Wild Expeditions

Karangoma

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Immerse in the Okavango Wilderness at Karangoma

Karangoma lies on the north-eastern arm of Botswana‘s Okavango Delta, where open floodplains meet sandveld woodlands and animal paths crease the land between water and forest. Rooted in Bukakhwe San and Hambukushu culture, the camp takes its name from a Sembukushu word describing drum beating, ancestral healing and cure dancing, an idea of harmony that infuses the entire experience. Canvas suites are tucked into a wooded peninsula of leadwood and sausage trees, looking across a busy game path to wide, shimmering floodplains.

Inside, the style takes its cue from Hambukushu basketry, reworking traditional textures, patterns and colours into a contemporary tented aesthetic. A collection of spacious tented suites features restful bedrooms, lounges and bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers, all oriented to maximise views over the plains. Paths remain at ground level, weaving between croton and mopane so that every walk through camp feels closely connected to the landscape. At the heart of camp, relaxed lounge and dining areas, a small plunge pool and a fire pit open onto the water’s edge.

Days unfold through a varied mix of activities. Open four-wheel drive vehicles carry you out at first light and again after dark to search for lion, leopard, wild dog, elephant, sable, roan and the herds of zebra, tsessebe, lechwe and wildebeest that thrive between woodland and floodplain. Walks trace tracks in the sand and invite cooling dips in clear Okavango channels. When seasonal water levels allow, boats and traditional mekoros slip into quieter backwaters in search of red lechwe and jewelled wetland birdlife.

Some 30 kilometres away, the village of Gudigwa offers the chance to meet a small Bukakhwe San community and gain insight into what it means to live with wildlife in rural Africa. Combined with its strong community partnership, rich wildlife and evocative setting, Karangoma feels less like a simple safari stay and more like an invitation into a living cultural and natural landscape.

You will love

  • Superb wild dog sightings
  • Peninsula setting over open floodplains
  • Big game & wetland birdlife
  • Varied drives, walks, boat & mokoro
  • Authentic community partnership experiences

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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