MAPULA LODGE

Okavango Delta

A fine camp with some quirky touches, in a beautiful and productive location

Mapula lies in the centre of an enormous, 220,000 acre concession that’s a matrix of floodplains, woodlands and channels. Waterways snake across the landscape, spilling into glassy lagoons and encircling islands of stately palms and trumpeting elephant. It’s an iconic Delta landscape, and a magical environment in which to enjoy the abundance of wildlife.

Each of the nine rooms has a king size, metal four-poster and feather-filled pillows to collapse into after a day’s game viewing. Ensuite bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers, and there’s two grassy Malawi chairs in the mini lounge area, ideal for siesta snoozes. Safari-chic finishing touches include rich Kilims on the floors, polished butler trays and brass lanterns.

At the main area, an aquamarine swimming pool is the perfect antidote to hot Delta afternoons – and if the cool waters don’t tempt you in, the views over the hippo-filled lagoon below might. If you’d rather stay dry, pick a perch in the lounge to keep watch over the wildlife action; there’s a variety of comfy sofas and slouchy armchairs to choose from. Then there’s a ‘chill pit’, a sunken lounge area overlooking the lagoon, perfect for a quiet drink.