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Machaba Camp

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Excellent dry-season game viewing
- Tranquil riverside location
- Game drives and walking safaris
- Mokoro canoe excursions

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Overview

Machaba is an independently run, traditional safari camp nestled on the verdant banks of the Khwai River on the eastern tip of the stunning Okavango Delta, northern Botswana. The area boasts superb game viewing during the June to October dry season, with prodigious numbers of elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, hyena, and wild dog. A stay at this friendly property, with its lovely pool and good range of activities, combines the thrill of safari with gentle rest and tranquility. Accessible by road and light aircraft, the camp is ideally located for both the privately owned Khwai Concession, and the adjacent Moremi Game Reserve.

The spacious, tented main area is decorated in a colonial style and affords picturesque views across the river to the Moremi Reserve. Guest spaces comprise lounge, library, swimming pool, and campfire. There are indoor and outdoor dining areas, where guests enjoy traditional ‘bushfare’ cuisine at individual and communal tables, and dietary requirements can be accommodated.

Activities at Machaba Camp include morning and evening game drives, night drives, walking safaris, mokoro canoe excursions (water levels permitting), indulgent spa treatments, and engaging community visits.

The camp accommodates a maximum of 24 guests. Eight spacious, well appointed, safari-style tents sleep two, and two family units each sleep four. All tents have private verandas with outdoor seating and lovely river views. Each tent has a double or twin bed formation, a comfortable seating area, and an ensuite bathroom with twin basins, outdoor shower and flush toilet. All units have fans, electrical points and a safe. Built on ground level, the camp is accessible for wheelchair users.

Children are warmly welcomed, and families are well catered for by the attentive staff and camp managers who have children of their own on site. There are two generous family units, each accommodating up to five guests in two adjoining tented bedrooms. The maximum number of children per unit is three, and while there are standard beds for up to two children, the third child will sleep on a more simple stretcher bed. Each unit has a spacious communal lounge area that can be closed off by canvas blinds, along with additional seating on the decking outside. The shared bathroom is situated behind the lounge, and includes double basins, indoor and outdoor showers, and a W.C. Although children of all ages are more than welcome, families should note that those with children under 6 years of age are obliged to book and pay for a private vehicle, and that children under 8 are unable to participate in mokoro (canoe) excursions. The camp is unfenced and one of the real privileges of a stay at Machaba is close proximity to the wild animals, such as elephants, who wander through. Although the likelihood of wildlife approaching tents or humans is low, parents are advised that adult supervision is essential at all times.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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