Karangoma

OVERVIEW:

Set in the far northern reaches of the Okavango Delta, in pristine, wild terrain, Karangoma is a year-round camp centred on the collaboration between local elder Olatotse Sarefo and Wild Expeditions. Known for its authentic bushcamp experiences, Wild Expeditions has developed close ties with the Bukakhwe San and Hambukushu communities, allowing guests to connect with local culture meaningfully. Home to the Big Five, the region has superb wildlife – including lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog – supported by land that only became protected within the past few years. Boating has been particularly good here since the 2009 floods, which raised water levels and opened up new tributaries. A remote, intimate camp, the sense of remoteness and community spirit give Karangoma a warmth and energy that we love! Rates are full board and include accommodation, all meals, all local beverages, twice-daily camp activities on a shared basis, and laundry.

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

Karangoma is located in the Sekwana Concession, just north of Vumbura, at the heart of KAZA Transfrontier Park. Its location at the crossroads between the Okavango Delta and swathes of woodland to the north makes for a stunning convergence of ecosystems, a wide variety of wildlife, and a diverse set of terrains. Access to the camp is by scheduled light aircraft transfer between Maun and Vumbura Airstrip (25 mins) followed by a short helicopter flight (10–12 mins) directly to camp.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT KARANGOMA: 

The six Meru-style tented suites at Karangoma – five standard and one suitable for family use – are spacious, well appointed, and understated in classic safari style, with oversized jute rugs and some nice touches inspired by local Hambukushu basketry patterns. All tents are slightly raised on stilts, with private decks boasting panoramic views across the floodplains, where you can often see wildlife passing by. Interiors feature comfortable double or twin beds, ceiling fans, coat racks and storage space, writing desks, two comfortable explorer-style armchairs, charging points for all electronic equipment, and gauze-sided windows to allow a gentle breeze and keep out the mozzies. En-suite bathrooms feature indoor and outdoor showers, and twin washbasins. Outside, you’ll find a wooden deck with a simple seating arrangement, the perfect spot to relax and admire the gorgeous setting. The family unit is identical in style but has a second, smaller bedroom with twin beds. All the rooms are connected via a series of pathways, which helps guests navigate through the camp.

Karangoma’s cosy communal areas are tented, with wide-opening windows and plenty of outside decking for guests to enjoy the sensational views across the floodplains. The food is of a high standard, and dining is communal, although you can request private dining for an intimate evening beneath the starry skies. There’s a small pool, technically a plunge pool, but it still offers respite during the heat of the day between safari activities, even if you don’t get a full swim. With local culture at its heart, Karangoma is inspired and influenced by its surrounding communities, and the fire-pit is the centre of camp activity. Sundowners and pre-meal drinks are enjoyed here amidst a story-telling ambience. The camp has intermittent Wi-Fi, with guests encouraged to ditch electronic devices and enjoy the spectacular return to nature.

ACTIVITIES AT KARANGOMA:

Plenty of safari activities are on offer here, enhanced by excellent guiding. Depending on the season, there might even be a chance to take a dip in the waters of the Okavango Delta.

• Expertly guided game drives 

  – Two game sessions per day are available, during the morning and the late afternoon. There’s also the possibility of a full-day trip, depending on numbers and availability. Highlights include lion, leopard, elephant, hyena, wild dog, buffalo, and smaller predators such as jackal, serval, civet, and honey badger. The large herbivore population features giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and a vast variety of antelopes.

• Walking safaris

  – Guests can also head into the bush with an armed guide. The San trackers here are superb, offering incredible encyclopaedic knowledge. As well as enjoying animal tracking and the area’s phenomenal birdlife, you’ll take a closer look at the reserve’s insects and plant life. Different levels and distances are possible, depending on the ages of your group. The classic walking safari has a minimum age requirement of 12 years.

• Night drives

  – You can take to the bush by night too, when all the big predators come to life. This is always an unforgettable experience, as the sights and sounds of nightfall take over and a new cycle of activity begins. You might see porcupines, genets, civets, bush babies, and perhaps even a predator–prey chase.

• Boating

  – Certain times of year allow for motor boating on the Magwegqana Channel along more than 25 kilometres of winding, crystal-clear water. Look out for wading hippo and elephant and buffalo herds as they come to drink at the water’s edge.

• Mokoro

  – The traditional dug-out canoe known as a mokoro offers guests the chance to glide silently along the channels of the Okavango Delta. Not only is this an extremely peaceful and enriching experience, but it also offers up-close encounters with the life forms that thrive on the waterways. You’ll likely see brightly coloured birds whizzing past, butterflies, reed frogs, dragonflies, and perhaps the beady eyes of a crocodile or a wading hippo.

• Cultural trips

  – These are a highlight at Karangoma, and one of the factors that set it apart from other camps. Due to the camp’s deep connection to the local communities, guests enjoy a wonderfully authentic experience, meeting and interacting with the people who call this remote area their home. The village of Gudigwa, home to the Bukakhwe San community, is approximately 30 kilometres away and offers an extraordinary lens into what life is like living in one of Africa’s great wildernesses.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.