TUMANI TENTED CAMP

Its location gives it access to the Mababe area, the Mababe Depression and the southern reaches of Chobe National Park, all of which are productive wildlife areas but generally much less crowded than some of Botswana's better-known safari destinations.

Tumani is deliberately small, relaxed and traditionally safari in character, with eight guest tents plus a family unit. The design combines classic canvas safari accommodation with a more individual, contemporary style. Natural, open-air spaces are complemented by carefully selected antique furniture, textiles and decorative pieces, giving the camp considerably more personality than a standard mobile-style tented camp. The overall feel is understated rather than flashy, with the emphasis on the landscape, wildlife and atmosphere.

The main guest area is a large thatched structure overlooking the river. It incorporates indoor and outdoor dining areas, several separate lounge spaces, an all-day bar and a swimming pool with views across the water. A fire deck provides a natural gathering place in the evening, while a small curio shop and library add to the relaxed camp atmosphere. There is also a separate Wi-Fi lounge with Starlink connectivity.

The accommodation is one of Tumani's most distinctive features. Each of the eight classic canvas tents is raised on a wooden platform and has a private veranda overlooking the river. Inside, the tents are comfortable rather than extravagant, with plush beds, mosquito nets, ceiling fans, a writing desk and chair and tea and coffee-making facilities. The style is relaxed and natural, combining the traditional safari-tent atmosphere with thoughtful comforts.

Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet, double vanity, hot indoor shower and an outdoor shower, as well as a wardrobe and safe. The tents can be configured with either twin or double beds.

The real highlight is the private star deck above every tent. An exterior staircase leads directly from the tent's veranda to an elevated sleeping platform, where a comfortable double bed is positioned beneath a mosquito net. In the dry seasons you can choose to sleep out under the stars, making the star bed an integral part of the accommodation rather than an additional activity that has to be specially arranged.

There is also a family unit accommodating up to five guests. It comprises two en-suite bedrooms connected by a small lounge and has its own star deck above.

Tumani's position is a major part of its appeal. The camp sits beside the convergence of two river channels in the Mababe region, with expansive wilderness extending beyond the camp. The landscape changes considerably with the seasons, becoming lush during the green season and more open and sparse during the dry winter months. Game drives can explore both the Mababe area and the southern reaches of Chobe National Park, providing access to a variety of habitats and good year-round wildlife viewing. The region is known for elephant and buffalo, with opportunities for lion, leopard, wild dog and a wide range of antelope and birdlife. The relatively low visitor density is an important advantage, giving the safari a more private and uncrowded feel.

The main safari activity is game drives and guided walking excursions. The star-bed sleep-out is perhaps the most memorable activity at Tumani. Between activities, the swimming pool and river-facing deck provide a comfortable place to relax, while meals are prepared in the camp's kitchen with an emphasis on generous, homely food and local flavours. The camp's philosophy is very much about good guiding, excellent game viewing, comfortable accommodation and warm, personal hospitality, rather than extensive luxury facilities.

The camp is accessible by road, approximately three hours from Maun, and is around an hour and a half by road from its sister property, MmaTsebe Tented Camp in Khwai.