Affordable Botswana Tented Camp North of Khwai
MmaTsebe Tented Camp is an authentic tented bushcamp carefully positioned within an ancient riverine forest along the Mbudi Channel in Khwai on the Northern boundary of Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana.
Wondering where to find us?
GPS: S 19 07 11.5 E 023 46 23,8
MmaTsebe Tented Camp is located within a secluded private position of 25 hectares in Khwai along the Mbudi Channel. 30 minutes’ game drive from North Gate Moremi Game Reserve, 30 minutes’ game drive from Khwai airstrip, and 3.5 hours drive from Maun. The popular game rich area of Khwai shares borders with Chobe National Park, Savuti and Moremi Game Reserve, MmaTsebe Tented Camp therefore has easy access to these iconic game locations in Northern Botswana.
How to get there?
Air Charter from Maun or any camp in Northern Botswana to Khwai airstrip. Self -drive, 4 x 4 vehicle required, 3.5 hours’ drive from Maun, 4 hours drive from Savuti. 20 min from Moremi North Gate and the Khwai village. We will collect you from Khwai airstrip, a game drive of 20 min.
When is a good time to go?
MmaTsebe Tented Camp is open all year round, this special location has something to offer the discerning safari traveler 12 months of the year. Activities in our prime location remain available all year round, including Mekoros. Please refer to the rates sheet for the different seasonal rates.
Green Season 01 December to 31 March, is an incredible time of year, stormy clouds gather and the promise of long -awaited rain, in these parts the smell of rain is synonymous with new life and is celebrated, antelope with their young, hot days & balmy nights the most affordable time of year to visit.
Mid -Season 01 April to 30 June & November, nights and early mornings are becoming chilly, the clouds and rain for the most part have disappeared, the grass is long, the herds of elephant delight in these times of warm plenty.
High Season 01 July to 31 Oct, the “everyone is on holiday” time of year, wildlife is plentiful congregating around shrinking pools, and shorter grass.
July & August are cooler months – it is advisable to dress like an onion in layers where you can peel off layers in the warmer days and then “snuggle up” with more layers for the cooler nights and early mornings. With cooler days and cold nights, snuggle around that famous campfire, “let the stories begin”.
September & October are heating up as Botswana prepares for the rainy season so prepare for balmy nights and hot days.
What to Wear:
Pack comfortable layers for cool mornings and warm days, and flat shoes for safaris. Winter can be surprisingly cold, especially in June-August, but cozy blankets are available.
Dining:
Enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals in a communal dining area with views. We cater to dietary preferences like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose intolerant.
Activities:
Enjoy included game drives, mekoro trips, and poolside relaxation. Upgrade to the full-day Okavango Experience with a boat cruise through Moremi or a scenic helicopter flight over the Khwai Channel (additional charges apply).
Power:
Solar-powered camp provides 24-hour 220V power with charging points in tents. International plug conversions are available, please bring your own adapter.
Accommodation:
Stay in authentic 6x4m en-suite tents with fans. Configurable as double or twin, with an additional roll-away bed for a child 8-11 years old sharing. One guide unit is also available.
Children on Safari:
Children 8-11 years are welcome and require a private vehicle for game drives and can only participate in these activities.
*Please refer to rate sheet for private vehicle rates
Mosquitoes & Bugs:
Expect bugs and mosquitoes in the wild. We take precautions, but check with your doctor for travel advice, especially if visiting neighboring malaria-prone regions.
Medical:
Fully equipped with medical supplies, the camp has trained staff and a local medical air rescue service. Ensure you have travel insurance and bring personal medications.
Important Information
MmaTsebe’s Story… Your legacy will live on.
The legendary leopardess named Mmatsebe (meaning marked ear), was the most well-known female leopard famously known for her numerous daylight hunting sessions, in the Moremi area. Here are a few of her stories:
Judith McKay –” I have now finished my painting of Mmatsebe a beautiful female leopard that we followed for more than hour in Khwai National Park, Botswana last October. We had followed her through the woodland and sat patiently while she walked purposefully past our vehicle, she was so close I could hardly breathe. She walked on and finally climbed a tree a few yards from where we sat in our vehicle. She moved this way and that changing position and gazing way off into the distance and then she turned and looked towards me, just before leaping down in an attempt to catch an Impala for her supper. This is the painting I have done from that special moment’”.
Wim van den Heever wrote:
As always, this unspoiled area has so much to see – beautiful birds, and wildlife to delight any nature photographer. Zebras roamed around; stately waterbuck gazed at us as our cameras were kept busy, busy, busy. Then we turned northwards – this turned out to be the best decision ever as we didn’t travel far before we stumbled across a female leopard. She is easily identifiable as she has a notch in her ear – giving her the name MmaTsebe. The ‘maa’ part of her name identifies her as a mother, and ‘tsebe’ points to her unique ear. She has a cub stashed away somewhere, but we didn’t get to see it. We remained with MmaTsebe for some time, actually for the remainder of our drive. After resting for a short while she started hunting. We followed at a discreet distance. She didn’t find anything close enough or unaware enough to stalk and gave up to lie down for a rest. After quite some time MmaTsebe, almost without warning, sprang up, and with one bound she was high up in a tree.
Many people have shared similar experiences such as the above of the legendary leopard “MmaTsebe”
MmaTsebe and her Cubs
During her lifetime, MmaTsebe had many litters and was always vigilant as she was a fierce provider and protector of her cubs. She was one of the best leopard mothers imaginable.
Photo Credit Beverley Joubert.
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Fully Inclusive Rate Include…
- All Meals & Drinks
- Laundry
- Activities – Game drives and Mekoro excursion
- Arrival & Departure transfers – Khwai Airstrip
Fully Inclusive Rate Exclude…
- Other transfers
- Premium Brand Drinks
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
Packing Guide
When travelling on safari, luggage must be compact, light and easy to pack. Each guest is strictly limited to 20kg of luggage in a soft carrier bag including camera equipment.
We suggest you bring the following:
- Camera with spare batteries & memory cards
- South African plug adaptor for charging video/camera batteries – large round 3 prong type
- Each seat has a USB charger for charging video/camera batteries
- Good quality pair of binoculars (8×30 or better)
- Natural toned, lightweight clothing
- Light weight long-sleeved tops and long trousers to prevent insect and mosquito bites
- Comfortable shoes and sandals or flip-flops
- Light, compact raincoat is a good idea for sporadic summer thunderstorms (Nov – Apr)
- Fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for colder winter nights (May – Aug)
- Beanies, scarf and gloves for the cold early morning game drives in winter – it can reach 0˚C
- Sun block, lip balm, sunglasses, hat, swimsuit, insect repellent and malaria prophylaxis
- Toiletries and any medications
- Prepare for 4 seasons in one day no matter which month you travel
The Nitty Gritty
- Comprehensive evacuation and hospital insurance is mandatory and check the fine print in your policy. People get sick and accidents happen so please ensure you have comprehensive cover with a reputable insurance company
- American Express and Diners cards are not accepted in Botswana