The Mombo Concession is located in Botswana's famous Okavango Delta, specifically within the Moremi Game Reserve. It has an unrivalled diversity of habitats, ranging from the marshes and floodplains of the Delta, to acacia bushveld, savannah grasslands, and mopane forests. There are 2 luxury tented camps, both set on Chief's Island - Mombo Camp and Little Mombo. Both are only accessible by a short fly-in and transfer, from either Maun or Kasane.

This sector was one of the first in Botswana to be converted from a hunting area to a purely photographic safari concession, and a significant share of all guests' fees go to Botswana's Department of Wildlife. It is one of the most popular year-round wildlife destinations in the region- especially for predators.

Staff at Mombo assist Botswana's Department of Wildlife in various monitoring and research projects. This contributes to the upkeep of all infrastructure within the concession. Therefore guests provide directly to the preservation of the wildlife and environment in the area by sustainable tourism through conservation.

With the added bonus of being the only place in Botswana where the 'big five' can be seen in one place, black and white rhino have been reintroduced to the region with outstanding success thanks to the Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Programme.

Flora:

Giant umbrella thorns and ilala palms dot the expansive plains to create a magnificent savannah landscape alongside the marshes and floodplains of the Delta.

Fauna:

Elephant and buffalo, not to mention all the major predators are common in the region as are a large selection of plains game including; blue wildebeest, steenbok, giraffe, greater kudu, impala, Burchell's zebra and tsessebe. The region's flood levels attract good numbers of the much-sought after water-dwelling antelope species such as sitatunga and red lechwe. Mombo is most famous for numerous prides of lion, as well as cheetah, and some 23 leopard have territories close to Mombo Camp. A large pack of African wild dogs' have denned within the concession for the past several years.

Such is the extent and diversity of mammals here, it is not impossible to see up to 12 different mammal species from the comfort of your veranda! Due to the exceptional game-viewing around Mombo, it has become the choice location for film crews, photographers, and researchers associated with wildlife documentary making.

Ornithology:

Birdlife is prolific, including thousands of red-billed quelea. Waterfowl and waders being particularly common.

When to go:

Nov-Jan: During late November and early December the first rains arrive and the Mombo concession is transformed overnight. Many parts of the concession are now almost unrecognisable; dry, sandy areas have turned green overnight, and countless small plants have sprouted. Waterholes fill up and many species start the birthing season; new born impala, zebra and tsessebe are everywhere, an its an incredible time to visit to see day old calves taking their first steps. It is also a great time of year to see the predators: this sudden profusion of new life is something of a bonanza for mainly lion, leopard and cheetah. Birdlife also comes to life as many species begin breeding and nesting.

Feb-Apr: Much game migrates from the open floodplains to the areas between the woodlands and the floodplains and towards April, into the woodlands itself in search of the new shoots and sweet grass. Many migrant species of birds gather to gorge themselves on insects before their long flight North. Pel's fishing owl breed and begin to nurture the new born chicks in this period.

Localised downpours of rainfall peter our towards the end of April. The vegetation continues to grow, thus creating a lush undergrowth that provides perfect ambush territory for the cats. As the rains end the land starts to look parched, as grasses slowly turn brown and the overall lush of the landscape at Mombo starts to deteriorate. At the same time, however, the Okavango's water starts to flood the plains for the first time and a totally new look is brought to the concession.

Apr-May: May guarantees the arrival of the Okavango’s flood waters into the Mombo concession, peaking around June. It is actually possible to see the flood waters encroach and cover the surrounding floodplains until there is nothing left but water and palm fringed islands. Animals spring to life, as the new water flushes out rodents from their hibernation, making them easy meals for all kinds of predators!

Plains game, especially red lechwe, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest wade into the water, seeking out new shoots. Thousands of water-lilies emerge for the first time, covering the water in blankets of stunning blue and white flowers. Jacana's follow the rising waters by moving on floating vegetation on lily-covered pans, seemingly walking on water.

Bream and other fish swim up the new channels awaking the attention of kingfishers, cormorants and the African fish eagle. Bird life is prolific throughout the period as the water is packed with nutrients, providing a welcome source of food.

It is also the start of the rutting season of many species of antelope. Rams battle for control of the best grasses, that will subsequently invite the highest number of females in time for breeding.

June-Aug: It is a stunning time of year for birders and safari lovers alike as the Okavango is the only place in Botswana where there is a second wet season. Many animals migrate to the area, congregating around the flood waters. This big push of water comes down the Delta, reaching its peak at Mombo in July. Flood plains directly in front of Mombo and Little Mombo Camps are covered in a foot of water, flowing right up to the camp itself.

Most days are clear with beautiful blue skies and game tends to stay out in the open for longer, basking in the sunlight to take away the chill form the night before. It is the middle of the dry season and the grasses have all become light brown, dry and lack the nutrients game needs. Coupled with the fact that the watering holes in the woodlands have also dried up, the game starts to leave the woodlands in search of water and the sources of good grass that surround the floodplains.

As the grasses dry out they drop their seeds provide yet another food source for thousands of birds. Huge, flying flocks of red – billed quelea's, resemble columns of smoke. Their breeding colonies fill the grasslands in their millions.

Sept-Oct: The flood recedes as the water evaporates and yet another change in the scenery takes place. New grasses shoot up and start to cover the dry floodplains and large herds feed on the new sweet grasses.

The migratory birds flock back in their thousands, signalling the beginning of summer and the end of spring. Many of the Okavango’s plants and trees start to flower and huge herds of elephants start to gather in the area.

As October comes to a close, temperatures reach their peak and much of the flood water has dried up. The game follows the withdrawing waters seeking out the new shoots that continue to be exposed. In the remaining pools, large concentrations of catfish and bream remain cut off, easy prey to the large flocks of fish-eating birds. This is one of the best time of the year for birders.

Moremi Reserve Accommodation