Moela Safari Lodge

Moela Safari Lodge is a luxurious, beautifully crafted eco-safari lodge on the cliffs of Botswana’s Boteti River Valley, where the Okavango Delta drains into the Kalahari Desert, overlooking the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

The magnificent Moela Safari Lodge sits in the 700 ha Ngande Private Reserve, a community owned, exclusive use concession.

This offers unparalleled access to the Boteti, the wider Makgadikgadi and a private walking and game drive area in one of the most productive wildlife regions in Africa.

Moela Safari Lodge actively collaborate with communities on the boundaries of wildlife areas, fostering sustainable practices that benefit both people and the environment.

Their passion is creating majestic & immersive safaris in the lands inhabited, deeply connecting you with the wildlife and local culture.

Accommodation at Moela Safari Lodge.

The eight open plan, thatched luxury suites at Moela all have spectacular panoramas over the bustling valley below.

Each suite is equipped with an elegant viewing deck to exclusively enjoy the endless streams of wildlife drinking from the waterhole below.

The main lodge area at Moela Safari Lodge, includes an open plan dining room, a well-stocked library, bar, swimming pool furnished with daybeds and multiple decks to relax and view game from.

Wildlife viewing is productive all year round.

In the dry season, Moela Safari Lodge enjoys at least 6 months of migratory Zebra and Wildebeest viewing without having to even leave the lodge.

Throughout the year, Impala, Kudu, Giraffe are plentiful and it’s not uncommon to have groups of over a hundred Elephant in the valley below at any time of the year.

Moela Safari Lodge is praised for its innovative and eco-led design and décor.

It was built by the people of Khumaga Village, from the building structures down to the handmade clay bricks, individually crafted by the women from the village.

It is artistic and one of a kind!

Dining at Moela Safari Lodge

Dining at Moela Safari Lodge is an experience in itself.

Freshly made, exciting and diverse meals are served at our safari lodge, and guests have the option to enjoy meals socializing in the dining room or privately on their viewing deck.

You are guided by experienced Botswana chefs who is passionate about their craft and local produce.

They cater to most dietary requirements, please be sure to stipulate when making the booking.

The cuisines at Moela Safari Lodge are Western with an African twist.

All meals are communal unless requested in advance.

All meals are served at the same time based on activities.

The lodge provides light and hearty breakfasts, light lunches, homemade cakes or cookies for tea and a three-course set menu for supper.

Six Reasons to Visit Moela Safari Lodge.

1. The WOW Factor!

Moela Safari Lodge’s view is unparalleled in Botswana.

Perched on the cliffs of a long bend in the river, Moela Safari Lodge enjoys sweeping panoramic views of the Boteti River Valley to the West and the East, allowing 180 degrees of some of the best wildlife viewing from your private deck.

It has also been built by the local Botswana women, and the lodge is a work of art, unique and luxurious.

2. You can do Everything or Nothing!

With vast numbers of wildlife coming straight to the lodge as well as access to the Makgadikgadi National Park and Nxai Pans, Moela is perfectly located to enjoy an array of areas and diverse activities as well as being in the ideal location to relax and enjoy the game viewing right from the lodge or from the private reserve.

This allows you to enjoy incredible game drives and walks in an exclusive setting.

3. View the Largest Migration in Southern Africa right from the Lodge!

The largest migration in Southern Africa resides in the Boteti River Valley for at least 6 months of the year and guests at Moela Safari Lodge have front row seats to witness this bucket list phenomenon.

This is safari heaven and during the green season, one can still enjoy the migration from the air, taking a scenic helicopter flight over the Pans (additional cost).

4. Ancient Culture!

Guests have the rare opportunity to track animals and learn from the ancient Ju/’hoansi San People.

They’ve been living in Southern Africa for thousands of years and represent some of the oldest traditions, most ancient hunting techniques and language.

They reside at the lodge and guests can enjoy unique experiences, like accompanying the San bushmen on a game drive or spending a morning learning their ancient traditions.

5. Unique Activities!

At Moela Safari Lodge, they believe in experiential luxury and immersive safaris.

From after dusk drives on the reserve with an opportunity for the weird and wonderful nocturnal species, to helicopter scenic flights, to Pan sleep outs and purposeful community activities.

Moela thrives on taking you on a journey of discovery.

6. Eco-Chic Safari Design!

Moela Safari Lodge offers elegant safari-style, blended with traditional African architecture and design.

The lodge was constructed by skilled Botswana crafts people and artisans from the local village using locally sourced materials.

The suites have been carefully designed, sensitive to the ecology and to maximise your experience of the abundant wildlife coming to drink at the water’s edge below.

Vehicles at Moela Safari Lodge

The lodge has a fleet of customised 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers for all game drives and closed shuttle 4×4 for transfers.

Their safari vehicles are open sided for the best game viewing experience, each with a canvas roof for shade.

Guests share vehicles with a maximum of 6, unless exclusive use of a vehicle has been requested (additional cost).

Families with children (aged 6 to 11 years) are required to book / pay for a private vehicle in order not to disturb other guests.

Responsible Tourism

At Moela Safari Lodge they believe and invest significantly in community development and conservation.

They work hard to improve the living conditions for the Khumaga population of 2000 people who own the Ngande Conservation Area.

They provide them with income generated by tourism.

Getting to Moela Safari Lodge

Road Access

In-house transfers (2 – 2.5 hours) from Maun Airport to Moela Safari Lodge to accommodate all guests.

Guests on this shuttle service are transferred between 12h00 and 14h00 when going to the lodge and a packed lunch will be provided.

Light Aircraft Access

For own account.

Khumaga Airstrip (10km from Moela Safari Lodge).

Light aircraft access available to and from Moela Safari Lodge through certified light aircraft or helicopter charter companies.

Self-Drive Access

Self-Drive guests will be provided with directions prior to travel.

Makgadikgadi Climate

Moela Safari Lodge sits at an altitude of 1060m.

Winter Temperature: Low 5 degrees Celsius to High 36 degrees Celsius

Summer Temperature: Low 19 degrees Celsius to High 40 degrees Celsius.

Rainfall between 450mm to 500mm per year.

Sustainability

All of the camps are powered by solar hybrid systems which incorporates both solar energy and a back-up generator.

All hot water systems are based on a Thermodynamic Solar Energy System, ensuring hot water generation from the sun, no matter the weather.

Traditional thatch and artistically designed clay made from sand, cow and elephant dung ensures that they utilise local expertise and materials which in turn minimises their carbon footprint.

Carbon Offsetting and Rewilding Project

CO2 Offsetting

Moela plans to plant 125 000 trees on the concession, offsetting approximately 50 000 tons (for a period of 20 years) of carbon emissions caused by their tourism operations.

Capacity Building and Empowerment of People

They are working with the residents of Khumaga Village to set-up and run a commercial seedball manufacturer, and to plant trees among other projects.

Their goal is to develop a sustainable conservation and reforestation plan consisting of further tree planting and community development, including waste management and access to water.