Expeditions Camp

Expeditions Camp sits in an unusually untouched pocket of the northern Delta's 90,000-hectare NG12 concession, bordering the well-known Vumbura and Duba Plains areas. Founded by Ralph Bousfield (of the Jack's Camp family), it's built around a deliberately rustic, back-to-basics philosophy — a return to the spirit of early African exploration rather than a polished luxury product.

Eight Meru-style canvas tents (3 double, 5 twin) are pitched directly on the levelled forest floor beneath ebony trees rather than on raised decks, for a closer physical connection to the bush. Despite the simple pitch, interiors run to four-poster beds, Persian rugs and fully plumbed en-suite bathrooms with hot water. A central mess tent, stocked bar and small library anchor camp life, with dining often taken outdoors or fireside.

The concession's low visitor traffic supports strong sightings of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog, with over 350 recorded bird species. Activities combine day and night game drives with mokoro and motorboat trips, plus scenic helicopter flights including excursions to the Tsodilo Hills rock art site — well suited to exclusive-use groups wanting an unstructured, no-schedule bush stay. The camp is seasonal, open 1 April to 9 January.

Rooms: 8 Meru-style tents (3 double, 5 twin), pitched on forest floor, not raised decks. Children 6 years and older. Facilities: small library, central mess tent/bar, outdoor dining; no pool, spa or gym. Solar-powered. Seasonal — open 1 April to 9 January.