Wilderness Botswana: Okavango Delta Camp Newsletters – October 2024

Before the sun makes its first appearance, painting the morning sky with a stunning array of colours that can barely be captured through a lens, the true early risers of the Okavango Delta have already been up and about for hours, treating us to an auditory teaser for the sensory feast that is to come. From the dynamic vocalisations of the numerous hyena packs in the area, to the far-reaching mighty roars of the neighbouring Mathata and Moporota prides, alerting each other to their presence. The Mathata Brothers (pictured below) were a formidable coalition, hence the name Mathata, which means trouble in Setswana. But as so often happens in nature, there are always challengers to the throne, and one of the brothers recently fell at the hands of a rival. Happily, however, since then his brother, along with the rest of the pride, have been sighted on numerous occasions hunting buffalo and seemingly still thriving.

While a leopard sighting is rare and sometimes more than most could ask for, nature can be exceedingly generous in our corner of the world.  These past four weeks in the Place of Plenty (as Mombo is affectionately known) were no exception. Our guests were treated to a number of amazing sightings, including a skirmish between two leopards that seemed too fixated on stashing their quarry to be concerned with the Land Cruiser parked just 5 metres away. There was certainly no need for a telephoto lens at this particular sighting.

At midday, when the temperatures are at their highest, all creatures great and small seek a reprieve from the sun – whether it’s hyenas taking a plunge, a pack of wild dogs hanging out in the cool afternoon shade, or a herd of impala closely huddled together under a tree. During this time of day it almost seems that there is a sort of truce in effect. An unspoken agreement between predator and prey that it is just too darned hot to be engaged in anything physically taxing. But as the sun makes its inevitable retreat towards the west and the temperatures drop, all bets are off.  

Postcard to South Africa & Mauritius from Team Mombo

We recently had the opportunity to host some of our colleagues from South Africa and Mauritius at Little Mombo.  The majority of the party had been on too many safaris to count and there was at least one first timer on the group. It was great to see that the unbridled excitement and eagerness for adventure is not reserved for newbies.  Even the seasoned safari travellers amongst the group got more than they bargained for at the Place of Plenty.  The big-game stalkers and birders alike got their fill of unforgettable sightings.  

We look forward to your next visit! Bush regards, The Mombo Family

Mombo Airstrip closure

The Mombo airstrip is currently closed for renovation.  In the meantime, all guests bound for Mombo are treated to a helicopter transfer from the Vumbura airstrip.  The only complaint we have received from guests flying in so far is that the helicopter ride is just too short. 

 
Average temperatures at Mombo during October 

Minimum 16° Celsius
Maximum 35° Celsius

October is famously hot in the Okavango Delta, and temperatures rose to around 42° Celsius, then dropped in the evenings to a comfortable 22° C. Our guests wrapped themselves in wet kikois for the cooling effect of the breeze on their game-drive vehicle manoeuvres around the floodplains. Guests’ rooms are also well aerated, and they slept peacefully. 

The vegetation is fairly green all around, thanks to the underground water that the plants take advantage of. We were blessed with some rain showers one afternoon, which also made a huge difference, and the ground is now covered with a blanket of green.  The eastern side of the concession still has a lot of water from the annual inundation, and is not drivable as the vehicles get stuck in the muddy clay.

Wildlife and birds around Vumbura Plains

Migratory bird species are being seen, including southern carmine bee-eaters, as well as a few early babies and general new life around the floodplains. Due to the rate of evaporation some common road crossings have dried up and are already sandy, and the vehicles are traversing them with ease.  

Sightings have been truly incredible, especially as the pack of 36 wild dogs (including the puppies) would grace us with its presence from time to time. They regularly leave the area for a while, and then reappear totally unexpectedly. 

A leopard nursing two cubs has also been spotted; she tries very hard to hide the cubs but not always successfully, as our guides have realised, and they wait patiently to see this thrilling new life.

The Kubu Pride of lions continues to dominate and chase other predators away – including a cheetah that was spotted running away from an area where the pride was having a meal of an elephant that died of natural causes.

 
Botswana’s Olympians cause a stir at Vumbura Plains

We were proud and grateful to host the Botswana Olympics team for a few days. Our signature bush picnic experience was a great hit and we loved seeing the team members’ jaws drop when they arrived at our secret picnic spot set in the deep, cool shade of a rain tree en route to camp during their airstrip transfer. They were elated and there was non-stop ululating from our team. The trip was a treat for the athletes after all doing so well at the recent Paris Olympics, and was organised by the Government of Botswana, HATAB, and the Botswana National Olympic Committee.

Camp news

The General Manager took some of the weaving ladies to cut the special grass that they use for creating their baskets. These ladies play a pivotal role in showing off their culture to guests, including a fascinating tutorial on how they make these woven baskets, which are synonymous with Bayei and Bambukushu culture.

Staff news

Despite the heat, the Kwedi Sables football team took advantage of a quiet day in camp and challenged a neighbouring lodge to a soccer match that ended in a draw. The ambience was electrifying as old buddies were able to mingle after a long season, and new friendships were formed. A return match has been slated for the near future as the guest team enjoyed the hospitality and would like to reciprocate. 

The staff have an annual tradition of creating awareness of breast cancer and donned their pink ribbons throughout October.

We have a new member of our team! Matshidiso Gaotlhobogwe has joined us as Guest Experience Manager. She comes with a wealth of experience and has been with the Wilderness family for over 10 years. Her invaluable knowledge and skills will be a great addition in enhancing guest experiences and ensuring we exceed their expectations.

Weather report for October

Following a dry winter season, October was characterised by generally hot summer days averaging minimum temperatures of 19° Celsius and maximum temperatures of 40° C. October is the hottest month of the year; however, the camp provides kikois which, when wet, are used as a natural ‘air conditioning’ system out on game drives. 

In and around Little Vumbura in October

Little Vumbura is surrounded by water all year round, and guests are certain to see elephant sightings within camp, crossing the channel, feeding on the waterlilies or just cooling off on a sunny day. 
The African mangosteen fruits are now ripe, and that meant daily elephant sightings around camp. For added safety, our trained guides are always available to escort guests to their rooms whenever needed.

 
Our fire deck area provides the perfect spot for star gazing. The month produced clear skies that are ideal for observing the constellations and the Milky Way.

Avian delights in the Okavango

Little Vumbura boasts innumerable bird species – from tiny kingfishers to imposing saddle-billed storks. The rare and very sought-after Pel’s fishing-owl can also be found on our little island, while our summer migrants make this spot extra colourful thanks to the likes of vibrant paradise flycatchers and woodland kingfishers. 

Wildlife around Little Vumbura

Most of our waterholes have dried up and this has driven game towards the river to quench their thirst; some rarities spotted were sable antelope, as well as a male cheetah hunting in the floodplains.

Our well-known Golden Pack of 16 adult wild dogs and their 13 puppies was spotted several times within the concession, hunting and making kills of kudu, impala and red lechwe. 

And of course, let’s not forget our famous Kubu Pride, which is dominated by a coalition of three brothers. The brothers are asserting their territorial rights by pushing away their sub-adults from the pride, as these young lions have reached the age of starting to establish their own territory.

Activities at Little Vumbura

Mokoro excursions provide the opportunity to view the smaller aquatic animals that may not be seen on regular game drives. Here you can be sure to see beautiful little reed frogs in their natural setting.

Guest comments

• Fantastic guides
• Friendliness and kindness of employees
• Staff cared for our wellbeing. Thank you so much for your work and the spirit you put into it. I can feel that you are all very passionate.
• The Team are so loving, have the touch for attention to detail.

Staff in camp

Aobakwe Bonno
Tebogo Modimoopelo
Gomotsegang Bosekeng
Aubrey Khibanyana
Guides
Baganyaditse Masasa
Sam Setabosha
Ilaki Jagile