Wilderness Okavango Delta camp newsletters – July-August 2025

When the Delta waters have right of way: sacred waters, soaring arrivals 

The unexpectedly high rainfall of summer has filled the Okavango, and has temporarily transformed our beloved Mombo’s airstrip into a shimmering extension of the Delta itself. While this natural phenomenon has brought a temporary pause to fixed-wing landings at Mombo, it's also opened the door to a new kind of arrival: by helicopter. 

Thanks to our seamless partnership with Helicopter Horizons, guests are now whisked from the Vumbura Plains airstrip to Mombo in just minutes – on a breathtaking flight that offers an unforgettable bird's-eye view of the Delta's labyrinth of channels, wildlife, and flooded plains. This isn't just a transfer. It's the start of your safari… sky-high, scenic, and steeped in the magic of the season.  

Introducing The Sanctuary at Mombo: Journey back to earth, journey back to you! 

We're proud to unveil The Sanctuary at Mombo – a dedicated wellness space that invites you to pause, breathe, and reconnect in one of the most remote corners of the world. This thoughtfully crafted wellness center blends holistic luxury with wild beauty. From the lap pool that mirrors the sky, to our open-air gym surrounded by nature's soundtrack, every corner invites a reconnection with self, and with the earth.  

Discover stillness in our meditation cocoons, alternate between the sauna and invigorating ice bath, or replenish with fresh, nourishing options from the deli and remedy bar. Whether you seek movement or stillness, rejuvenation or reflection, The Sanctuary offers a deeply grounding experience – one that complements the wild pulse of safari with a return to self.  

The roar of Mombo: Lions on the move 

If August had a soundtrack, it would be the deep, resonating roar of lions thundering across the floodplains. Over the past few weeks, dominant males have been patrolling the outskirts of Mombo, broadcasting their presence in the stillness of the night, and leaving fresh tracks in the morning ‘newspaper’, the sandy paths around camp. Their powerful call is more than just a sound – it’s a declaration of dominance, a boundary drawn in bass tones that can be heard up to 8km away. Guests have had the rare thrill of hearing lions roar right from their rooms, sometimes so close that the vibrations seem to move through the walls. At Mombo, the wild is never far; indeed, sometimes it comes right to your doorstep. 

A wild welcome: The dog den comes alive  

Yay! We've got new pups. August brought with it a thrilling milestone – the grand debut of Mombo's newest of its most elusive residents. After weeks tucked away in their den, our local pack of African wild dogs has finally introduced nine lively pups to the world. 

Guests and guides alike have been spellbound, witnessing the pups take their first wobbly steps outside, learning to play, stalk, and chase under the watchful eye of the pack’s babysitters. These early lessons in the wild are more than just adorable; they are vital survival skills being passed down in an endangered predator’s family. The den site has become a hub of excitement, echoing with yips, playful growls, and the joyful chaos only wild dog pups can bring. For many visitors, it's a once in a lifetime experience to witness the start of a new generation in such an iconic species – and right here from the ‘Mother of all Camps’, Mombo. 

A dance of wings: The caper white's quiet work  

Clouds of delicate caper white butterflies have drifted gracefully through Mombo in a seasonal dance as beautiful as it is vital. These striking pollinators are drawn to the blooming Boscia trees, pausing to feed on the nectar as they flutter across the landscape. Their presence reminds us of the smaller wonders that thrive all around us, often unnoticed but always essential. In a landscape famed for lions and leopards, it's humbling to witness how even the tiniest creatures leave their mark on the land. 

Written by Karabo Sampson 

Wildlife 

For those in the know, Santawani Camp is a place of wonders, and our waterhole is famously called the National Geographic channel, because it has so many wonderful wildlife surprises.

A young leopard sighting was another big highlight for guests this month. 

 
Guest experiences

Guests go on about their experiences, dining under the stars in our little corner of Okavango Delta paradise, while we are proud to host a wild dog research camp on the concession, and help contribute to conservation in our way.

Submitted by Sandra Samunzala