Mapula Lodge is set in a magical location in the far north of the Okavango Delta making Mapula one of the most remote camps in Botswana. This happens to be my personal favorite place because of the tremendous community staffing the Mapula Lodge and the welcoming atmosphere they provide, the scenic location of the camp, the outstanding accommodation that is very comfortable but not over the top, and most of all the focus on finding wildlife. All of the Mapula Lodge guides are outstanding and work with trackers to actively pursue predators. The area is vast and diverse as is the wildlife. With a high season cost that is far below other top camps, and as part of the sensational Kalahari Summer Special in the green season, I believe Mapula Lodge is the best value deal in Botswana at any time of year.
Following the first rains in November the various antelope species will begin their calving season making December and January an ideal time to see baby impala, tssessebe, lechwe, and possibly wildebeest. Lions and African wild dogs are commonly seen from Mapula Lodge and the presence of newborn calves makes this an exciting time for predator viewing. Smaller cats, serval and caracal are much rarer sightings but seem to be spotted with a fair frequency at Mapula. The area is well known for the elegant sable antelope that is rarely seen in other areas as well as the highly endangered African wild dog that has a history of denning near Mapula Lodge. With the rains elephants and buffalo spread out so they will not likely be seen in huge congregations but you will likely encounter small family herds and the viewing of bull elephants is excellent in this area.
You can do a variety of activities at Mapula including game drives, night drives, walks, and explore the Delta in the traditional mode of transportation – the mokoro, a dugout canoe that is poled along by a local guide.
Putting your feet on the ground on a walking safari at Mapula Lodge delivers a new unfiltered experience connecting you to the African past deeply buried within each of us, a connection to your ancient homeland where the human species originated.
The chalets at Mapula Lodge are unique - combining the feel of a chalet structure with a tent as the entire back of the chalet is screened mesh letting in the wild sounds and allowing private views out to the lagoon at Mapula and the hippos, elephants, fish eagles and multitude of other species that are commonly seen.
The camp at Mapula Lodge has a magical setting on the edge of a magnificent lagoon. The common area is large and comfortable and includes a bar with a location that can’t be beat.
While the wildlife is exceptional at Mapula, I saw 34 mammal species in a 4 night stay, the wonderful people will leave a lasting impression as well! Mapula Lodge staff is like a village and they welcome you with caring and kindness. Virtually the entire Mapula Lodge staff consists of couples, which is very rare in safari camps and it makes a noticeable difference and feels as if you are visiting their home as opposed to place of employment.
Mapula Lodge’s guiding staff of Doctor, Dicks, and Josiah with Simon and Mike tracking is outstanding, both in skill but just as importantly in the enthusiasm they bring to seeking out wildlife. They enjoy gamedrives and want to go early, stay out late, track, and do whatever it takes to bring their clients the best experience. The people in this area are river bushmen, closely related to the San bushmen of the Kalahari and they have maintained their incredible tracking skills as well as taught them to the other local people the Bayei. Many excellent guides and trackers at other camps, such as some at the renowned Kwando, hail from the region surrounding Mapula Lodge.
