Mapula Lodge

Bill's safari has now moved into Botswana by this time. His first stop was Botswana's Mapula Lodge - Bill's favorite safari destination in all of Africa. To see other desinations on the Summer Safari of 2009, be sure to click on the appropriate link below.

• Leg 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya (Aug. 24th)


• Leg 2: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania - Lemala Mara Camp (Aug 25-28)
• Serengeti National Park August 27th Text Update
• Serengeti National Park Videos
• Lemala Mara Luxury Camp
• Final Serengeti Game Drive
• Leg 3: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda (Gorilla Trekking!) - Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Aug 29-31)
• About Gorilla Treks
• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
• Leg 4: Overnight in Johannesburg (Sep 1st)


• Leg 5: Victoria Falls, Zambia - Tongabezi Safari Lodge (Sep 2-3)
• Tongabezi Lodge, Zambezi
• Leg 6: Okavango Delta, Botswana - Mapula Lodge (Sep 4-7)
• Mapula Lodge Accommodations and Guiding
• Leg 7: Okavango Delta, Botswana - Sankuyo Bush Camp (Sep 8-9)

Mapula Lodge Location and Wildlife

Mapula Lodge is set in a magical location in the far north of the Okavango Delta making Mapula one of the most remote camps in Botswana. This happens to be Bill's favorite place for the following reasons:

• Tremendous Community Staffing
• Scenic Location of the camp
• Outstanding Accommodations - comfortable but not over the top
• Highly Focused on Wildlife
• Incredible Guiding
• Best Value Deal in Botswana

More About the Wildlife

Following the first rains in November, the various antelope species will begin their calving season. This makes December through February the ideal time to see baby impala, tssessebe, lechwe, and possibly wildebeest. Lions and African wild dogs are commonly seen from Mapula Lodge and the presence of calves makes this an exciting time for predator viewing.

African Wild Dog Pup
© Photo taken by Bill Given on Mapula Lodge Game Drive

Smaller cats, serval and caracal are much rarer sightings but seem to be spotted with a fair frequency at Mapula. The area is well known for the elegant sable antelope that is rarely seen in other areas as well as the highly endangered African wild dog that has a history of denning near Mapula Lodge. With the November rains, elephants and buffalo spread out so they aren't generally seen in huge congregations but you will likely encounter small family herds and the viewing of bull elephants is excellent in this area.

Zebras Near Mapula Lodge
© Photo taken by Bill Given on Mapula Lodge Game Drive

Bill actually saw 34 mammal species in a 4 night stay on his last visit. To see more information about Mapula Lodge, be sure to check out our Mapula Lodge page. Bill has also submitted a Mapula Lodge Trip Report from a safari two years ago.