Wilderness Safaris’ Vumbura Plains Camp, set in the heart of the Okavango Delta World Heritage Site in Botswana, will reopen in early April 2022 after an extensive refurbishment of both the camp’s exteriors and interiors. The 60,000-hectare Vumbura Protected Wildlife Area is leased from five villages, through the Okavango Community Trust (OCT), in a partnership that ensures the benefits of conservation tourism are shared with its neighboring rural stakeholders.
Inspiration for the room interiors is drawn from the environment to pay homage to the Okavango Delta, such as enlarging underwater photographs by Andrea Crawford for use on clad wardrobe doors and the shower screens. Doors and windows will also be redesigned to maximize the views of the Delta, with all furniture and interiors replaced and enhanced to bring nature inside.
The formation of the Okavango Delta and the life it supports will also be brought to life on a unique wall installation in the lounge area, as well as through various other artwork, screens and maps. Posters and installations in the main areas will pay homage to the OCT—showcasing individual stories on their heritage, basket weaving and local fishing culture; as well as a series highlighting the species of the area, including sable, cheetah, wild dog, common reed frog and coppery-tailed coucal.
A new coffee bar will display various locally produced food and drink, plus the local elements included in the food offering; including twsii (water lilies)—an iconic Okavango plant that has nutritional and medicinal uses. Vumbura’s menu incorporates certain traditional food and ingredients from the villages closest to Vumbura Plains, with the chefs not only using this to create delicious courses, but also providing neighboring communities with an alternative revenue stream.
According to Kim Nixon, Wilderness Safaris Botswana managing director, Vumbura’s diverse habitats and range of activities—from game drives, walks and mekoro (dugout canoes) to hot-air ballooning from April to September each year, make it a must-visit destination.
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