Review: Mombo Safari Experience—Wilderness Safaris, Botswana
Introduction
Even though this concludes our Botswana adventure, I’ve chosen to write about it first. After experiencing Kings Pool, Vumbura Plains, and Abu Camp, I was forming a critical opinion of Wilderness Safaris. Spoiler: it wasn’t great. But then came Mombo—their flagship property. Recently rebuilt and reopened in January, this camp completely turned things around. A proper review felt overdue.
Getting There
The journey to this remote safari lodge depends on your fellow travelers. Fortunately, no one else was flying out that day. We left Abu Camp by helicopter, which proved incredible. The 15-minute helicopter ride revealed spectacular views of elephants crossing rivers. Helicopter safaris offer an exhilarating experience, albeit a pricey one. If you can afford it, definitely go for it.
From Abu, it’s a 15-minute helicopter ride. From Maun, it’s about 25 minutes. If you’re arriving by Spacex rocket, you’re probably reading the wrong blog.
Arrival and First Impressions
Upon landing, our guide greeted us for the short drive to camp. Unlike Abu or Kings Pool, there was no staff choir or fanfare. However, Will, the camp manager, welcomed us warmly. He had clearly reviewed our preferences from previous stays, which made the experience more personal.
Camp Setting
The camp genuinely felt premier. Everything from the management and welcome to the rooms and facilities showcased a high standard. After several disappointments at other camps, this lodge restored our faith in the Wilderness brand. The animal sightings began immediately. From our deck, we saw zebras, monkeys, buffalo, warthogs, and impalas. The entire atmosphere felt immersive, as if we had stepped into a nature documentary.
Rooms and Amenities
At only six weeks old, the rooms looked flawless. While Wi-Fi wasn’t available yet, the plan is to offer in-room access soon. The thoughtful design stood out. Features like motion-sensor lights, outdoor power sockets, and a private butler compartment enhanced our stay. Although the plunge pool didn’t heat up much, it still added a luxurious touch. Despite the wildlife presence, I found the grassland views less impressive than expected.
Shared and Private Facilities
The larger camp includes eight rooms, and the neighboring extension offers three. Guests can use shared facilities like the pool, spa, and gym. The smaller extension provides greater privacy and a dedicated service team, which makes it ideal for private bookings. Guests can move freely between both areas.
The spa deserves a special mention. Unlike the other Wilderness properties we visited, this one featured a dedicated space. Prices were affordable—only £40 for an hour-long massage. Lucie raved about her treatment.
Game Drives and Wildlife
Unfortunately, our game drives fell short of expectations. We saw no big predators during the first three outings. A leopard finally appeared in the last 15 minutes of our final drive. Because of the national park location, the camp restricts off-roading and night drives and mandates returning by 7 PM. These limitations felt frustrating, especially considering the premium cost. However, other guests reported fantastic sightings. Since our guide rotates between camps, he may have lacked the in-depth knowledge of the area.
Food Experience
Our culinary journey started well. The pork dish we had on day one impressed us. However, consistency became an issue. The camp repeated lunch and breakfast offerings daily. Cheese always arrived in BabyBell form—more suitable for kids than adults. The 5-course tasting menu on our final evening missed the mark. Overall, the food didn’t meet expectations but wasn’t entirely disappointing.
Service Quality
Will excelled as a host. He managed our meals, anticipated our needs, and even printed restaurant suggestions for our next destination. A few hiccups still occurred. One evening, the guide forgot to bring water. On another, we got locked out of our room after dining outside. We had to cut through the netting to re-enter. Despite these moments, the service mostly impressed us.
Weather and Bugs
Rain and cooler temperatures made this part of our trip less pleasant. Bugs swarmed the area in the evenings, making eating nearly impossible without consuming a few. Although annoying, these were small issues compared to the overall experience.
Highlights
- Top-notch facilities: spa, gym, and pool
- Thoughtful room features
- Personalised guest service
Downsides
- Limited wildlife sightings during our visit
- Inconsistent culinary quality
Luxurious Touches
- High-end lodging
- Wildlife visible from private decks
- Flexible and attentive service
Conclusion
This property stands out as the crown jewel in the Wilderness Safaris portfolio. It offers a seamless blend of luxury and authenticity. Our limited wildlife encounters probably stemmed from poor timing, not the camp’s fault. I would return, during the peak season, to see if it truly lives up to its glowing reputation.
Among all the places we visited, this is the one I most look forward to experiencing again. Hopefully, the leopards won’t keep us waiting next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mombo known for?
Mombo is famous for its predator-rich environment, luxury accommodations, and personalized service. It’s considered the top camp in the Wilderness Safaris portfolio.
How do you get to Mombo Camp?
Most travellers fly into Maun or Kasane, followed by a light aircraft transfer to the Mombo airstrip. A short drive completes the journey.
Is Wi-Fi available at Mombo?
Not yet, but in-room Wi-Fi is expected soon. Until then, connectivity is minimal.
What animals can be seen at Mombo?
Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, zebras, and impalas are commonly seen. Wildlife frequently roams near the camp itself.
When is the best time to visit?
June through October offers the best wildlife viewing, especially as flooding concentrates animals on Chief’s Island.
Is Little Mombo different from Mombo?
Yes, Little Mombo features only three rooms and a private team. It provides more intimacy and is suitable for full buyouts.
Are night drives allowed?
No. Due to its location in a national park, the camp prohibits off-roading and night game drives.
What is included in the price?
The rate includes meals, drinks, laundry, guided safaris, and airport transfers.
Is the food at Mombo good?
Generally, yes. However, some dishes lacked consistency. Expect a mix of local and international options.
Can guests move between Mombo and Little Mombo?
Yes, guests enjoy access to both camps and their shared facilities.
