Mopane Squirrel Safari: Day-by-day

Overlooking a significant waterhole within a private reserve of the Okavango Delta, Splash puts the "luxury" into safari. Within the treeline in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Splash Camp arises like a crescent-shaped oasis in the wilderness.

Right in front of this substantial camp, and visible from almost every angle – tented chalets, lounge, plunge pool, firepit – is an extensive waterhole that is a magnet for animals big and small, especially as the dry season progresses.

It’s an alluring prospect, a haven of luxury that retains an outdoors feel. Largely constructed of wood, with stretched canvas walls, the airy buildings are mellowed by thatched roofs. Their wide frontage makes the most of the aspect, while admitting plenty of light.

Bedrooms are smart and well appointed, with views from veranda and bed alike. Light-coloured sofas invite relaxation in the contemporary lounge. And in the open-sided dining area, ceiling fans rotate lazily above the long table while you tuck into substantial yet interesting meals.

It's all about the wildlife here – "digital detox" is not just a slogan, it's camp policy – so your experience of the wildlife and wilderness won't be marred by any pesky emails or other digital disturbance from the outside world.

"The guides were extremely knowledgeable"

Mrs CfromSouthampton

Arrived 13 Nov 2024, 4 nights

You’ll explore this exclusive area by 4x4 – no more than six guests to a vehicle – with guides who are particularly experienced in tracking predators. In season, slip into a mokoro and glide almost silently along the shallow waterways or – towards the end of the year – take a motorboat to a nearby heronry: a particular bonus for birdwatchers and photographers. See our full report on Splash Camp

Mention wild dogs and it’s not long before Lagoon Camp, in the vast private Kwando Reserve, comes into the frame. On the banks of the Kwando River – and at the heart of the action – the camp takes safaris seriously, with many a vantage point for the wildlife enthusiast.

To maximise sightings, game drives through the riverine forest onto the open plains are led by both a guide and a tracker, while river trips on a double-decker boat give elevated views over the reeds.

Wildlife watching from camp is pretty good, too, with numerous vantage points. Start in the early hours from your bed, raised above the lounge area in front, or from a deck chair on your private veranda, before moving to the campfire for breakfast.

At lunchtime, keep watch from the dining table; in the afternoon from the free-form pool, the swing seat, or the cosy tree-level lounge.

Both chalets and central area are spacious and airy, their stretched canvas walls and open sides – or huge mesh windows – accentuating the openness of the environment.

"A lovely camp overlooking the Kwando river - we enjoyed the food and hospitality"

J&BfromWirral

Arrived 14 Oct 2024, 3 nights

Décor is generally muted and uncluttered; thatched roofs blend into the surroundings; and linking it all are expanses of wooden decking, gleaming in the sun. No wonder an air of comfort and relaxed efficiency prevails. See our full report on Lagoon Camp