Little Tubu Camp
Highlights
- Best game viewing in the concession during the flood months
- Boating, mokoro (traditional dugout), game drives, walking
- Small and intimate - ideal for a family or small group
- The camp operates primarily on solar power
Location
- NG25 Private Concession
- Western Okavango Delta
- Northern Botswana
Little Tubu is a small, intimate camp situated on Hunda Island in an area of diverse habitats, offering water and land activities and very good wildlife viewing.
Little Tubu lies within the 230-square-mile (600-sq-km) Jao concession, which borders the Moremi Game Reserve and offers a diverse experience, including safari drives, mokoro (traditional dugout) excursions, boating, fishing, and walking with a guide. The camp is connected to its larger sister camp, Tubu Tree Camp, by a raised walkway.
The Jao concession includes a range of habitats, including permanent swamps, savanna grassland, seasonally flooded plains, water channels through papyrus and reed beds, palm islands, and open woodland. This part of the Okavango is generally a water-inundated area for much of the year (June through early September) and Hunda Island is the largest stretch of dry land in the area, so Tubu Tree and Little Tubu usually have the most diverse game viewing experience within the concession.
The area is home to large numbers of red lechwe antelope, which depend on swamps and flooded plains for safety. Other wildlife found in the area includes elephant, buffalo, giraffe, greater kudu, impala, lion, leopard, tsessebe, zebra, hippo and crocodile as well as the usually elusive sitatunga (an aquatic antelope) and spotted-necked otter.
Main area lounge and view.
Birding is exceptional in the Jao Concession, with specialties including wattled crane, slaty egret, rosy-throated longclaw, Pel’s fishing-owl, and lesser jacana. Waterbirds are abundant in the lovely waterways and floodplains surrounding the camp.
Little Tubu Camp offers only 3 wood and canvas tented guest accommodations, making it ideal for small groups or a family traveling together. The camp is situated in a small forested site on the edge of a lovely floodplain. The tents are constructed upon raised wooden decks with sandy-covered pathways leading to the camp's main area. The main dining / lounge area and pool are raised to maximize the vista across the floodplain and an open bar area is shaded by a tree canopy.
Wilderness Safaris are one of Africa's leading safari operators and they strive to minimize energy consumption at all their camps. Little Tubu is powered by a hybrid system, which combines solar power and a diesel-powered generator. The hot water is heated by thermodynamic geyser.
Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Okavango Delta.
An elephant visiting the camp.
About the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's greatest safari destinations and offers an incredible diversity and abundance of wildlife. The Okavango is an UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Often referred to simply as "the Delta", the Okavango is characterized by an ever-changing network of waterways that originate far to the northwest in the highlands of Angola. The Cubango River flows into northern Botswana and spills into the flat expanse of Kalahari sands, where it fans out into a shallow trough formed by tectonic faults beneath the sand.
The annual 'flooding' of the Okavango brings in rich sediments that provide nutrients atop the sands, which in turn creates a diverse ecosystem of permanent and seasonal waterways, deep-water lagoons, papyrus beds, palm-covered islands, seasonally flooded grasslands, and woodlands. The rich fresh-water environment changes year-to-year depending on the level of the floodwaters making it one of the most dynamic wildlife destinations on Earth.
Game drive at Little Tubu Camp.
Wildlife in the Okavango Delta is diverse and includes all of Africa's Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Commonly seen herbivores include giraffe, plains (Burchell's) zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, tsessebe, common reedbuck, greater kudu, waterbuck, buffalo, elephant, and warthog. Both species of rhino are found, albeit in small numbers. The Delta is also home to red lechwe and sitatunga, both of which are water-dependent antelopes.
The abundance of herbivores means that predators are common in the Okavango. Commonly seen species include lion, leopard, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, and African wild dog. Cheetah are sometimes seen in the larger grasslands like those on Chief's Island. Less frequently encountered predators include serval, caracal, honey badger, and various species of mongoose.
The abundance of water in the Okavango provides habitat for Nile crocodiles and hippos, both of which are seen easily at any of the safari camps located near the Delta's permanent water. Primates in the Delta include chacma baboon, vervet monkey, and bush baby (galago).
Birding is outstanding in the Delta, with over 400 species possible. A typical safari day can easily produce over 100 species for an avid birder.
Bush lunch at Little Tubu Camp in the Okavango Delta.
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
3 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 3 twin-bedded wood and canvas tents, each with two three-quarter beds (separate mattresses with shared base) and outdoor deck. A total of 3 mattress converters (shared between Little Tubu and Tubu Tree) are available that transform twin beds into king-size beds. To be arranged prior to arrival.
The tented accommodations are constructed on an elevated deck with elevated wooden walkways leading to the main camp area. All tents have verandas overlooking the floodplains with spectacular views.
A Star-Bed for sleep-outs is located 20 minutes from camp.
Guest tent interior.
Each guest tent offers en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers, separate toilet, and double-basin vanity.
Other items and features in the guest tents include:
- Mosquito net.
- Veranda with deck chairs.
- Ceiling fan.
- Pedestal fan.
- Electronic safe.
- Tea and coffee making facilities.
- Yoga mat and resistance bands.
- In-tent Wi-Fi.
- Personal amenities, including bathrobes, slippers, shower gel, hand and body wash, shampoo and conditioner, skin lotion, insect spray, shower caps, vanity kit with cotton wool, sewing kit, washing powder, umbrellas, mosquito repellent spray, and mosquito coils.
Little Tubu Camp can accommodate a maximum of 6 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 3 guest tents. A total of 22 guests can be accommodated in the concession between Little Tubu and Tubu Tree Camp.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and local beverages including wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding premium imported brands and Champagne.
- Twice-daily safari activities including game drives in open game-viewing vehicles, boating, mokoro outings, nature walks, and other scheduled camp activities (accompanied by experienced guides). Water-based activities dependent upon water levels.
- Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
- Wi-Fi access.
- Tourism Levy & VAT.
Excludes:
- Purchases from the Safari Trading Store.
- Premium imported beverages and Champagne.
- Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 5 or 6 depending on the helicopter used (morning or afternoon).
- Tsodilo Hills (UNESCO World Heritage Site) excursion to learn more about Botswana and the history of the San people - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 10 (via scenic helicopter flights only).
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
Single Supplement
A single supplement will apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.
Children
Children aged 6 years and older are accommodated at Little Tubu:
- For families traveling with children between 6 and 12 years, private activities must be booked and paid for.
- Children between 6 and 16 years must share with an adult/s in the same room.
- The minimum age for boating activities is 6 years (water levels permitting).
- The minimum age for mokoro activities is 13 years (water levels permitting).
- The minimum age for walking (seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide) is 13 years.
Facilities
Main guest area facilities include:
- Large open and airy tented lounge and dining areas under thatch, built on an elevated wooden deck with elevated wooden boardwalks connecting the camp to Tubu Tree Camp.
- Outdoor bar built under a tree canopy.
- Evening camp fire area.
- Safari Trading Store.
- Pool in main area.
- Digital projector available for presentations/lectures.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Activities
Activities included in the rate:
- Daytime game drives (water levels permitting) in 4x 10-seater open 4x4 Land Rovers. Hot water bottles and blankets are provided on early morning game drives in cooler months.
- Water-based activities in 10x 2-seater mekoro (traditional dugout canoe) and 1x 6-seater and 1x 12-seater motorized boats used (shared with Tubu Tree Camp, seasonal and water levels permitting). Note: water activities are generally offered in the winter (May to late September).
- The camp has a supply of bean bags for guests to use to steady their camera while on game drive.
- Fishing on a catch-and-release basis year round (except January and February when fishing is barred by law for breeding).
- Guided nature walks (seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide, therefore pre-booking is essential).
- Birding.
- The Tubu Star-Bed (an elevated platform for sleep outs) is a 20-minute drive from camp (it is not the same platform used by Jao Camp). It can take a maximum of four guests, with the guide sleeping in a nearby tent. The platform is accessible throughout the year (weather permitting) and is equipped with a long drop toilet, radio, torch, bedrolls, mosquito nets and flasks of tea/coffee.
Optional activities at additional cost:
- Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked in advance). Note that there is one private vehicle shared between Tubu Tree and Little Tubu.
- Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 5 or 6 depending on the helicopter used (morning or afternoon).
- Tsodilo Hills (UNESCO World Heritage Site) excursion to learn more about Botswana and the history of the San people - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 10 (via scenic helicopter flights only).
Example of a typical day:
- Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
- Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
- Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap or discussion around the fire before retiring.
Great Good Fair Poor
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
WHEN TO GO
The Okavango Delta offers very good wildlife viewing opportunities all throughout the year, but there are seasonal variations in terms of weather that may be a consideration when planning your visit.
The high season in terms of tourist demand is during the dry months between June and October. The latter part of the rainy season is the low season.
The winter (June through August) is dry and cool and wildlife may be easier to find as rain water is evaporating and the rivers and deeper waterholes become more frequently visited by the animals.
During the middle and later stages of the rainy season, the grass becomes tall and the bush becomes lush and thick, which makes for lovely colors, but makes spotting wildlife more difficult.
Little Tubu Camp is open year-round.
Summer / Rains
Northern Botswana, including the Okavango Delta receives most of its rain between December thru February, which is the summer season. November and December are wonderful months to visit the Delta, with only occasional rainstorms and most rain coming in short showers, which bring relief to the thirsty land after the dry season.
January and February typically experience afternoon downpours on most days, but all-day rain is very uncommon. By the middle of March, the rains become much less frequent and the grass and bush have grown long and thick. Mornings become cooler by the end of March.
In spite of being summer, the rains keep temperatures from becoming overly hot, although humidity and insect life are at their peak. Days are mostly overcast or partially cloudy, with dramatic skies and a lovely green color to the landscape. Afternoon temperatures average 88°F (31°C), but mornings are very comfortable at around 65°F (19°C).
Baby animals are in abundance, especially impala lambs and warthog piglets. Migratory birds arrive to breed and dramatically increase the number of species and overall numbers, particularly in the lagoons and pans, which are full of rain water and food for the aquatic species.
Unlike the dry months (May through October), when the middays can be very warm, causing wildlife to minimize activity and seek shade from around 10am til mid-afternoon, the overcast skies in the summer often mean that animals are active throughout the day, offering many more hours of game viewing.
Autumn
March, April and May are Fall season months and the beginning of the dry season in the Okavango, with rains very uncommon from around mid-March. The landscape is still lush and green, with sunny days and comfortable temps; afternoons average 84°F (29°C). Mornings are comfortable, but a fleece and base layer may be needed for the first hours on game drive.
Migrant birds fly north and water in the lagoons and rain pans is drying up. Permanent waterways in the Delta are however rising, as the 'flood' water from the Angolan highlands is now reaching the Delta.
Morning temps are around 54°F/12°C and afternoons average 79°F/26°C.
Winter / Dry Season
June through August is winter and the vegetation is drying and going dormant. The Okavango flood water is peaking but the surrounding landscape is mostly brown and yellow. Dust and sand particles in the air is on the rise. Game viewing is superb, with elephant and buffalo herds congregating along permanent water.
Mornings can be chilly to very cold at around 45°F (7°C). Warm clothes, including winter hat and gloves are needed for the open-air game drives. Dress in layers, as the temps do rise quickly during the day, with middays reaching 79°F (26°C).
Spring
September and October are the driest months as the landscape and animals eagerly await the coming rains. Game viewing is phenomenal, with all lagoons and rain pans completely dry and animals congregating around permanent waterways. The flood levels are down and the grass and vegetation mostly dried.
Days are warm, sunny and often cloudless and by mid-morning, most animals are seeking shelter in the shade and awaiting the evening temps to drop. October can be brutally hot and dusty and even smoky as sporadic grass fires can occur.
Safari camps are mostly full to capacity, with guests adhering to guide books saying this is the only tome to visit (not true of course!) Temperatures in October can easily reach 95°F (35°C) or even hotter.