Mapula Lodge has one of the most beautiful Okavango settings, overlooking a glistening and lively lagoon. The game viewing, like the landscape, is varied and interesting. Mapula Lodge has had a series of management changes in recent years, it is no longer managed by Natural Selection. Until management plans have settled and we have undergone a site visit our sales of this camp have been paused.

Mapula Lodge is located in the private NG12 Concession (also known as the Mapula Concession or Okavango Sekwana Concession) and is set amongst an established tree line. The island on which Mapula Lodge lies is found in the midst of seasonal floodplains on the Selinda Spillway – the river that connects the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti river.

The camp became part of the Natural Selection collection of properties in 2011 and since then has been revamped to exude a safari – chic style with a quirky and relaxed feel.

The accommodation consists of nine tents: six twins, two doubles and one family tent. These are constructed in canvas and thatch, each with en suite bathroom and both indoor and outdoor showers, metal framed four poster beds, kilim rugs, brass lanterns and butler trays. The central area of camp has a swimming pool in which you can cool off and absorb the Delta surroundings after the morning game drive. The lounge has comfortable armchairs and sofas in which to relax. A sunken area overlooking the permanent lagoon next to which the lodge lies is known as the “chill-pit”.

The lagoon is a source of many good bird sightings. Indeed, bird-watching enthusiasts will find much to delight in as the birding is regarded as excellent; particularly in terms of the endangered Wattled crane as well as myriad other birdlife including carmine bee-eaters and African paradise flycatcher.

In terms of larger game at Mapula Lodge, there are resident herds of buffalo and elephant in this area. Lion sightings are known to be particularly frequent and you are also likely to see leopard and cheetah and even African wild dog going about their business. Crocodile and hippo are regularly seen around the waterways. You may even spot the elusive and shy Sitatunga. Plains animals such as zebra, giraffe and multiple species of antelope are form part of this natural scene. In addition to the above, you my also encounter smaller predators such as serval and caracal.

Activities include game drives and the unique ‘fly dining’ experience – a three course dinner served and eaten in the open bush under the stars. Mokoro and boating activities as well as the opportunity to spend a night in the wild ‘fly camping’ within a mosquito net tent, are also available to book although these are both activities that are dependent on water levels and may be limited in the low water season from October to January.