Karangoma: Our full report
Karangoma is in the northeastern region of the Okavango Delta, within the expansive KAZA Transfrontier Park.
This park spans over 500 square kilometers across Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, dwarfing the state of California in size and nearly equivalent to France's land area. Karangoma sits centrally within this area, at a crucial juncture where the waters of the Okavango Delta meet the expansive northern woodlands. As a result, the camp is surrounded by a diverse range of habitats, abundant wildlife species and birds, and takes full advantage of this varied terrain in offering a wide array of safari experiences.Extending into the Okavango’s floodplains from its shady site in the forest, Karangoma is an intimate camp, with only six spacious tented suites – including one for families. Raised on low wooden decks to allow for high flood years, the classic safari exteriors make way for modern interiors inspired by local Hambukushu basketry patterns. They are stylish and understated with comfortable beds and small lounge; large mesh windows afford panoramic views and a welcome breeze, and ensuite bathrooms which feature both indoor and outdoor showers. All round, the tents make a great spot for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of adventure in the wilderness.
Neat, winding paths lead to the central tent where guests meet for drinks, shared meals and campfire stories of an evening. With a maximum of 14 guests in camp at any time, its small size leads to laid-back socialising, and the team here are always on hand to talk about the area, wildlife and community.
For safari activities, the camp’s location between woodlands to the north and the Delta’s floodplains allow for both land and water-based activities. Safari game drives (day and night) are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles, providing opportunities to observe Africa's most iconic large mammals. Walking safaris, tracking animal prints, learning about the flora, and exploring the surroundings with incredibly knowledgeable San trackers make for enlightening trips and a welcome chance to stretch your legs. And for a truly memorable Okavango experience, occasional refreshing dips in the waters of the delta are possible! Depending on the season, the Magweqgana Channel also offers the chance to enjoy boat rides or mekoro trips (traditional canoes), affording super sightings of red lechwe and wetland birdlife.
The wildlife is diverse here. For those keen on predators: there are two resident packs of wild dogs in the area, one with a healthy 14-strong population, who make for exciting tracking and fast-paced game drives if you’re lucky to spot them hunting impala and reedbuck. There are also prides of lion patrolling the area and leopards in the established forests behind camp. You can expect to see a good range of herbivores, with particularly high densities of elephant and zebra. Buffalo, wildebeest and lechwe also occur in good numbers here. By the water, the birdlife is super with colourful kingfishers and waders in evidence.
Unlike most safari camps, Karangoma offers visitors real chance to interact in a meaningful way with the local Bukakhwe San community, who are partners in the safari camp. The camp has a real commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism practices, and is committed to employing members of the Bukakhwe clans. In conjunction with local NGOs, Karangoma is working to help local people protect their livestock, access better veterinary care and manage grazing more effectively – thus reducing cattle losses in the community and allowing the wildlife population to thrive. There is a genuine opportunity here to witness these conservation efforts first-hand – so you can gain an insight into satellite-collared lion movements and the frequency with which community cattle are at risk from wildlife interactions. Guests can take time with their guide to visit Gudigwa village (30km), see the cattle boma, engage with herdsmen and learn about techniques used to prevent lion preying on livestock. If you’d like to spend more time with the community, Karangoma will arrange a fly-camp on request, to providing an insight into village life alongside wild animals.
Karangoma offers not only an terrific safari experience but also a chance to contribute to the preservation of the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Okavango Delta. So whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, tranquil moments in remote wilderness, or cultural immersion, Karangoma promises an authentic safari experience in Botswana.
Our view
With only 6 tented suites, Karangoma is an intimate safari camp, classically built with contemporary finishes to keep you comfortable, and a local team that warmly welcomes you into their ‘backyard’. It’s a place where time is taken to appreciate and understand northern Botswana’s wilderness surroundings. A rare camp for genuine San experiences and gaining a real insight into conservation initiatives aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict.
Botswana expert
Geographics
- Location
- Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 nights at Karangoma works well given the diverse range of habitats to explore, however, if you plan on spending a full day on activities at Gudigwa, the Bukakhwe San village, or would like to fly-camp, then we’d recommend you stay for 4 nights. Karangoma also combines well with 3-4 nights at its sister camp Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe.
- Directions
- Karangoma is accessed by light aircraft from either Kasane or Maun (25 minutes), landing at Vumbura bush airstrip; it is then a helicopter flight from the airstrip to the camp. Helicopter transfers from Maun (10-12 minutes) are also possible, with super Delta views from low-level flying.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- With Karangoma yet to open, we haven’t had the chance to sample its culinary delights, but we’ve stayed at its sister camp in Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe dozens of times and enjoyed delicious, home-cooked meals so we expect the same high standards.
Meals will follow the traditional safari pattern of a dawn campfire bite, followed by a filling brunch after your morning safari activity. Afternoon tea of savoury and sweet treats at 3 o’clock, before heading out for your afternoon activity, and finally a social, communal dinner in the evening, often under the stars.
Dietary requirements can be catered for but must be shared in advance due to the remote nature of the camp. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- There is no room service at Karangoma.
- Drinks included
- All drinks that are stocked in camp.
Guests are given a water bottle that is filled up for them before activities etc. Bottled water is available on request.
Special interests
- Cultural experiences
- Karangoma has the local Bukakhwe San at its heart. The lodge is a genuine partnership with the San community and there are excellent opportunities to learn about their culture and lifestyle here, as well as the challenges of living alongside wildlife. At Karangoma, you can learn about how the ingenious measures being employed to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and learn about the collective measures being taken to promote conservation in the area. It is also possible to fly-camp in the village for a night of your stay at Karangoma.
- See ideas for Cultural experiences in Botswana
- Walking safaris
- Karangoma is a small, classic tented camp with great herbivore densities, especially zebra and elephants; it offers walking and San tracking – and is a good camp for walking safaris in Botswana.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children aged 8 years and older are welcome at Karangoma, though they must be over 12 to participate in walking safaris and mokoro trips.
- Property’s age restrictions
- 8 years +
- Equipment
- Karangoma has 1 family tent.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes – but it's really best for older children who are also sensible and careful, ideally at least 10 years old, and will enjoy both the wildlife and interactions at the village.
- Notes
- Children must be supervised at all times by their parents/guardians, as predators wander freely through camp.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Karangoma
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Karangoma have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
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0% success
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Communications
- Communications
- There is no cellphone reception or internet, but a satellite phone and radio are in place for emergencies only.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
Sustainability
Bukakhwe San Community Development
At Karangoma, the most important component of conservation is their partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan and their commitment to conservation through reduced human-wildlife conflict.
This community live alongside wildlife and have often lost crops to elephants or livestock to lions and other predators. Working in partnership with a local NGO to introduce innovative herding and veterinary techniques, the team from Karangoma and the community hope to reduce stock loss and improve herd health. They have also introduced a sophisticated early warning system using satellite collars placed on lions so that local farmers on this northern edge of the Okavango now rarely lose cattle to stock-raiding lions.
From every guest’s booking, US$50 per person, per night is paid into the Community & Conservation fund which directly benefits community projects like this one.
In addition, Karangoma is committed to community training and employment in camp, and focuses some activities on the impressive traditional skills of the people. From the incredible wildlife tracking of the guides to the traditional music of the Bukakhwe people, there is much to be celebrated here.
See more great sustainability projects in Botswana
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Senior staff and guides have medical first-aid training. The nearest medical facility is in Maun and the camp has links to a flying- doctor service.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Karangoma only has a limited laundry service.
- Money
- There is no currency exchange here.
- Accepted payment on location
- If you wish to tip, which is optional, then bring cash with you. Cash is accepted in any major currency.
Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.
Little Vumbura
On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.
Shinde Camp
With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.
Splash Camp
Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.
Chitabe Lediba
Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
Sandibe Safari Lodge
The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.
Chitabe Camp
In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.
Shinde Footsteps
Small and simple, but comfortable, Shinde Footsteps focuses on walking safaris as well as game drives; it also runs a special children's programme so is particularly suitable for families.
Gomoti Plains
Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.
Nxabega Tented Camp
Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.
Tubu Tree Camp
A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.
Vumbura Plains
Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.
Kwetsani Camp
Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.
Duba Explorers Camp
Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a traditional yet luxurious safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion behavior interaction that is often see during the day.
Pom Pom Camp
Amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery, Pom Pom offers idyllic mokoro trips in season, great birdwatching, and increasingly good big-game sightings, especially leopards.
Baines' Camp
Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.
Stanley's Camp
In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.
Little Tubu
Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.
Pelo Camp
In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
Xaranna
Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.
Rra Dinare
Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.
Jao Camp
In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.
Seba Camp
Seba Camp is a luxury camp in a lovely location that offers the full range of water and land safari activities, depending on the time of year. This camp is particularly suitable for families.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
Okavango Explorers
The traditional, tented Okavango Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by great guides in a wildlife-rich area.
Abu Camp
Abu Camp is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb elephant-back safaris and opportunities to walk with them too.
Kiri Camp
Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.
Okavango Walking Safari
The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.
Duke’s Camp
On a remote island within a vast private concession, the eclectic Duke’s Camp is nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains of the Okavango.
Sitatunga Island Camp
Tucked away in a pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, the exclusive Sitatunga Private Island is a water-based camp offering boating, mokoro trips and fishing.
Atzaro Okavango
With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.
Mokolwane
Deep in the heart of the Okavango, Mokolwane promises adventure in a largely untouched area.
Eagle Island Lodge
Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.
North Island Okavango
Deep in quintessentially “Okavango” territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, North Island focuses on a luxury safari experience with very good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mbamba
Deep within the northern Okavango, the classically styled Mbamba is set to open in a wildlife-rich private concession in April 2025.
Qorokwe Camp
Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.
