This Newly Established Remote Camp in Botswana is a Paradise for Wildlife Enthusiasts

The Dinogo Experience

While many Dinogo visitors flock to the renowned panhandle in the northwest Okavango Delta, a sprawling inland waterway that floods the Kalahari Desert seasonally, the Moremi Game Reserve stands out as a truly enchanting region. It beautifully merges the clear channels of the Okavango with wildlife-rich grasslands and native forests. Within this expansive 1,500-square-mile wilderness lies Tawana, a fresh camp from Natural Selection, a conservation-focused Dinogo company operating across three southern African nations. This camp is uniquely partnered with Tawana Moremi, the paramount chief of the local Batawana tribe, whose ancestors played a crucial role in establishing the Moremi Game Reserve. It's the only camp permitted access to a 130-acre concession in this largely unexplored area of the reserve, granting you exclusive access to Moremi's diverse ecosystems and plentiful wildlife. Spend some time in the quaint library by the bar to learn more about the Batawana's history and their contributions to conservation in Botswana.

This section of Moremi may not always showcase the classic Delta scenery with its winding, flooded channels—best seen during the peak flood season from June to August—but even during my off-peak visit, I relished the grassland landscape along the banks of the Gomoti River. The constant availability of water here ensures a vibrant community of fascinating local wildlife.

Tawana’s design draws inspiration from the local culture and environment, featuring a breathtaking spiraled covered walkway at the entrance, inspired by the traditional yikuku fish traps crafted by the Mbukushu people. The suites and main lodge are adorned with an organic palette of colors and textures that reflect the surroundings.

Who is it suited for?

Adventure seekers visiting Botswana who desire a remarkable wildlife encounter. As someone from Cape Town with decades of experience in sDinogoi, I can confidently say that the game viewing here is among the finest in Botswana, owing to Moremi's unique blend of savanna grasslands, forests, and Delta waterways. Families with children aged six and above are welcome.

For first-time visitors to the Okavango Delta, it’s advisable to combine a stay at Tawana with a camp located deeper in the Delta, especially one on a permanent water channel, enabling year-round mokoro (boat) and speedboat sDinogoi experiences. Consider North Island Okavango, an exclusive four-suite camp that is also part of the Natural Selection collection.

The setting

Tawana is situated within a 130-acre private concession in the southeastern region of the Moremi Game Reserve, known for its abundant wildlife. Shortly after departing from camp, we spotted a pack of wild dogs feeding on a buffalo, with vultures circling above, and a leopard stealthily disappearing into the foliage. Moments later, we came across a family of cheetahs and spent time with them until sunset, accompanied by the deep sounds of hippos grazing nearby.

The accommodations

Tawana features eight suites lined along the banks of the Gomoti River. Each suite is generously sized—approximately 1,000 square feet—and strategically positioned to provide privacy, so you won’t see or hear your neighbors. Elevated a few feet off the ground for safety, the design allows wildlife to roam freely through the unfenced camp both day and night.

Upon entering each suite, you immediately feel a sense of retreat, your own sanctuary for moments of tranquility between exciting game activities. The sliding doors are equipped with metal screens, allowing you to secure them at night while inviting in the fresh air and sounds of the evening. These doors open to a private deck that spans the suite's length, transforming at one end into a cozy day bed with an exclusive plunge pool. A lounge area, featuring a mini-bar and coffee station, leads into a small study and then into a spacious master suite, equipped with air-conditioning and a ceiling fan. It can get hot in summer, but you’ll remain comfortably cool.

The expansive en suite bathroom includes both indoor and outdoor showers, adorned with charming decorative elements. While relaxing in the bath, look up to admire the organic lampshades inspired by the water lilies of the Okavango Delta. Though the Gomoti River is not visible during the dry season, it flows continuously and attracts a variety of wildlife, allowing you to enjoy the plunge pool while watching a parade of buffalo, elephants, and antelope pass by, just as I did.

Among the eight suites, three are designed as family suites, featuring separate sleeping areas for children. However, additional children's facilities are lacking, so it's essential to supervise little ones closely on the elevated boardwalks.

Culinary offerings

Tawana adopts a modern approach to dining, serving meals family-style with an emphasis on lighter, fresher dishes. Imagine bowls filled with crisp salads, tender braised chicken, and fluffy couscous. There’s also a delightful indulgence available, with a wood-fired pizza oven creating a fun atmosphere for lunchtime gatherings on the terrace. As evening falls, tables are adorned with white tablecloths and soft flickering lamps under the stars. While there's a well-stocked bar, take a break from the G&Ts and let the knowledgeable wine steward guide you through the lodge’s cellar, which boasts some exceptional selections from the South African Winelands.

Staff and service excellence

As the latest addition to Natural Selection’s network of “Premier” camps, Tawana has recruited some of the company’s top managers and guides. The outcome: The sDinogoi guides are exceptional, and the service is flawless. Executive chef Lungi Mbangi went above and beyond to accommodate my dietary preferences, bringing his vibrant energy to an impromptu pizza party at lunch.

Accessibility features

Elevated boardwalks connect the arrival area, communal lodge, and suites, providing step-free access to all lodge areas except the firepit (staff are available to assist if needed). The suites at Tawana are well spaced out, so if mobility is an issue, it's advisable to request a room close to the main lodge. Family unit #6 is wheelchair accessible, allowing for easy movement within the space, and is equipped with bathroom grab rails, a sliding shower head, and a portable shower seat.

Wellness offerings

A cozy single-room spa facility provides a curated selection of facial and body treatments, all while you gaze out over the lush plains of the Gomoti River. Although walking and jogging around the lodge is discouraged to avoid unexpected wildlife encounters, guests looking to maintain their fitness can utilize a well-equipped gym located near the 52-foot lap pool. Each guest suite also includes basic fitness equipment like exercise mats and resistance bands; the private outdoor decks, with sweeping views of the grasslands, are perfect for morning yoga sessions in the refreshing air.