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Camelthorn Bush Camp: Authentic, No-Frills Adventure in Greater Moremi
In a world where “safari” is increasingly synonymous with high-end luxury and gold-plated taps, Camelthorn Bush Camp is a refreshing return to roots. It is a camp for the purist, the adventurer, and the traveler who believes that the true luxury of Africa lies not in the thread count of the sheets, but in the proximity to the wild.
Located on the eastern edge of the Okavango Delta, in the renowned Greater Moremi region, Camelthorn Bush Camp offers a raw, unfiltered connection to one of the most wildlife-dense corners of Botswana. Tucked beneath the sprawling boughs of ancient Camelthorn trees, this eco-friendly camp strips away the unnecessary, leaving you with exactly what you came for: the bush, the silence, and the thrill of discovery.
This is a place where elephants wander past your tent, where the campfire is the evening's entertainment, and where the hospitality is as warm and unpretentious as the African sun. Camelthorn Bush Camp invites you to kick off your shoes, embrace the dust, and experience the Okavango as it was meant to be seen—wild, free, and authentically beautiful.
Top 3 Reasons to Visit Camelthorn Bush Camp
- Affordable Access to Prime Wilderness: Camelthorn offers an exceptional safari experience at a fraction of the cost of high-end Delta lodges. Situated in a prestigious 85,000-hectare private concession bordering Moremi and Chobe, you get access to the same incredible wildlife without the premium price tag.
- Authentic “Old-School” Safari Vibe: With bucket showers, solar power, and no fences (other than an elephant deterrent), the camp captures the romance of early exploration. It’s an intimate, low-impact experience that prioritizes connection with nature over modern excess.
- Strategic Location for Exploration: Perfectly positioned between Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, and the Khwai Concession, Camelthorn serves as an ideal base for diverse activities. From game drives in the concession to day trips into the national parks, the options are endless.
The Camelthorn Experience: Rustic & Real
Camelthorn Bush Camp is designed for those who want to feel the earth under their feet. It operates with a light footprint, respecting the delicate ecosystem it inhabits. The atmosphere is relaxed and communal, fostering a sense of shared adventure among guests.
Location: The Greater Moremi Ecosystem
The camp's location is its secret weapon. It sits within a massive 85,000-hectare private concession in the Greater Moremi region.
- The Wildlife Corridor: This area acts as a vital corridor for animals moving between the permanent waters of the Okavango Delta and the drier woodlands of Chobe. This ensures a constant flow of game, including large herds of elephants, buffalo, and zebra.
- Predator Territory: The concession is famous for its resident lion prides, elusive leopards, and packs of endangered wild dogs. Because it is private land, you can often enjoy sightings without the crowds found in public parks.
- The Landscape: The terrain is a mix of Mopane woodland, open floodplains, and acacia scrub, providing diverse habitats for a wide range of species.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Camelthorn operates entirely off the national grid, proving that comfort doesn't have to cost the earth.
- Solar Power: The camp runs on solar energy, providing lighting and charging capabilities.
- Water Wise: Water is sourced from a borehole and is safe for showering (bottled water provided for drinking). All greywater is treated through an advanced “Aerated Treatment Plant,” ensuring that only clean water is returned to the environment.
- Community Sourcing: The camp actively supports local farmers and markets, sourcing fresh produce from nearby villages to reduce its carbon footprint and support the local economy.
Accommodation: The Oasis Tents
Accommodation at Camelthorn is simple, comfortable, and designed to immerse you in the bush. The camp features just 7 Oasis Tents, accommodating a maximum of 14 guests. This small size ensures peace, privacy, and attentive service.
The Tented Experience
Each tent is a canvas sanctuary, nestled on the ground to keep you connected to the earth.
- Comfortable Interiors: The tents feature twin beds (which can be pushed together) dressed in comfortable linens. While rustic, they provide a cozy haven after a day of adventure.
- En-Suite Facilities: Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet and a washbasin.
- The Bucket Shower: The highlight for many is the traditional outdoor bucket shower. Staff fill the bucket with hot water upon request, allowing you to shower under the open sky or the canopy of trees—a truly quintessential safari experience.
- Amenities: Tents are equipped with solar lighting, mosquito repellent, an emergency air horn, and a safe for valuables. There is no electricity in the tents (charging is done in the main area), encouraging you to disconnect and unwind.
Main Camp Facilities: Gather Round the Fire
The central area of Camelthorn Bush Camp is the heart of the community. It is a place to gather, share stories, and relax.
The Boma and Lounge
- The Lounge: A comfortable main lounge area offers sofas and chairs for reading or chatting. It’s a shaded retreat during the heat of the day.
- The Dining Tent: Meals are served in a dedicated dining tent or al fresco under the stars. Tea and coffee stations are available throughout the day.
- The Bar: A modest bar provides refreshing drinks to quench your thirst. This area also houses the solar charging station, where you can power up your cameras and phones.
- The Fire Pit: The campfire is the focal point of the evening. Here, guests gather to recount the day's sightings, listen to the sounds of the night, and gaze at the Milky Way.
- Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main area, allowing you to share your adventures with the world (though we recommend using it sparingly!).
Dining Experience: Hearty Bush Cooking
Food at Camelthorn is wholesome, hearty, and delicious. The chefs pride themselves on creating satisfying meals that fuel your safari adventures.
- Fresh & Local: Menus rely on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Expect a mix of international favorites and traditional African dishes.
- Dining Style: Meals are generally communal, fostering a friendly atmosphere. Breakfast is served before your morning activity, lunch/brunch upon your return, and dinner is a warm affair around the fire or in the dining tent.
- Flexibility: The kitchen can cater to most dietary requirements with advance notice.
Safari Activities: Exploring the Wilderness
Camelthorn offers a range of activities designed to get you close to nature. Because it is in a private concession, there is flexibility in how you explore.
1. Game Drives (Day & Night)
- The Concession: Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives within the private concession. Without the restrictions of national park rules, guides can go off-road (responsibly) to track major predators, ensuring you get the best possible view.
- Greater Moremi: Drives often explore the wider Greater Moremi and Khwai areas, known for their prolific game.
- Night Drives: A unique feature of the private concession is the ability to drive at night. Using spotlights, guides search for nocturnal creatures like bushbabies, genets, owls, and hunting lions or leopards. It reveals a completely different side of the African bush.
2. Mokoro Excursions (Khwai River)
While the camp is in a woodland area, it offers excursions to the nearby Khwai River for mokoro trips.
- The Experience: Glide silently through the reed-lined channels in a traditional dugout canoe. This activity is all about peace and small details—spotting painted reed frogs, water lilies, and elephants drinking at the water's edge.
- Seasonality: This activity is dependent on water levels in the Khwai River.
3. Xakanxa Boat Trip (Optional Extra)
For those wanting a full Delta water experience, a boat trip on the Xakanaxa Lagoon inside Moremi Game Reserve can be arranged.
- The Cruise: Explore deep lagoons and winding channels by motorized boat. This is excellent for seeing hippos, crocodiles, and diverse waterbirds.
- Full Day Outing: This activity usually involves a transfer into the park, making for a comprehensive day of safari.
4. Helicopter Scenic Flights (Optional Extra)
For a bird's-eye view of the landscape, scenic helicopter flights are available.
- The View: Soaring over the Delta reveals the intricate network of water channels and islands. It is the best way to comprehend the sheer scale of the wilderness.
- Champagne Stop: Many flights include a stop on a remote island for a glass of champagne—a touch of luxury in the wild.
When to Visit: Seasons of Camelthorn
The experience at Camelthorn changes with the seasons, each offering something unique.
The Dry Season (July to October)
- Wildlife: Peak Season. As the surrounding bush dries out, animals congregate around remaining water sources. Game viewing is excellent, with high visibility.
- Weather: Warm days (avg 26°C) and cool to cold nights (can drop below 10°C). September and October can be very hot (up to 40°C).
- Best For: Big game viewing, reliable predator sightings, and clear skies.
The Green Season (November to March)
- Landscape: The rains arrive, transforming the dry woodland into a lush, green paradise.
- Wildlife: This is the birthing season for antelope, which attracts predators. Birding is spectacular as migratory species arrive.
- Weather: Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms.
- Best For: Birding, photography (vibrant colors and dramatic clouds), and seeing young animals.
Getting There: Accessibility
Camelthorn Bush Camp is easily accessible for both self-drivers and fly-in guests.
- Self-Drive: The camp is located approximately 92km from Maun. The drive takes about 2 hours. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially for the final stretch on gravel roads. The route passes through the Buffalo Fence and Sankuyo Village.
- Road Transfers: The camp can arrange road transfers from Maun Airport for those who prefer not to drive.
- Fly-In: Guests can fly into Maun and transfer by road, or charter a flight to a nearby airstrip (like Khwai) followed by a game drive transfer.
Conclusion: Wilderness for the Soul
Camelthorn Bush Camp is a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest. It offers a safari experience that is uncurated, unpretentious, and utterly unforgettable. It is a place to reconnect with nature, to listen to the silence, and to appreciate the raw beauty of Botswana without the distractions of modern life.
If you are looking for an affordable, authentic, and adventurous escape into the wild, Camelthorn awaits.
Discover the real Botswana. Click the “Book Now” button to secure your Oasis Tent, or select “Ask a Question” to speak with our team about planning your rustic adventure.
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