On a large tree island surrounded by seasonal floodplains amidst over 340 square miles of private reserve, is the laid back Mapula Lodge; this is a stylish safari outpost with serious panache. Even better, it’s one of only a handful of camps in the concession making for exhilarating game viewing in a blissfully uncrowded area.
The nine canvas-and-thatch bedroom tents are replete with king size metal four-posters and feather-filled pillows to fall face first into after a day’s game viewing. Ensuite bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers, and there’s two natty Malawi chairs in the mini lounge area, ideal for siesta snoozes. Safari-chic finishing touches include rich Kilims on the floors, polished butler trays and brass lanterns.
The main area of Mapula Lodge features an open-plan layout incorporating a comfortable dining room and lounge, two small seating areas decorated with wooden carvings, brass ornaments, grass baskets and woven chandeliers.
On the large deck, you can sit in the shade of an ancient African ebony, while a walkway leads out from the deck to a jetty while off to the side on a separate deck is a swimming pool with sunloungers and a shady sala.
