Jumbo Junction Camp — Hotel in North-West District

Our Unforgettable Family Holiday to Jumbo Junction, Okavango Delta

In April and May this year, our family went on an unforgettable holiday to Jumbo Junction in the Okavango Delta, together with our friends, Maria and Sonia. It was the kind of trip that leaves a lasting mark — filled with beautiful, soul-lifting memories we’ll carry with us forever. What made it extra special was that our children came with us!

Two weeks before we were due to leave, the Botswana government issued a high-risk malaria warning. We had a decision to make: cancel the trip or trust the journey. After prayer and proper research, we decided to go — equipped with the best prophylaxis available. And what a decision it turned out to be!

The adventure began as we crossed the Botswana border, driving along wild, open roads with animals freely roaming beside us. We overnighted at Tuuthebe Lodge, then Maun Lodge, before reaching Sepupa, where we left our vehicles and trailer.

From there, we crossed the river by boat to Saronga — a truly magical experience, with no fences in sight, only animals in their natural habitat. At one point, a crocodile slithered into the water right next to us!

In Saronga, we were met by Hustler, a guide from Jumbo Junction, who picked us up in a game drive vehicle stocked with cool drinks. When we arrived at the lodge, we were greeted with singing, dancing, iced tea, and warm face cloths. We weren’t even allowed to carry our bags — the staff did everything for us.

What awaited us was a luxury tented camp, beautifully designed with every detail thoughtfully curated. Louise and her incredible team went out of their way to make us feel right at home and even did our laundry every day.

Each morning started early with coffee, tea, and rusks, followed by peaceful Makoro rides (traditional dugout canoes) through the Delta waters. From there, we’d hop into safari vehicles for game drives — spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, game, vibrant birdlife, and plenty of hippos. The hippos often seemed like they were on patrol, blocking our path, but Herman, Hustler, and the team always knew how to steer us past them safely.

Mid-mornings were marked by incredible bush picnics — late breakfasts in the wild laid out under trees. After lunch back at camp, we’d often head out again for an afternoon or sunset Makoro trip, enjoying non-alcoholic sundowners that the children also enjoyed.

Herman made the experience magical for the children. From fishing on the riverbanks and trolling from the boat, to driving the boat under his careful supervision, every moment was an adventure.

He even surprised us with a special bush picnic, braaing the most tender fillet steak we’ve ever tasted — melt-in-the-mouth perfection! We swam in a safe waterhole, declared swimmable by Herman, and the kids had a blast exploring, laughing, and learning.

They also got to try their hand at Makoro poling, mimicking the skilled guides who stand tall and glide through the waters with long sticks.

Louise is simply extraordinary — warm, flexible, always smiling. She covered every bump with grace and made sure each guest, young or old, felt seen, safe, and special.

The food was another highlight. Rebecca and the kitchen team spoiled us with fresh, flavourful meals day after day. And from the very beginning, Neo welcomed us with such kindness and professionalism — a perfect start to a perfect stay.

We left unsure about the malaria risk. But what we came home with was priceless — a deeper connection with nature, with our children, with our friends, and with the breathtaking beauty of Botswana.

To Herman, Louise, Gemma, Dian, Maria, Sonia, Neo, Hustler, Rebecca, Gloria, and every team member at Jumbo Junction — thank you. You made this a holiday we will never forget.

Add Jumbo Junction to your bucket list today. You won’t regret it. P.S. They also do...

Jumbo Junction – A Slice of Wild Luxury in the Heart of the Okavango Delta

At the end of April 2025, I had the privilege of visiting Jumbo Junction in the Okavango Delta — and what a truly luxurious escape it was. Set deep in the heart of the Delta, the resort feels like a secret oasis where the wild comes right to your doorstep. The water literally flows up to the entertainment area, drawing all kinds of wildlife right to the edge of the resort — a front-row seat to nature in its purest form.

Our journey to the Delta kicked off with a 90-minute speedboat ride. Just minutes into the ride, we spotted a crocodile — a clear sign that this would be no ordinary holiday. It set the tone for what was to come: an authentic and immersive experience in the wild.

When we arrived at the boat stop on the other side, we were warmly met by a tour guide named Hustler, who greeted us with refreshments. His calm, friendly confidence made us feel like we were in great hands right from the start. From there, we hopped into a Land Cruiser and took a slow drive through a small local town, eventually arriving at the gates of Jumbo Junction.

As we pulled in, we were greeted with joyful singing. Louise, our hostess for the week, and her ground staff were waiting for us with warm smiles, local greetings, and those famous scented, warm ‘lappies’ — something I’d come to look forward to each day of our stay.

After sipping on our welcome drinks, we were given a tour of the resort and shown to our rooms — and let me just say, they were exceptional. The level of detail, thoughtfulness, and class throughout the space was undeniable. From the path leading up to our rooms to the personalised chalkboards with our names, from the quality of the linen to the hand-selected gifts and thoughtful touches sprinkled around the room — it was clear that excellence wasn’t just a goal at Jumbo Junction, it was a standard.

Our host, Herman Kroon, took us on speedboat rides, safaris, and peaceful afternoon mokoro boat rides. Each time we stopped on a game drive, there would be some kind of unexpected treat waiting for us — whether it was coffee with a snack or a perfectly timed refreshing drink. Everything was thought of. No effort was spared, and no cost cut. The service was consistent, personal, and excellent all the way through.

Every evening, we were treated to non-alcoholic sundowners around the fire, followed by a delightful dinner. Each night, the head chef would personally come out and present her dish for the evening — a lovely touch that added warmth and personality to every meal.

On our final evening, the staff gathered to perform a few heartfelt farewell songs. Saying goodbye felt like leaving a newly found family.

It’s a holiday I will...

From the moment we arrived at Jumbo Junction, we were welcomed by name and song—a heartfelt, joyful moment I’ll never forget. Our bags were carried to our rooms, and each tent had a personalized welcome sign with our names at the entrance.

The staff were absolutely phenomenal—so full of love, knowledge, and genuine care. Louise was hands down the best host I’ve ever had. Every single day, she went above and beyond to make our stay as wonderful as possible. One night, just before we were about to go to bed, we suddenly heard a loud water sound in the Delta. Louise calmly said it was likely a large group of elephants passing by—and then, to our amazement, she took us into the bush where we could hear them better and possibly even see them. It was such a deeply personal and unforgettable moment. We felt so seen, so cared for.

Herman made sure we were always well looked after and filled our days with fun and meaningful moments—like braaing fillet and swimming in the Delta. Afterwards, we heard a story about someone else who did the same and had crocodiles watching them… insert nervous laugh—but wow, I would do that any day again!

We went on breathtaking boat rides, thrilling game drives, and one of my favourite memories of all: the Mokoro experience—it was absolutely surreal gliding through the paths that the hippos made! 🤯

And oh my goodness, the food was out of this world, such variety. We were spoiled in every way possible. I left not just relaxed, but deeply touched and changed. This place carries a sacred kind of beauty and presence—the kind that stays with you long after you leave.

Thank you, Jumbo Junction, for giving us the trip of a lifetime. I’ll...