Moela

Moela Safari Lodge sits perched on the banks of the Boteti River Valley, in a 770-hectare private tribal reserve bordering Makgadikgadi National Park and close to Nxai Pan National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Built entirely by the skilled hands of the Khumaga village community, the lodge offers a front-row seat to Botswana’s great zebra migration.

The eight rooms are eco-chic and minimalist, crafted from locally sourced materials by Batswana artisans, each designed to look out over the abundant wildlife gathering at the water’s edge below. Two standout viewing decks, the elevated “nest” and the eye-level “riverbed” deck, offer contrasting perspectives on the wildlife passing through the valley.

For much of the year, hundreds of elephant can be seen in the Boteti riverbed, alongside giraffe, hippo and a constant chorus of birdlife, with the valley coming alive during the zebra and wildebeest migration. Being a private concession, guests have exclusive access to game drives, walks and night safaris, plus boating expeditions directly from the lodge when the Boteti River is flowing.

Alongside traditional safari activities, Moela offers immersive experiences with local San Bushmen, including game drives accompanied by Bushmen trackers who share their traditional knowledge of the land. Guests can also access the neighbouring Makgadikgadi National Park during their stay. The lodge is open year-round and welcomes children of all ages.