From Baby Animals and Landscape Photography to Birdwatching, Experience the Ultimate Winter Sun Escape with Great Plains
Great Plains, the tourism conservation organisation founded by National Geographic filmmaker-explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, is delighted to share an epic selection of winter sun adventures across its camps in Botswana and Kenya for travellers planning ahead during the African summer time.
As leaves fall and temperatures plummet during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, Sub-Saharan Africa comes to life as the region enters summer. From bountiful baby animal viewing opportunities in Botswana to exhilarating predator/prey interactions as well as world-class bird watching during the Mara’s secret ‘quiet time’ in Kenya, this is arguably the most spectacular time for a safari adventure.
BOTSWANA
Botswana, home to the world’s only inland delta, and the awe-inspiring Selinda Spillway, offers a winter sun escape like no other, with seven Great Plains camps to choose from. From October through to December, temperatures increase, the floods of the Okavango delta recede, and grasses grow wild on the floodplains, leading to high wildlife concentrations. Meanwhile, newborn wildlife season promises the most adorable viewing opportunities, with ample bird and butterfly watching and water activities available at most camps.
From January to March, warm temperatures and early morning mists make for excellent photography opportunities, with wildlife sightings during this period including herbivore grazers such as warthog, lechwe and kudu, as well as elephants, buffalo and varied predators. This is also one of the best times of year for bird-lovers, with elusive species including carmine bee-eaters regularly sighted. Great Plains’ Botswana portfolio includes:
Sitatunga Private Island’s unique water-based setting allows for guests to immerse themselves in learning, and experiencing, a deeper appreciation of Botswana’s famous waterways. Aquatically adapted wildlife can be viewed with a new perspective by motorised boat on the lagoons and river, or on a poled mokoro in smaller waterways (when water levels allow). There is also the opportunity to experience guided walks, fishing and photographic safaris, and the island is one of the few locations in the world where guests can spot the rare aquatic antelope – Sitatunga – from camp and by boat.
Nightly rates at Great Plains’ Sitatunga Private Island start from $1,660 (£1,225*) per person per night sharing. The Sitatunga Private Island Suite starts from $7,965 (£5,878*) per night. For more information and to book, visit https://
Each of Zarafa Camp’s four guest suites are 1000 square foot (100m2) and are set on raised decking, under flowing canvas. The bedroom is connected to a full lounge and open layout bathroom complete with copper claw-foot bath, while extensive outdoor decking includes a private plunge pool and al-fresco shower. Guests also have access to a professional camera and set of lenses, along with a high-quality pair of binoculars.
Explorers can enjoy open-vehicle photographic safari drives in the early morning and late afternoon/early evening, while guided walks by Great Plains’ professional guides are an excellent opportunity to explore the surrounding area. During their stay, guests can even head out on the camp’s pontoon.
For the health and wellness conscious, a fully equipped open-air gym awaits, alongside the opportunity to relax at the spa or on the guest’s private deck as the camp’s therapists pamper body and mind with a range of curated spa treatments and massages.
KENYA
Great Plains Mara Toto Tree Camp *Opened July 2024
Each of the four spacious suites offers guests a luxurious bath, indoor shower, writing desk, and lounge, creating a sense that they could easily settle in and stay for days. Right from the camp itself, leopards are often seen, and lions are heard. Guests will explore the Maasai Mara safari ecosystem of Kenya in open safari vehicles with professional wildlife guides, and with access to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the more private 70,000-acre (28,000-hectare) Mara North Conservancy, there is sure to be wildlife action around every corner.
Nightly rates at Great Plains Mara Toto Tree Camp start from $1,745 (£1,288*) per person per night sharing. For more information and to book, visit https://
Great Plains’ Mara Nyika Camp
The camp’s ethics and inspiration are one of exploration and adventure. Privacy is the key to Mara Nyika Camp. Privacy to live, think, explore, be romantic and be pampered – all the while with one of Africa’s most spectacular backdrops. The camp boasts incredible facilities, with a spacious main area overlooking the wilderness, including a library to read while admiring the passing wildlife. For wine enthusiasts, an on-site wine cellar is available for tours and special meals.
Mara Nyika Camp offers four luxury guest suites and one 2-bedroom family suite. The private Sambuk Suite at Mara Nyika is also available and is ideal for families (children must be age 6 and up). It includes the services of a private guide, vehicle and butler, all with a separate entrance for complete privacy and seclusion.
Nightly rates at Mara Nyika Camp start from $1,745 (£1,288*) per person per night sharing and at the Sambuk Suite at Mara Nyika from $8,375 (£6,202*) per night. For more information or to book, visit https://
*Price in pounds sterling accurate according to today’s exchange rate.