Gomoti Plains Camp
Moremi

Gomoti Plains Camp is named after the nearby Gomoti River, where roaming floodplains surround the camp with towering palms punctuating the landscape. Gomoti is located in the large community-run NG32 concession in the southern Okavango Delta and be easily accessed by a light aircraft flight from Maun (just 20 minutes) and then a 45-minute game drive to the camp. The Gomoti tree is known locally as the Water Fig as it lines the waterways of the Delta and they provide excellent cover for nesting water birds such as herons and storks. Due to the camp being on the floodplains game drives are less bumpy than further up in the delta and the landscape is much clearer. This means that sightings of cheetah, although still hard to spot, are more likely as they prefer to hunt on open ground.

Being in a concession means that night drives are offered and give guests the opportunity to see the nocturnal species, which is a totally different safari experience. Guided walks can also be arranged (but for +18 years only) where guests can learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the Okavango Delta. If the water levels are safe, then mokoro boat trips (dug-out canoes which are now made from fibre glass to preserve trees) are a lovely relaxing way to spend a few hours on the Delta. They also provide a wonderful opportunity to look out for the smaller game and birdlife which are often not the main focus of a game drive.

The tents at Gomoti have been designed in the classic luxury safari style, simpler in décor than their sister camp Machaba, but still spacious and light, and raised on platforms that maximise views out onto the floodplains. The main tents also face the same way and in dry season the views are otherworldly, a bit like looking out onto the moon. But when the rains eventually come the floodplains swell and the camp teems with the joys of spring.

Gomoti Plains Camp has a charming team that run a very slick operation, which is typical of the Machaba Safari camps. The Machaba camps offer a more affordable luxury option if visiting the Okavango Delta or Zimbabwe, where Deteema Springs and Verney’s Camp are located.

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller