After the unforgettable days spent at DumaTau Camp by Wilderness, surrounded by the wild beauty of the Linyanti region, my journey through Botswana continued deeper into one of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes — the legendary Okavango Delta.
A short flight with Wilderness Air connected me from DumaTau to my next destination, Vumbura Plains by Wilderness. Lasting approximately 30 minutes, the flight itself became part of the adventure. Looking down from the small aircraft window, Botswana revealed a completely different face. The landscape below was transformed by water — endless channels, flooded plains and vibrant green carpets stretching as far as the eye could see.
This year, the Okavango Delta experienced an especially remarkable season. Heavy rains in Angola brought an abundance of water into the region, creating an extraordinary natural spectacle. The normally changing rhythms of the Delta had taken on a new dimension, with vast areas covered in shimmering waterways and lush vegetation. From above, it looked like nature had painted a new map of Botswana — one where water became the main architect.
Vumbura Plains is renowned precisely for this unique environment. Located in the northern Okavango Delta, the camp sits within a private concession where landscapes constantly shift between open floodplains, forests, lagoons and waterways. It is a place where the relationship between land and water defines every moment.
When we landed on the small airstrip, my ranger was already waiting to welcome me. But there was no long arrival ritual — the wilderness was calling, and within minutes we were heading out on my first game drive.
What happened next was unlike anything I had ever experienced on safari.
As our vehicle moved deeper into the concession, the landscape slowly disappeared beneath the water. The tracks became flooded pathways, and soon we were driving through water that reached high around the wheels of the vehicle. At times, it felt less like a traditional safari and more like an expedition through an untouched aquatic world.
For much of the journey, we travelled through water-covered plains, surrounded by an incredible explosion of green. It was one of those rare moments when nature completely changes your perception of what a safari can be. I had experienced safaris across different continents, but I had never seen anything quite like this — a world where the search for wildlife happens among reflections of sky, water and endless vegetation.
Each day at Vumbura Plains followed the rhythm of the wilderness, beginning with early morning and afternoon game drives that revealed a constantly changing landscape. Every safari felt different — one moment we were crossing flooded plains surrounded by water and birds, and the next we were following fresh tracks in search of predators hidden within the vast wilderness.
The expertise of the Wilderness guides was remarkable. Their ability to read subtle signs in nature — a footprint, a movement in the grass, a distant sound — transformed every drive into a fascinating journey of discovery.
And Vumbura Plains rewarded us generously.
The first animals that immediately captured my attention were the elephants. They are truly the soul of this place. Huge herds move gracefully through the flooded plains, completely at ease in this environment. Despite their impressive size, they carry an extraordinary sense of calm. One particular elephant became a familiar visitor, regularly approaching the camp and allowing me to observe him from an incredibly close distance. These encounters are unforgettable — moments when the boundary between the human world and the wild disappears.
During my stay, we also encountered lions, buffalos, giraffes, hippos, and, most memorably, African wild dogs. Seeing wild dogs in their natural habitat is always a privilege, as they remain one of Africa’s most elusive and endangered predators. Their energy, intelligence and strong social bonds make every sighting incredibly special.
One of the highlights of my stay at Vumbura Plains was experiencing the Okavango Delta from the water for the very first time. I joined a traditional mokoro excursion — a canoe-like boat that allows you to glide silently through the shallow lagoons of the Delta.
Moving slowly across the water, surrounded by endless greenery, felt almost meditative. Without the sound of an engine, every detail of this delicate ecosystem became visible. We explored the incredible aquatic world of the Okavango — observing colourful frogs hiding among the plants, small fish moving beneath the crystal-clear water, and discovering the unique vegetation that thrives in this constantly changing environment.
It was a completely different perspective of Botswana’s wilderness. From the game drives across the flooded plains to the peaceful journey by canoe, Vumbura Plains reveals nature in all its forms — both powerful and incredibly fragile.
Beyond its remarkable wildlife, Vumbura Plains represents another essential part of the Wilderness philosophy: conservation that goes beyond protecting landscapes and animals. The camp has a deep and long-standing commitment to supporting the local communities surrounding these protected areas.
Wilderness works closely with Botswana communities through initiatives focused on education, healthcare, employment and sustainable development. The company believes that conservation can only succeed when local people are active partners and beneficiaries of protecting these extraordinary ecosystems.
During my stay, I learned more about these projects through a dedicated exhibition within the camp, showcasing the relationship between Wilderness and the local communities. It was a powerful reminder that behind every beautiful safari experience there is a much larger story — one involving people, opportunities and the future of Botswana’s natural heritage.
The camp itself feels like a natural extension of the landscape. Each spacious suite has been designed to immerse guests in the surrounding wilderness, offering uninterrupted views over endless green plains where elephants often appear in the distance. The architecture celebrates openness, light and connection with nature.
Large private terraces invite you to spend hours simply watching the landscape change. Each room features a beautiful private pool, elegant interiors inspired by the colours and textures of Botswana, and both indoor and outdoor showers. Taking a shower surrounded by nature, with nothing but the sounds of the wilderness around you, becomes an experience in itself — a moment of complete harmony with the environment.
The dining experience at Vumbura Plains reflects the same philosophy of understated luxury. Meals are thoughtfully prepared using fresh, seasonal ingredients, combining creativity with a sense of place. Whether enjoying breakfast overlooking the floodplains or dinner under the stars after an evening safari, every meal becomes part of the journey.
Vumbura Plains is not simply a safari camp. It is a place where water defines the rhythm of life, where landscapes transform with the seasons, and where every journey feels like an exploration into the unknown.
After Vumbura Plains, Botswana revealed another side of its extraordinary character. Here, the wilderness was not only seen — it was felt through every movement of water, every footprint on the earth, and every encounter with the animals that call this remarkable place home.
My journey through Botswana continues…
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