Wilderness Mombo newsletter – January 2025

January proved to be a remarkable month filled with memorable events and developments. The region experienced three consecutive weeks of unprecedented rainfall, marking a significant shift in the local scenery. Additionally, the construction of the gym and spa facilities gained momentum during this period, showcasing promising progress and a glimpse into their potential future. Noteworthy wildlife encounters and observations left lasting impressions, while indulging in the finest pizza delicacies available in the vicinity elevated our culinary experiences to new heights. The month also saw the commencement of exciting games and activities, adding exhilarating entertainment to our daily routines. 

As we bid farewell to January, we eagerly anticipate the opportunities and adventures that the upcoming month holds, and are preparing ourselves for the bustling peak season. 

Even with construction in the background, the natural world continues to put on a show. The sounds of construction might momentarily fill the air, but the sight of a leopard lounging in a tree or a herd of wildebeest passing by makes it all right again.

The beauty of Mombo is that the wildlife doesn’t stop for anything – and our sightings are as breath-taking as ever – if not more – as animals continue their daily routines, undeterred by human activity. While the work is underway, guests can still enjoy the magic of the Delta, with the added bonus of being closer to the action than ever before. 

Because… the team at Mombo is doing everything they can to ensure that the essence of the experience remains intact, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of the wilderness, with unforgettable encounters just waiting around every corner. Part of this has entailed the existing spa and gym being temporarily moved to a nearby bush – just kidding! The spa has been relocated to Tent 6, and the gym to Tent 7. This change has turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as these rooms are closer to the main area and guest tented suites.

In manager news, Peter is somewhere blowing bubbles!

Mombo is renowned for a variety of reasons – amongst which are its extraordinary wildlife sightings, exceptional hospitality, and unforgettable culinary experiences. But of all of these incredible offerings, there’s one that stands out: the iconic Mombo Pizza. To put it simply, Mombo serves some of the most delicious, life-changing pizza you'll ever taste. 

And we’re not exaggerating when we say it’s a slice of heaven that could easily rival any famous pizzeria, even those found in New York City. The pizza is so extraordinary, it’s said to transform your perception of what pizza can be – not once, but twice. At the heart of this magic is Mckay, one of our talented chefs, who has earned the title of “Pizza Queen” for her ability to craft the perfect pie. 

The secret behind these mouth-watering pizzas? It’s all about the thin, perfectly crispy crust, which serves as the ideal foundation for an array of fresh, flavourful toppings. Whether you're savouring a slice during your adventure or after a long day of safari, we guarantee this pizza will leave you craving more. Trust us – you don’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind culinary experience.  

As the song from Toto’s hit record Africa says, we have definitely been blessed by the “rains down in Africa”. When asking a Motswana about the meaning of the word Pula, expect to receive three distinct responses. To begin with, Pula serves as the name of the local currency adopted in everyday transactions.  Secondly it doubles as both customary salutations and beckoning reply. Lastly, Pula symbolises the life-giving rain that has been showering abundantly upon us. The continuous downpour persisted for three consecutive weeks without respite. The rainfall’s effect has been a sight to behold as it has revitalised the surrounding foliage and grass, transforming them into a verdant paradise. This refreshing change serves as a stark contrast to the scorching temperatures that had plagued us earlier. Notably the average monthly rainfall recorded stood at an impressive 330.9 mm.

Visitors have been thoroughly amazed by the recent sightings and kills at Mombo, the Maparotha Pride accompanied by their adorable cubs, majestic leopards, an impressive herd of buffalo, as well as the wild dogs making stunning appearances. 

The holiday season kept Mombo bustling with guests and activities, prompting us to reschedule our planned Camp Games to this month. Our line-up included the thrilling egg-and-spoon race, bucket race, 100 m sprint, 400 m relay and apple race – for both men and women – in which both managers and junior staff eagerly vied for the illustrious prizes at stake.

Each department was proudly represented by their respective participants, with the Kitchen team embracing the moniker Team Mafresh, the Front-of-House team competing as Team Latte, Maintenance as Team Di Oil, Guides as Team Nageng, Housekeeping as Team Di Sheet and the Managers as Team Day Sheet. The day was filled with joy and camaraderie, solidifying our belief that at Mombo we are a tightly-knit-family. The event not only brought us together, but also showcased Team Mafresh’s dominance as they emerged victorious, claiming the lion’s share of the prizes.