogs. Not a good way to see anything! The second day a call came over the radio of a sighting of a leopard...again we found ourselves with a crowd of vehicles, I counted 12. For us being in a community concession, with many other camps and mobile safaris driving in the same area, was quite a big negative point.
We had a short mokoro trip as part of a morning activity. It was very peaceful and the boatmen made decorations from the water lilies. They also talked about their traditional way of life and the effect nature conservation and tourism has had on village life. Really interesting and a little disturbing.
Our final morning we were lucky to see some great birds, including Verreaux's eagle owl and a harrier hawk. We were lucky to have the company of a travel agent from Maun with us who was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic birder, pointing out many of the smaller birds too which the guide didn't realise would be of interest to guests.
Another small point. The vehicle was a Land Cruiser, as used in the other 3 camps we stayed at. In the other camps the seats were covered in blankets which made them less slippery and meant there were no gaps between the three seats on each row. Unfortunately I didn't notice this and placed my camera next to me; it instantly slipped to the floor of the vehicle and broke. My fault for not carrying out a full "risk assessment" but this may not have happened in the other vehicles." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
"Little Machaba review"
The rooms and facilities are great, but the guides and food are average." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana
"A Little Gem"
Our room was excellent, being very clean and spacious. It had both an inside and an outside shower facility.
Every member of staff we found to be friendly and welcoming. The food was excellent.
Our guide was knowledgeable and sensitive towards the environment and wildlife we encountered. We saw and abundance of wildlife each day, expertly tracked by our guide. A particular highlight was witnessing a pack of African Wild Dogs on a hunting expedition.
We enjoyed twice daily game drives, including a sundowner each evening before returning to camp for our evening meal.
An excellent stay." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Little Machaba review"
The 'moobile safaris' from Maun use the same grounds and this can make it a less private experience.
The camp manager is a great guy - talk to him about his up and coming horse champion daughter. Currently moving up in the show jumping category in SA." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Moremi Game Reserve
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Private Mobile
The Botswana Private Mobile Safari has no fixed location; it's exclusive to your group and comes with a top professional guide. Expect comfortable camping, great food, and a superb wildlife experience wherever you decide to go.
Machaba Camp
Overlooking the Khwai River to Moremi Game Reserve beyond, the classic Machaba Camp combines comfort with excellent game viewing.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Located deep in Botswana's Okavango Delta, Xigera Camp normally focuses on mokoro excursions and motorboat trips, with 4WD game drives when water levels permit.
Xakanaxa
Xakanaxa Camp is a well-established traditional camp beside a huge lagoon within the Moremi Game Reserve, with access to some superb game viewing.
Khwai Lediba
Khwai Lediba offers a traditional African safari experience, with very comfortable tented accommodation, in a fantastic game area north of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Sable Alley
Smart, independent and well-run, Sable Alley overlooks a beautiful, hippo-filled lagoon within the diverse Khwai Private Reserve.
Okuti
With an innovative design and good service, Okuti Camp offers game drives and boat trips in a beautiful, game-rich part of Moremi Game Reserve.
Mombo Camp
Mombo is one of Botswana's most exclusive safari camps, set in a beautiful, remote location within the Moremi Game Reserve and with exceptional game densities.
Chief's Camp
Chief's Camp is situated on Chief's Island, within the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve. Experience one of Botswana's top game-viewing areas by 4WD and mokoro.
Hyena Pan
Fairly rustic, and relatively inexpensive, Hyena Pan overlooks a natural waterhole that attracts an almost constant parade of animals.
Skybeds
Situated in a private reserve close to Moremi Game Reserve, Skybeds offers a simple yet wonderful opportunity to sleep under the stars and watch wildlife from your bed.
Camp Moremi
In one of the best locations for game viewing in Botswana, Camp Moremi sits at the tip of the Mopane Tongue, overlooking Xakanaxa Lagoon.
Little Mombo
One of Botswana's top safari camps, Little Mombo stands on the north side of Chief's Island, in the heart of the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve.
Little Sable
Little Sable camp is located in the Khwai Private Reserve – which borders the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe
Tuludi
Tuludi is a brand new luxury camp, within the Khwai Private Reserve, built on a site under giant leadwood trees and overlooking the Okavango Delta floodplains.
Sango Safari Camp
Sango offers comfortable tented accommodation, without some of the frills often found in Botswana's camps, with an area that's scenic and gets excellent, consistent game sightings.
Mokete Camp
New for July 2023, Mokete has 9 luxurious tents, raised on platforms above the surrounding bush and offers an experience of the Kalahari Wilderness.
Khwai River Lodge
Khwai River Lodge is a luxurious and well-equipped safari camp, on the northern edge of Moremi Game Reserve. This area isn't exclusive, but it is beautiful and has excellent game.
Khwai Leadwood
Khwai Leadwood is a luxurious lodge located in the heart of the Khwai Community Concession, offering guests exceptional service, stunning scenery, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Monachira
A new lodge in Moremi Game Reserve, with a focus on water-based activities, the family-friendly Monachira will be opening in May 2025.
Tawana
An exclusive new lodge on the banks of the Gomoti River, Tawana has just eight very spacious suites.
