Mapula Lodge

Mapula Lodge was a marvelous experience for the friends we were with. The accommodation was comfortable with a lovely outside shower. Our game drives were marvelous as was our Mokoro outing with our poler finishing with sundowners. The mess tent was an excellent place to get together for sundowners after a game drive.

We were there with a group of 6 plus 2 supplemental guides for a photo safari. The drivers were OK but not intuitive in terms of where to locate for natural lighting for wildlife photography. Our guides directed most of that so it was fine in the end. The main common building was comfortable and well stocked with all of the drinks and amenities you expect at a camp. Was more of a self service situation which is a bit different than most camps. The main platform where the meals are served has wonderful views of the plains and some local birds nest in the trunks so stuff is happening all around you all the time. We were less impressed with the room. LIMITED electrical power plugs. If you are a photographer and have a lot of chargers etc its a bit of a pain. Also missing from the room is a desk which may seem odd as a complaint but photographers want to edit and work between game drives or at night. The common building area isn't convenient in terms of power accessibility or working at night as the staff has to hang around waiting to walk you back to your tent.. The layout was a bit awkward for our use but others may find it just fine. The access to the bathroom was crazy tight. I had to go in sideways to fit thru the opening. No idea why that was planned that poorly. The front door had a goofy lock configuration so that was also awkward. Minimal lighting in the room also. Just seemed like it was missing some detailed thoughts. We liked the warthogs that play under the room and out in the plains outside the room. Once you got used to the noises they make it was amusing. Food was good but not spectacular. No real complaints just not impressionable. The camp has a lot of night time visitors (elephants and hippos) that forage so you have to be attentive. They will walk down the paths and up to your tents so its imperative to have local assistance when out and about in the dark there. The elephants misbehaved several nights knocking over posts, etc. Solid wildlife sightings of hippos, leopards, jackals, birds, small pack of 4 wild dogs and the usual prey, etc. If you are here for the wildlife then you will not be disappointed. Boat experiences were good. A good experience overall. We have been on 3 African safari's and would consider this a low mid range camp. Good but could use some room improvements.

had never been to this camp previously and the accommodations were on par with prices , but not as superior as many of the other camps. Partly poor planning on our part but mid-May was cold in morning and night. Macula showers were poor and you would freeze unless it was mid-afternoon. But the savior was Kan, our guide, who was one of the most knowledgeable and informative we have ever come across in our trips to Okavango. Animals, birds, flora.. Kan knew it all. For the Northern part of the Okavango the animals were exceptional. Photographed (Kan knew how to get best light) and filmed everything except Rhino (of course)