Khwai, Botswana

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Machaba Camp

Tented Camp
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Botswana

Overview

COMFORT
Fans
Laundry Service
Pool
QUICK FACTS
10
Rooms
Private Vehicle at extra cost
Cancellation POLICY
Strict , typically 100% from 60 days
Kids POLICY
All ages welcome
The flagship of owner-run Machaba Safaris and named after the sycamore fig, the "tree of life", Machaba Camp evokes the romance of a classic 1950s safari on the banks of the Khwai River, on the eastern tongue of the Okavango Delta looking across to the famous Moremi Game Reserve, ten spacious canvas tents sit on the ground amid a riverine forest of knobthorn, leadwood and raintree, each with an en-suite bathroom, living area and romantic indoor and outdoor showers, a tented main area, library and riverside pool complete the picture, with elephants often ambling past camp to drink, days run on morning and evening game drives, walking safaris and, water levels permitting, mokoro excursions in the game-dense 35,000-hectare Khwai Concession, authentic, big-hearted and refreshingly affordable for the Delta.

Plan

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Access Type
Fly-in or Road Access
Transfer Time from Airstrip
20
mins
Baggage limit
20
kg
Soft-bag only
Wildlife Highlights
Black Leopard
Wild Dogs
Birding
Great for birders

Location

Map pin marker icon with dark green abstract pattern and a central circular cutout.

Getting there

Fly by light aircraft from Maun (MUB) to the Khwai airstrip, followed by a short game-drive transfer to camp.

Stay

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COMFORT
Fans
Laundry Service
Pool
Vehicle
Private Vehicle at extra cost
WI-FI
Available in all areas
Medical
Malaria Zone
Insect protection
Antimalarials and repellent, with mosquito protection in the tents
Activities
Morning and evening game drives, walking safaris (subject to a qualified walking guide), mokoro excursions (water-level dependent), and local community/cultural visits

Our Favorite Rooms

Ten spacious ground-level canvas tents in understated 1950s colonial style, threaded along the riverine treeline on the Khwai with linking paths meandering between big trees, each with premium mattresses and linen, an en-suite bathroom (indoor shower, double vanity, flush toilet), a living area and a romantic outdoor shower, plus a private veranda where you can watch the daily parade of game coming down to the river. Eight are twin/double tents and two are four-sleeper Family tents, ideal for families.

Dining

Fine, freshly prepared dining on a fully inclusive basis, breakfast, lunch and dinner plus between-meal snacks and warm beverages, taken in the tented main area, by the pool or out in the bush, with cool drinks and alcoholic beverages included (imported and premium brands excluded).

Tips

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Packing Tips

Neutral safari layers with a warm jacket, beanie and gloves for cold winter dawn drives and mokoro outings (June–August), lighter clothing for the hot October build-up, closed shoes for walking safaris, a sun hat, sunscreen and binoculars, insect repellent and antimalarials, swimwear for the pool, a headtorch, camera gear, and a soft bag (~20 kg) for the light aircraft.

Insider Tips

Machaba is one of the Delta's genuine value picks, owner-run with a big heart, so it delivers a classic, authentic safari without the glossiest price tag. The Khwai concession is small but exceptionally game-dense (superb for wild dog, lion and leopard), and being a private concession, night drives and off-road are possible, unlike inside Moremi itself. Time a visit for the flood (roughly May–September) to add mokoro.

Impact

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Reserve type
Concession
Conservation
Funding community and wildlife protection
Conservation fee
35
No Conservation Fee
per person per day

Conservation Efforts

Machaba sits in the 35,000-hectare Khwai Community Concession, a community-owned reserve bordering Moremi within the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta, so tourism directly benefits the local community. Independently owned and run, Machaba Safaris channels a Conservation & Community Levy (built into the rate) into local wildlife protection and community initiatives, and takes a low-impact approach with ground-level tents that tread lightly on the riverine forest.

Per Person, Per Night from
882
Per Person
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