Mapula Lodge

Mapula Lodge is a high end, small scale safari lodge in prime location at the Okavango delta. It’s located on an island amidst beautiful scenery. We were welcomed warmly by the staff, Rati and Tabo, who made the greatest effort during our stay. The central lodge and its sundecks overlook the water with its rich wildlife. There are approx 10 private lodges for guests. Ours was very well equipped with bathroom, comfortable large bed, seating area, terrace. A fan offers cooling in this accommodation without airconditioning, due to the non glazed windows with mosquito nets. In September this worked perfectly well. The number of wall outlets were limited for modern day travellers with lots of equipments to be charged. All meals were very good, from the breakfast at the deck or during game drive, via lunch to starry sky dinners in the evening. The staff joins the dinners, which we enjoyed a lot. A special highlight were the high tea’s at 16.00 hours with a large variety of freshly baked sweets and savoury snacks. A great advantage of the Okavango delta is that beside regular game drives also expeditions by boat and longboat are offered: a great experience! Sundowners during the evening game drives were always at a beautiful spot and well prepared. Our guides TH and Leo (longboat) were very professional, knowledgeable and very friendly. They showed us the most amazing scenery and animals. Lots of great photo opportunities. Evening game drives after dark were another highlight of our stay. A special thank you to the staff, who surprised us by organised two unforgettable events related to our celebration. Mapula Lodge made us feel very much ‘Out of Afrika’. Highly recommended.

Fantastic all around. Great guides, great service, great food. The rating is 3 stars based on facilities, but we were never around for much - we were out on safaris! And it was fantastic. While at the lodge, the employees were kind, perceptive, and going out of their way to make sure we had an amazing time. The beds were comfortable, the cabins spacious and clean. Between all that and great food, what else do you need? Would readily return. Message me with any questions.

We were there with a group of 6 plus 2 supplemental guides for a photo safari. The drivers were OK but not intuitive in terms of where to locate for natural lighting for wildlife photography. Our guides directed most of that so it was fine in the end. The main common building was comfortable and well stocked with all of the drinks and amenities you expect at a camp. Was more of a self service situation which is a bit different than most camps. The main platform where the meals are served has wonderful views of the plains and some local birds nest in the trunks so stuff is happening all around you all the time. We were less impressed with the room. LIMITED electrical power plugs. If you are a photographer and have a lot of chargers etc its a bit of a pain. Also missing from the room is a desk which may seem odd as a complaint but photographers want to edit and work between game drives or at night. The common building area isn't convenient in terms of power accessibility or working at night as the staff has to hang around waiting to walk you back to your tent.. The layout was a bit awkward for our use but others may find it just fine. The access to the bathroom was crazy tight. I had to go in sideways to fit thru the opening. No idea why that was planned that poorly. The front door had a goofy lock configuration so that was also awkward. Minimal lighting in the room also. Just seemed like it was missing some detailed thoughts. We liked the warthogs that play under the room and out in the plains outside the room. Once you got used to the noises they make it was amusing. Food was good but not spectacular. No real complaints just not impressionable. The camp has a lot of night time visitors (elephants and hippos) that forage so you have to be attentive. They will walk down the paths and up to your tents so its imperative to have local assistance when out and about in the dark there. The elephants misbehaved several nights knocking over posts, etc. Solid wildlife sightings of hippos, leopards, jackals, birds, small pack of 4 wild dogs and the usual prey, etc. If you are here for the wildlife then you will not be disappointed. Boat experiences were good. A good experience overall. We have been on 3 African safari's and would consider this a low mid range camp. Good but could use some room improvements.