Moela Safari Lodge, Makgadikgadi | Timbuktu Travel
Makgadikgadi

Moela Safari Lodge

Travel and Leaisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Voted No.1 in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 by Travel+Leisure

About Moela Safari Lodge

A castle of clay upon the hill with sensational views & a community heart.
The largest animal migration in southern Africa spends at least six months of the year in the Boteti River Valley, where water sources draw hundreds upon hundreds of wildebeest and zebra, as well as enormous herds of elephant. Perfectly positioned to catch all the action from its hilltop perch, Moela Safari Lodge sits within the 770-hectare Ngande Private Reserve, offering an exclusive safari experience in this unusual corner of Africa. The involvement of the local Khumaga village is also palpable: the lodge's skeleton was hand-built by around 100 Batswana women using clay from the riverbed and decor by local artisans adorns the rooms.
From $660 per person/per night
Safari
8 Rooms
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Property details

The property

Praised for its innovative, eco-friendly design, the lodge was also built to provide the very best 'sofa safaris', either from the nest deck or at eye-level on the riverbed deck. There are no strict meal times and dining is a social affair with other guests from camp (unless you choose to enjoy some privacy on the deck), and the cuisine is western with a distinctive African twist. In your down time, grab a book from the well-stocked library, enjoy a superb spa treatment or take a dip in the infinity pool – the views are incredible.

The rooms

There are eight luxury suites on the hillside, each offering vast views over the wildlife-filled valley and waterholes beyond. Bone-white, clay walls, tented elements, and a thatched roof keep things beautifully airy and cool, even on the hottest of days. Inside, all rooms have four-poster beds draped in soft netting, colourful rugs, an open-plan bathroom and a wardrobe formed by a recess in the clay. They all have an indoor sitting area as well as an expansive deck with 180-degree vistas.

Activities

Moela offers all the safari classics including thrilling game drives (both day and night) and walking safaris with highly-skilled Batswana guides. You'll also have the chance to learn how to track animals with members of the ancient Ju/’hoansi San tribe and hear all about how they survive in the region's arid conditions. Book a flight in a helicopter for a scenic sojourn above the Nxai Pans and even spend the night on a sleepout, before visiting the iconic Baines Baobab.

What you'll love

What you'll love

There is no exaggerating when it comes to the wildlife-viewing – the Boteti River Valley is one of the most densely populated wildlife areas in southern Africa!
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

There are two family suites, one that sleeps six and another that sleeps four guests, so families are very welcome.
Something to think about

Something to think about

Boating on the Boteti River is available, however, it is very much seasonal and water level dependent.

Botswana

Makgadikgadi

A vast, shimmering salt pan of horizon-bending landscapes where the magic is in the minimalism.