Vumbura Plains ♥
North of Botswana’s Moremi National Park is a series of large floodplains dotted with small palm islands and interspersed with large forested areas. Here, the Vumbura Reserve is home to the two adjacent camps that make up Vumbura Plains.
The two camps that make up Vumbura Plains – North Camp and South Camp – are run semi-independently, sharing the reserve with Vumbura Plains’ smaller sister camp, Little Vumbura.
Each of Vumbura Plains’ camps has seven large suites (14 in total), spaced well apart and raised up on decks. These suites really are luxurious, even by Botswana’s standards, each with its own very private plunge pool and deck, and lots of safari-chic touches. At North Camp, two of the suites are designed with families in mind, each with two bedrooms.
Floor-to-ceiling glass panels frame each suite on three sides, maximizing the views of the surrounding bush. Decked out in light wood and natural hues, the bedroom, sunken lounge and bathroom flow almost seamlessly into one another, with only the odd billowy curtain to separate them. The result is a very restful space, although the downside is a distinct lack of privacy.
Set up on a slightly raised platform is a mammoth bed under an equally immense mosquito net, and to the front is a sunken lounge area. The back of the room is kitted out with a writing desk with plug points suitable for a laptop, charging electrical equipment or the hairdryer, and ample storage space. There is a minibar fridge as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities. All the rooms have a ceiling fan and small safe, with umbrellas, dressing gowns, mosquito repellent, insect spray and mosquito coils all provided.
One half of each suite is essentially the ‘bathroom’ area. The shower is open-plan, although floor-to-ceiling curtains can be pulled on one or more sides for privacy. A second large shower is set outside, under the stars. A separate flushing toilet, twin hand washbasins and a vanity unit complete the picture, complemented by a good selection of toiletries.
Outside each suite is a large private decked area, complete with a plunge pool, sunloungers, and a covered ‘sala’ with a sofa and small table for occasions when you might prefer to ‘dine in’.
High wooden walkways link the suites at Vumbura Plains with the central areas. Whilst North and South camps are not identical, these sprawling areas are similar in style and provide the same facilities. In each, the deck seems to flow into sunken lounges with their blend of muted earth-coloured and green cushions. The purposeful use of shapes lends a stylish, almost organic feel, albeit very modern.
A large portion of the deck is dedicated to the dining area – part of it under cover and part under the stars – adorned with wooden carvings and interesting African sculptures. There is a quirky ‘loo with a view’ (and it’s a rather good view too), which is reached by a short boardwalk from the main lodge.
*For a full list of available activities, the best time of the year to visit, and any other relevant enquiries, please contact a Sister Hippo Travel Consultant!