A safari lodge sanctuary in an unbeatable location.
Mankwe (meaning “mother leopard”), is located on a private concession at the gateway to the Moremi Game reserve and on the doorstep of the Okavango Delta, only 85 kilometres from the tourism hub of Maun.
Our story
After being razed to the ground by a catastrophic fire in 2016, the revamped and fully refurbished tented retreat re-opened in 2020. Ten elevated, tented suites overlook the magnificent, surrounding bush area and accommodate guests in the privacy and comfort of the choicest refined safari luxury.
Hidden amongst mopane trees, the main lodge has an exclusive bar lounge and pool area that are perfect for warm afternoons in camp, soaking up the tranquil quietude of the bush.
Guests who prefer to be more active, have a choice between daily safari excursions exploring the Khwai Wetlands and the network of private pans surrounding the retreat.
Lodge
Mankwe is not only about game drives and wildlife. We strive to offer our guests the opportunity to forget about the world and truly take some time off. The lodge boasts with various areas of relaxation to choose from that are all interlinked with elevated wooden walkways. There are two swimming pools each with their own bar, sun-recliners, and private lounging nooks around them, allowing you to soak up the tranquil quietude of the bush after a day in the Delta. Branching off from the walkway is yet another enclave of relaxation: a lounge/reading area kitted out with games and books There is Wi-Fi in designated areas. Meals are served around the main pool area or in the dining area, just up from the pool. Small spa treatment room offers a variety of relaxing massages and treatments. Treatment sessions must be booked in advance. The business lounge with Wi-Fi access allows for that last minute business to be done without impacting friends and family time in and around the lodge. Mankwe Tented Retreat is solar powered.
About the lodge
- 10 Luxury Tents: King or Twin beds
- Children under 12 can share with adults ( Maximum 2children)
- Open all year
- Accessible by Road
- 2 Swimming Pools
- Excellent new game Viewing area – PrivateConcession, Moremi Game reserve, Khwai Gamereserve and Chobe Corridor
- Business lounge with Wi-Fi
Quick Facts:
- Nearest airstrip: Khwai
- Nearest airport: Maun International Airport
- Nearest town: Maun (Approximately 2 hours by road)
Experiences:
- Sundowner Game Drive
- Game Drive
- Night Game Drive
- Boma Dinner
Accommodation
Escape to an oasis of adventure and exploration.
Luxury Tents
10 Meru-style tented suites, on elevated wooden platforms with balconies, lie nestled beneath a canopy of mopane trees.
- Solar powered, eco-friendly tented suites
- En-suite bathrooms with twin basins and a shower with a view
- King or twin beds with high-end linen and ultra-comfortable mattresses
- Working desk, standing fan and plug points with USB ports
Private Camping
A secret camp spot among the mopane trees.
A true bush sanctuary ideal for languid evenings spent around the campfire.
- Bucket shower
- Private ablutions
- Running water
Activities
The below activities are on offer for all guests at Mankwe Tented Retreat & Camping at a price upon request.
Full or Half Day Safari
Spend a full day on a safari and travel to Chobe and Moremi Game Reserves and the Khwai Area. Make the most of your time in some of southern Africa’s most illustrious destinations.
Boat Trip in Delta
Experience birdwatching and game viewing from a whole new perspective and enjoy the gentle tranquillity of a boat cruise in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, which is our playground. Moremi Game Reserve is part of the Okavango Delta, so depending on the season, it offers a great deal of water-related game viewing. Look out for leopard and African wild dog, as well as hippo, crocodile, lion, red lechwe, waterbuck, impala, and an abundance of birds.
Traditional mokoro experience
Glide through the Khwai river channels, on a traditional dugout canoe known as a mokoro. This is a highly popular activity, to completely experience the sights and sounds of nature without running the risk of scaring animals of with the sound of a motor. Mokoro guides are highly knowledgeable about the natural environment making these trips safe and enjoyable.
Mankwe Spa
The Spa provides a tranquil setting for healing and total relaxation. Two massage beds are located next to the relaxing lounge offering a peaceful space overlooking the Waterhole at Mankwe Tented Retreat. The Spa offers massages, manicures, and pedicures. Spa treatments need to be booked 7 days before arrival.
Mankwe Experiences
The below experiences are on offer at Mankwe and are included in the Mankwe Tented Retreat booking. Private Camping guests can enjoy upon request.
Bird Watching
One of the greatest joys of any safari must be birdwatching. Whether going in search of the elusive Pel’s fishing owl or watching flocks of queleas take off over grasslands, you will be spoiled for choice as the national parks and reserves we visit in Botswana include wetland, grassland, woodland, savannah, and semi-desert – each one offering a smorgasbord of bird species to spot.
Game Drives
Whether you prefer enjoying a steaming morning coffee or a cool sundowner during your game drive – or both – these sought-after outings offer the opportunity to come face-to-face with the wild inhabitants of Africa while you trundle through the bush in our specialised 4 x 4 vehicles. These can comfortably accommodate 9 people, offering each guest an unobstructed view of the surroundings and wildlife.
Traditional Mankwe Boma Experience
Enjoy a memorable evening under the stars in our open-air boma while learning a little bit more about the local people of Botswana and their cuisine. Our highly skilled chefs and staff here at Mankwe will prepare a traditional Setswana meal on the fire while telling stories from their cultural heritage and inviting guests to participate in the cooking experience.
Sundowners
During an afternoon game drive, the guide will park the vehicle just as the bright red sun slowly begins its descent. A table, canvas chairs and a well-stocked cooler box will be set up. A premium Cape Chardonnay bottle rests on a bed of ice, along with a fine selection of Africa’s favourite beers like Lion Lager, Windhoek, and Black Label and other drinks. To accompany the selection of thirst quenchers are snacks long associated with Africa. Biltong – a traditional snack of spiced, dried meat made with either beef, kudu, or other game. Other typical snacks include dried fruit, assorted nuts, and a selection of canapés from your safari lodge’s kitchen.
As animals return to their hides, the larger predators begin to awaken from their heat induced slumber. Smaller, nocturnal animals such as the bushbabies come out from their daytime dwellings and are visible for the first time. The sights and sounds transform as darkness envelopes the African landscape on our way back to Mankwe Tented Retreat.
Rates:
All rates valid from 1 January to 31 December 2024
*All bookings – Bed levy compulsory
BWP (Botswana Pula) = R1.00
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
- BWP 1750.00 pp.pn sharing
Rate Includes:
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner
- Daily housekeeping
- Taxes at camp
- Secure parking
- Welcome drink
- Wifi at business lounge
- Conservation fee per person
- Valid for one night only
Rate Excludes:
- All soft and alcoholic drinks
- Game drives and experiences
- Spa treatments
- Telephone calls
- Shop purchases
- Laundry
- Gratuities
- Airport/Air Strip Transfers
- All items of a personal nature, any item not described above in the rates to include section
Full Board
- BWP 3650.00 pp.pn sharing
- BWP 4745.00 pp..pn – single
- BWP 675 per guide per night
Rate Includes:
- Luxury Accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 1 morning experience daily
- 1 afternoon experience daily
- Table Juices
- Daily housekeeping
- Secure parking
- Welcome drink
- Wifi at business lounge
- Conservation fee per person
Rate Excludes:
- All soft and alcoholic drinks
- Any additional day trips
- Spa treatments
- Premium brand beverages
- Shop purchases
- Laundry
- Gratuities
- Airport/ Airstrip Transfers
Child Rates:
- Children under the age of 12 are 50% offwhen sharing with their parents
- Parents of children under the age of 6years are required to book a private game drive vehicle at BWP2000.00 per child.
Admin Fee:
- R55.00 once off per reservation.
