In December we announced the exciting news that Bisate, Mombo, Little Mombo and Hoanib Skeleton Coast were all included in Condé Nast Traveler's 2020 Gold List of exceptional places to stay in the world.
Compiled by the publication’s editorial teams in New York and London, the Gold List spans six continents and 50 countries. The winners were announced online here, and also featured in the January/ February 2020 print issue.
Read more about each of our award-winning camps and find out why you’ll want to visit at least one of these exceptional wilderness areas…
Mombo and Little Mombo
We are pleased to see our flagship camps, Mombo and Little Mombo, once again being recognised amongst the world’s very best for their exceptional safari offering in one of the greatest wildlife locations on the continent – the Okavango Delta in Botswana
Mombo and Little Mombo are located on the northern tip of Chief’s Island, the largest landmass in the Okavango. The area is considered the most fertile in the Delta, with its mosaic of habitats attracting large herds, followed by predators great in number and variety. This abundance and mix of wildlife has accorded the area its name, “The Place of Plenty.”
Mombo’s design expresses unashamed (but appropriate and sustainable) luxury under canvas
Mombo comprises eight tents while Little Mombo has just four tents – a smaller, more intimate camp. Built with a minimal human footprint, Mombo and Little Mombo blend seamlessly into the environment and are 100% solar powered. The elegant, expansive tents celebrate Mombo traditions while a large deck and plunge pool are ideal vantage points from which to observe passing wildlife.
It is often said that as soon as you walk out onto the main deck at Mombo and view a plain dotted with a variety of species of game, you understand why Mombo is known as ‘the place of plenty’.
"Quite simply one of Africa’s top wildlife experiences."
Each room has its own plunge pool, while the main area comprises a dining room, bar and lounge. Mombo shares a boutique, spa, gym and lap pool with Little Mombo.
Our camp purpose: Since 2001, Mombo has been at the centre of a unique partnership between Wilderness Safaris and the
Botswana Government in a pioneering rhino conservation programme that has seen healthy breeding populations of both Critically Endangered black rhino and Near Threatened white rhino reintroduced to and living in the Okavango Delta.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
In a broad, dry valley that looks over towards the seldom-flowing Hoanib River lies Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, its fluid rooftops and award-winning, environmentally friendly design blending seamlessly into the ancient landscape. In this land of rugged mountains, gravel plains and rolling dunefields, regular encounters with a surprising array of large, charismatic desert-adapted wildlife abound, from elephant to lion and giraffe, oryx and springbok, and even brown hyaena. The camp’s position allows access to the legendary Skeleton Coast, with its stark shores and seal colonies, along with views of secret oases, magnificent dunes and unexpected yet thriving wildlife.
The eight large en-suite tents (including one family unit) and the main area and pool look out over a rugged dry valley that slopes down to the Hoanib River.
Our camp purpose: This fully solar-powered camp is a joint venture with the neighbouring Conservancies of Anabeb, Torra and Sesfontein, and hosts researchers committed to conserving desert-adapted lion, brown hyaena and more.
"The location is stunning, remote, epic, beautiful and unique."
Bisate Lodge
Bisate Lodge is in the natural amphitheatre of an extinct volcanic cone – the world bisate means “pieces” in Kinyarwanda, describing how the cone has been worn away by natural erosion. The area has dramatic views of the brooding Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes that rear up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. Aside from setting a new standard of sustainable luxury, Bisate’s partnership with the surrounding community makes it also the most visionary lodge in the country.
Its domed guest rooms beautifully reflect the culture of rural Rwanda, while retaining eco-friendly principles; it is the perfect base for mountain gorilla trekking.
Six opulent en-suite forest villas maximise comfort and views while adhering to environmentally responsible principles
Bisate is Rwanda’s first genuinely luxurious and eco-sensitive safari lodge, centred on Africa’s most immersive wild primate experience
Our camp purpose: The aim of Bisate is to be a model of sustainable ecotourism in Rwanda. Its reforestation and rehabilitation project has each guest partnering with us in contributing to conservation and local community upliftment, with a positive impact on the iconic Endangered mountain gorilla.
View a few more recent awards received for outstanding tourism services and contribution to conservation or community in Africa – click here .
Let’s plan your next journey
Ready?
When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.