Qorokwe Camp
Highlights
- Outstanding wildlife viewing with predators and herbivores
- Offers a diversity of activities on land and water
- Eco-chic contemporary-style camp that blends into nature
- The camp operates primarily on solar power
Location
- NG32 Private Concession
- Southern Okavango Delta
- Northern Botswana
Qorokwe brings a contemporary twist to the traditional safari camp, merging elegance, open space, and luxurious touches that blend with its natural surroundings.
The camp is located in the private 100-square-mile (262-sq-km) Qorokwe Concession, which borders the Moremi Game Reserve, which is the core protected area of the Okavango Delta. The concession is bounded by two permanent channels, the Santantadibe and the Gomoti, which helps attract large numbers of plains game and predators.
The Qorokwe concession characterized by a variety of typical Okavango habitats, including seasonally inundated floodplains, palm-fringed islands, open Acacia scrub, woodlands, permanent and seasonal waterways, and dry Acacia woodland, all of which contribute to the area's year-round, high-quality wildlife viewing and superb birding.
Predator species seen regularly include lion, leopard, spotted hyena, cheetah, and African wild dog. Plains game species are abundant and diverse, with commonly seen species including elephant, giraffe, zebra, impala, buffalo, greater kudu, red lechwe, tsessebe, warthog, and hippo. Crocodiles are abundant in the permanent channels.
Main area lounge at Qorokwe Camp.
Qorokwe Camp offers 9 spacious and contemporary elevated guest units built on elevated wooden platforms. One of the units is a double unit, which is ideal for a family. The wood and canvas units are connected by sandy pathways that lead to the main camp area. Each unit offers a large bedroom and a bathroom with an indoor shower.
The camp's main area features stylishly-detailed perforated wooden ceilings covering a dining area, lounge, library, and bar , There is also an infinity swimming pool and ground-level campfire deck, all situated along the banks of a beautiful lagoon.
Activities on offer include game drives, water-based activities (subject to water levels), and nature walks. Qorokwe Camp opened for guests in late 2017.
Wilderness Safaris are one of Africa's leading safari operators and they strive to minimize energy consumption at all their camps. Qorokwe Camp is powered by a combination of solar power and a diesel-powered generator. Hot water is heated by means of thermodynamic solar energy units. This system uses very little energy and guarantees hot water.
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.
Aerial view of Qorokwe Camp main area.
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.
A herd of buffalo grazing in the Qorokwe concession, Okavango Delta.
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.
View over the Okavango near Qorokwe Camp
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
9 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 8 twin-bedded luxury accommodations, with two three-quarter beds. Mattress converters are available that transform the twin beds into a king-sized bed (to be arranged prior to arrival).
- 1 family unit consisting of two adjoining twin-bedded luxury accommodations, each with their own en-suite facilities. Main bathroom with an indoor shower, indoor bath, double-basin vanity and separate toilet. Second bathroom with an indoor shower, single-basin vanity, and separate toilet. Shared entrance, shared lounge/dining area with fireplace, shared outdoor deck with loungers, and a private plunge pool.
The guest suites are constructed of wood, glass, mesh, and canvas on raised wooden decks, with sandy pathways on the ground connecting the units to the camp's main area.
Guest room interior and view.
Guest room amenities include en-suite facilities with separate toilet, indoor shower with an inward opening door, which gives the illusion of an outdoor shower experience, indoor bath, double-basin vanity, private viewing deck with outdoor seating area, indoor lounge area, luggage rack, and mosquito screen sliding doors. Hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided during the chilly winter months.
Other items and features in the guest suites include:
- Writing desk and chair.
- Tea and coffee making facilities.
- Electronic safe.
- Multi-plug adaptor with USB points.
- Umbrella.
- Yoga mat and free weights.
- Hairdryer.
- Ceiling and pedestal fans.
- Complimentary in-tent Wi-Fi.
- Personal amenities, including seasonal bathrobes, slippers, liquid soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, room spray, insect repellent, insect spray, mosquito coil, shower caps, vanity kit with cotton tip swabs and cotton wool pads, sewing kit (on request), tissue dispenser, liquid washing detergent (for smalls), and laundry bag.
Qorokwe Camp can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests in total: 2 adults in each of the 8 tented rooms, plus 2 adults and 2 children in the family unit.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and local beverages including wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding premium imported brands and Champagne.
- Twice-daily safari drives in open game-viewing vehicles and other scheduled camp activities (accompanied by experienced guides).
- 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 Qorokwe:
- 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
Qorokwe Camp combines a contemporary style with a classic bush feel. The camp's main area and guest accommodations are well shaded and catch the prevailing breeze. The entire camp, including the magnificent main area, overlooks a lagoon and the infinity pool is a focal point for the expansive views.
The main area features detailed timber ceilings, perforated to allow in the light, so to mimic the experience of being beneath the trees at the side of the lagoon. In this way, the camp blends in with its beautiful natural surroundings.
Other features of note include:
- Dining, lounge, and bar areas with fire places and relaxation areas (including hanging beds) on elevated wooden platforms overlooking a lagoon that regularly attracts wildlife.
- Evening fire-pit area on ground level.
- Pool in main area.
- Safari Trading Store.
- Pizza oven.
- Traditional boma for dining under the stars.
- Guest toilet in main area.
- Menu of massage treatments (at an additional cost) - conducted in the privacy of the guest’s tent.
Activities
Activities included in the rate:
- Day and night game drives in 5 x 10-seater open 4x4 Land Cruisers, each accommodating a maximum of 7 guests and allowing each guest an outside seat (including the front passenger seat).
- Water-based activities in 4x 2-seater mekoro (traditional dugout canoe) and 1x 6-seater motorized boats used (water levels permitting).
- During winter months, hot water bottles (on early morning game drives only), blankets, and lined ponchos are provided.
- Full-day excursion to Gomoti Plains, including a picnic lunch.
- Guided nature walks (on request and seasonally). During the transition season from March to June and dependent upon annual rainfall, flora in the area flourishes, giving predators ample coverage which make walking conditions unfavorable. Requests are subject to the discretion of the Camp Manager.
- A pair of Olympus binoculars is available in each of the game drive vehicles for guests to share amongst themselves whilst game viewing and may be requested from our guides.
- Birding.
Optional activities at additional cost:
- Private activities on offer (subject to vehicle availability, which needs to be booked and paid for in advance).
- 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
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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.
Qorokwe 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.