Reviews of Little Vumbura
Wildlife sightings and reviews
138 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Little Vumbura and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
100% success
74% success
28% success
54% success
100% success
100% success
96% success
93% success
74% success
73% success
70% success
21% success
9% success
4% success
4% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
"Little Vumbura, big heart."
The only reasons for the scores on Rooms is that they could do with more drawer space. There is plenty of opportunity at the desk and under the wash hand basins.
For dinner at Duba Plains we received plated food which had been ordered beforehand from Pierre's red meat, white meat and vegetarian options, which he described perfectly before we left for our afternoon game drive. At Little Vumbura it was buffet style. Also, heaven forbid - no marmalade here!
Brand new Land Rovers were very quiet and comfortable.
A final word. Sevara was an exceptional guide both in knowledge and personality. Even if he was a Chelsea supporter." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
"Absolutely lovely"
Our only complaint was that we couldn't stay here longer than 2 nights!" See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Little vumbura camp"
The camp itself was comfortable and clean and staff were very helpful. They were always ready to use the flashlight to guide us to our room in the evening.
The game viewing was very good and it was nice not to see other jeeps as we did our drives." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Little Vumbura review"
"Little Vumbura review"
We were so fortunate to have "K" as our guide, and Emma as our tracker in training! We were told that "K" is rated as the third best guide in Africa and we would agree he is the best.....he "talks" to the animals and they listen! He has been guiding his whole life and his father and grandfather were raised in the bush. He can find everything and he did.....we saw prides of lions, herds of cape buffalo, hyenas, hippos.....everything!
The best experience was that I hoped to see wild dogs on this trip and we could not find them anywhere. On our final morning we had an early departure from the airstrip so decided to sleep in before our long journey home and skipped the morning drive. Well "K" found the wild dogs that morning....he radioed back to camp, had them wake us up, and sent us out in another vehicle to find the dogs so I could see them before we left Botswana! I was so thrilled he took the time and caring to do this for me and I got to see every animal that I longed to experience. Thank you "K"!!" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Little Vumbura review"
However, given its very positive reviews, we were a bit disappointed in Vumbura, in that the tents there are not as generous space-wise as any of the other camps at which we stayed. The layout inside the tent just isn't the greatest to be frank. The bed is rather cramped in the space provided and there is only one comfortable reading chair that ends up being in the middle of the dressing area right by the shower room and sinks. It just doesn't compare with the layout or space provided at either Savuti or Little Tubu. Also, the shower room is a disaster. The door gets wet when you enter or exit because it passes right under the water stream. Also, the door won't stay closed unless you stuff a wash cloth in the opening. The wind blows through the shower room from the outside with cold air so it is not very inviting. Also, there is really no place to hang wet towels. The clothes storage (even for the minimal amount you bring in your duffel) is also not well designed. My vote would be to replace the Vumbura tents with the same ones that are at Little Tubu.
Although we really had a very delightful overall experience at Vumbura and are torn about stating some negatives, we were extremely disappointed in the ranger/guide Kaye that we were assigned. We came away with the distinct impression that he was not happy in his work. His negativity permeated the bush drives and we did not see the amount of game that other guests whom we had met who had other guides at Vumbura experienced. He demonstrated some unprofessional behavior in calling out to the animals at times with sounds and calls. This behavior was rather startling to say the least. Since your ranger/guide joins you for meals, his attitude made for a less than congenial mealtime experience." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 1n in Zambia
Thank you for the feedback we received from these guests. We are so pleased to note that they had a wonderful stay at Little Vumbura, enjoying the superb location, delicious food, the company of the camp managers Steven and Mandy, as well as Kelly. We certainly do agree that the offering of both land and water activities at the camp provides such a well balanced experience of the delta and all it has offer.
We were disappointed to learn that the guests did not enjoy their accommodation very much. Their concerns regarding the size of the tent, layout inside, shower issue and lack of spaciousness has been brought to the attention of our Botswana Operations. At this point in time, there is very little they are able to do to improve on these areas, but the guests comments have been noted and will certainly be taken into account when Little Vumbura is next scheduled for a refurbishment. What the team are able to rectify quite quickly is to provide more hanging space for towels et al and relook at improving the luggage storage setup. We really to appreciate their insightful comments and recommendations, they will certainly be taken into consideration.
With regards to the guide Madala Kay, we were most disconcerted to learn that their experience was not a very good one. He is a very popular guide who is often spoken about by guests and receives rave reviews and is requested very often. It may very well be that the guide and guests, personality wise, were incompatible which is very unfortunate. Please do assure the guests that the feedback has been addressed directly with the guide by the guide trainer as well as camp management. We do understand that the guiding offering forms an integral part of the guests experience whilst on safari and we really want the guide to learn and grow from his interactions, so it is best to work through this kind of constructive feedback with the guide so he has a better insight into how he could go about refining his skills. It is a pity that the guests did not make mention of the guide’s behaviour whilst in camp, so that the management team could have addressed it then and there. We can only apologise for the awkwardness these guests experienced in this situation.
"Manager"
"Standard for Excellence is Little Vumbura"
Steven and Mandy, managers, relatively new to Little Vumbura, were awesome overseeing every detail, yet the camp and staff all seemed a relaxed cooperative unit. They never made us feel any request was too much, but went way out of the way to make sure every need, every desire known or not, was fulfilled. By far, the most superior run camp at which we stayed. (And that's saying alot because we were very very happy at Desert Rhino Camp.) The camp's common area is beautifully located to make the most of the rising sun, and to watch the sun and moon set. The boat ride to and from camp adds to the beauty, peace, and restfulness of this idyllic location.
Whereas Little Kwara placed a great emphasis on the carnivores, Rain gave much attention to everything (if you were interested, and he was very attentive to our reactions and responses), such as pointing out 5-different bird types on a single bridge.
Our greatest memory (other than rhino-tracking with Bons) was a day spent watching first a leopard hunt, followed in the afternoon with lions hunting. The leopard was fascinating as it blended so well into its surroundings we had to anticipate where we might see it again. The leopard had made it very near an unsuspecting impala herd when a mother and baby elephant passed adjacent to its location on a mound with trees. The mother walked right past giving no indication of seeing the leopard. Not so the young elephant. The young elephant made a complete circle of the mound, and spotting the leopard she shook her head, and trumpeted a warning to the world.
Then came the lions, approaching impala, lechwe, a previously injured hippo, and kudu. Nothing quite working to their advantage, but great to watch their assessments and attempts. Then one lioness saw an unguarded baby elephant. She was almost within striking distance when mama elephant caught sight of her. Mama trumpeted for help, and bellowing with murderous rage she charged the lioness. The lion opted to withdraw, and within seconds several adult elephants materialized, encircling the baby. If I'd not witnessed the drama, I never would have believed how quickly the whole thing played out.
We also spent time watching: young playful hyena cubs (I never imagined I would think of hyenas as cute, but these pups were); hippos in a shallow pool where they could rear up and launch, looking very impressive in their antics; innumerable birds, including a pied kingfisher beating a fish, trying to tenderize it such that he could swallow something awfully close to his own size; both a herd and a lone male sable that I very much wanted to see; beautiful distinctive painted frogs, again a definite request; when we'd catch a slow spell, we'd photograph the many beautiful dragonflies--Rain jumped from the vehicle to point out a special one, only to have a lilac-breasted roller snatch it from beneath his pointing finger, aghh; and when the birds warned of a snake, we saw a black momba rearing in the road.
Thank you everyone at Little Vumbura for magical time." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 14n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Our favourite camp"
Managers Steve and Mandy seem to run a very happy camp with a laid back and relaxed atmosphere but very efficient service. The food was very good and one evening we really appreciated a barbeque around the campfire with singing and dancing from all the staff which they seemed to enjoy as much as we did.
Our guide, Kay, is named as one of Conde Nast's top guides in Botswana, so we felt privileged to have him. He seems to have the ability to think like a lion or a leopard and tracking with him was a real education. I might have preferred a little less time with sleeping lions and more time with entertaining baboons or elephants but my husband thought Kay's guiding was exemplary. Our mokoro ride among the reeds and bamboo was magical. Not a huge number of birds or animals but the scenery and silence were wonderful. On our last day, Steve arranged for us to go the long way round to the airstrip by boat. We saw a pair of goliath herons take off in front of us which made a perfect finale to a perfect four days." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Namibia
"Wonderful all round"
Great staff and well run camp." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Beautiful camp - lovely pool"
Game drives involve a 20 minute boat journey to the jetty where the Land Rovers are parked. This makes a pleasant trip during the day but returning from the night drive in the dark and having hundreds of bugs flying at you as you manoeuvre the channels at speed is not a pleasant experience. Alternatively you could opt to view game from a mokoro. However, while we were staying at Vumbura a Swiss couple had been badly shaken when their mokoro was overturned by a hippo.
Our guide seemed more interested in taking his own photos and pampering to an American in our vehicle. He was also quite difficult to understand. We had been so lucky with guides everywhere else that his faults really stood out and annoyed us. Aside from this criticism it is a beautiful camp with a lovely pool. We saw wild dogs again here, two herds of sable and got some great shots of a leopard hung over the branch of a tree." See all these reviews: 24n in Botswana; 7n in Mozambique; 1n in South Africa
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
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.
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.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
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.
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.
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.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
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.
