Luxury Safari Camp
Botswana

Little Machaba
Okavango Delta

Little Machaba, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Little Machaba, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Little Machaba, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Little Machaba, Okavango Delta, Botswana

Highlights

  • Exclusive Location: Little Machaba is positioned within the renowned Okavango Delta, offering a remote and serene setting perfect for those seeking a private safari experience, far from the crowds. Its proximity to rich wildlife areas ensures excellent game viewing in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
  • Luxurious Tents: The camp features six spacious, canvas safari tents, each meticulously designed with elegant interiors, king-sized beds, and large, private decks. En-suite bathrooms with hot running water, indoor showers, and an outdoor shower allow for a blend of comfort and immersion in nature, providing guests with an upscale, authentic bush experience.
  • Exceptional Game Viewing: Little Machaba offers unparalleled opportunities for spotting a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Guests can enjoy daily game drives, both during the day and at night, giving them the chance to witness the Delta’s rich wildlife in its natural habitat, including rare sightings of nocturnal animals.
  • Water-Based Safaris: One of the highlights of staying at Little Machaba is the opportunity to explore the Okavango Delta’s winding waterways. Guests can enjoy peaceful mokoro rides, traditional dugout canoes, as well as motorboat safaris, where they’ll encounter hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species, offering an entirely different way to experience the bush.
  • Cultural Immersion: Little Machaba provides guests with a chance to engage with local communities, learning about their way of life and the rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. This immersive experience connects visitors to the broader ecosystem of the Delta, deepening their understanding of both its wildlife and its people.
  • Personalised Service: With only a small number of tents, Little Machaba offers highly personalised service. Staff are dedicated to crafting unique, bespoke experiences for each guest, from private game drives and bush meals to tailored activities, ensuring that every moment is as memorable and enjoyable as possible.

Good to know

How to get there

  • The most common and convenient way to reach Little Machaba is by light aircraft. Fly from Maun Airport (MUB) to one of the nearby airstrips serving the Okavango Delta. The camp is accessible via a scenic flight of approximately 30-40 minutes, which offers stunning aerial views of the Delta’s waterways and wildlife. The closest airstrip to Little Machaba is typically the Khwai Airstrip or Xakanaxa Airstrip, both of which are just a short drive from the camp.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome at Little Machaba, but there are age restrictions in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. The camp typically accommodates children from 6 years old and up.

Giving back

Little Machaba is committed to sustainability and responsible tourism, integrating eco-friendly practices to minimise its environmental impact. Some of the key aspects of their sustainability policy include:

  1. Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: The camp uses sustainable materials in its construction, such as canvas for the tents, to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The camp is designed to have a minimal footprint, ensuring that the ecosystem remains undisturbed.
  2. Energy Efficiency: Little Machaba runs on solar power, with energy-efficient lighting and equipment to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. This reduces the camp’s carbon footprint while harnessing the power of renewable energy.
  3. Water Conservation: Given the region’s water scarcity, the camp is dedicated to responsible water use. Water is carefully monitored, and efforts are made to reduce waste and ensure that every drop is used efficiently.
  4. Waste Management: The camp employs a robust waste management system, including recycling and composting where possible. Non-biodegradable waste is disposed of responsibly to limit the impact on the surrounding environment.
  5. Wildlife Conservation: Little Machaba is situated within a private concession in the Okavango Delta, where they actively support wildlife conservation efforts. By operating in this pristine area, they contribute to preserving the delicate ecosystem and its diverse species.
  6. Community Engagement: The camp works closely with local communities to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared, helping to support livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage. Additionally, they engage in initiatives that support local conservation projects.

Wildlife you are likely to see

At Little Machaba, located in the Okavango Delta, guests can expect to see a rich variety of wildlife, both on land and in the water. Some of the species you’re most likely to encounter include:

  1. Big Five:
    • Lions: The area is home to several prides, and sightings of these majestic predators are common.
    • Leopards: The Okavango Delta is known for its excellent leopard sightings, especially in the more remote areas of the concession.
    • Elephants: Large herds of elephants are frequently seen, particularly around the water sources and floodplains.
    • Buffaloes: Often found in herds, buffaloes are a regular sighting in the region.
    • Rhinoceros: While less common, black rhinos can sometimes be spotted, particularly in the more remote parts of the reserve.
  2. Wild Dogs: The Okavango Delta is a stronghold for African wild dogs, one of the continent’s most endangered species. The area is known for excellent sightings of these highly social predators.
  3. Cheetahs: Although not as abundant as other big cats, cheetahs can be spotted in the plains and open areas of the Delta, particularly during the dry season.
  4. Hippos and Crocodiles: Found in the waterways, both of these iconic African species are regularly spotted during mokoro rides and boat safaris.
  5. Giraffes: These elegant creatures are common throughout the region, often seen grazing on the tops of trees.
  6. Zebras and Wildebeests: These herbivores are often seen in large groups, particularly during the wet season when grazing conditions are abundant.
  7. Antelope Species: Including impala, kudu, springbok, red hartebeest, and waterbuck, the Delta is home to a wide variety of antelope species.
  8. Birdlife: The Okavango Delta is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species like the African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, pel’s fishing owl, and great white egret commonly seen. The waterways attract a host of waterfowl and migratory birds, making it an exceptional spot for birding.
  9. Reptiles and Amphibians: Besides crocodiles, you may also encounter various lizards, frogs, and snakes, particularly along the water’s edge or in the warmer months.

Why we love Little Machaba

Located in the Khwai concession, Little Machaba feels well away from the busier parts of the Delta meaning that the wildlife sightings feel that much more intimate and exclusive.

Aisha Gross

Specialises in

Africa and the Indian Ocean
Little Machaba, Okavango Delta, Botswana

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