NOKONYANA CAMP

Mababe River

A popular choice in the growing Mababe region

Nokanyana Tented Camp is an intimate safari camp in the northern Okavango region of Botswana, positioned on the banks of the Khwai River where the Khwai and Mababe waterways meet. The camp is close to the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, approximately 120 kilometres from Maun, and can be reached by light aircraft or by road. Its riverside setting is one of its biggest attractions, with elephants, hippos and other wildlife frequently seen from the camp itself.

The camp has a relaxed, authentic safari character, combining the atmosphere of a traditional tented camp with a good level of comfort. It has seven luxury tented rooms and three family units, making it relatively small and personal. The main guest area is a large thatched structure incorporating the lounge, bar and dining areas, with additional outdoor seating and dining overlooking the river. There is also a swimming pool and a traditional boma on the riverbank, where evenings can be spent around the fire.

The accommodation is spacious, with the standard tented rooms measuring around 60 square metres including the bathroom and private deck. The tents have proper floors and canvas walls and ceilings, creating the feeling of a permanent safari room rather than a basic camping tent. Each has an extra-length king-size bed that can be converted into twins, a ceiling fan, tea and coffee facilities, personal safe and mosquito netting. The private decks face either the river or surrounding bush and provide a wonderful place to sit quietly between activities.

The bathrooms are particularly comfortable for a tented camp, with double basins, an indoor shower, outdoor shower and flush toilet. The three family units have two bedrooms sharing a bathroom and can accommodate families with children. Nokanyana is therefore a good option for both couples and families wanting an intimate safari experience without sacrificing the basic comforts of a permanent lodge.

The swimming pool overlooking the river is a major attraction, particularly during the warmer months, while the open dining and lounge areas make the most of the setting. The camp is solar powered and has charging facilities, although Wi-Fi is limited to the reception area and mobile coverage is restricted. This gives Nokanyana a genuine digital-detox atmosphere, encouraging guests to concentrate on the surroundings and safari experience.

The wildlife experience is the real focus. Morning and afternoon game drives explore the surrounding areas, with the camp's location providing access to different habitats around the Khwai and Mababe Rivers as well as Moremi although some distance away. The region is particularly strong for elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and wild dog in the dry season along with zebra, giraffe, numerous antelope species and an exceptional variety of birdlife.

Walking safaris and mokoro excursions are also possible if water levels permit.

Our guests enjoy Nokonyana especially having elephants, buffalo and hippos that wandering past while they were eating or relaxing on the deck, while others have commented on hearing hippos outside their tents at night and hyenas calling in the distance.

If you are looking for a small, welcoming and authentic Botswana safari camp with excellent wildlife and a beautiful riverside setting this is a good one for you. Accessed from Khwai airstrip around 90 minutes away.