Jumbo Junction

The activities were worth six stars. We had excellent sightings and hardly saw another vehicle, and the boat rides to and from game drives were a special way to start and end each day. Our guide Hustler was brilliant. The night drive and tented camp stay were great fun, the helicopter trip over the Delta was memorable, and my daughter, who's a reasonably competent rider, loved the horse safari. I stayed four nights in late August with my wife and adult daughter. The lodge was in a fantastic location, with comfortable rooms and tasty food. The friendly, helpful staff made those days special, especially Neo. The owners, Louise and Herman, also kept everything well organised. I thought Jumbo Junction was great value and would thoroughly recommend it.

The lilies were one of my favourite things there. The daylilies open wide in the sun, bright and full of life, while another kind opens at night and has its own beauty in the quiet. Jumbo Junction is calm and peaceful, a lovely place to slow down, take in the outdoors, and watch wildlife. It's also a great spot for birding. We saw lions, elephants, crocodiles, owls, antelope, hippos, and plenty more. I even got photos of a fish eagle during a special moment. The rooms felt cozy and welcoming, and the staff were warm and helpful. Jumbo Junction will always have a place in my heart. It captures a peaceful, wild side of Botswana, and I highly recommend it.

The mokoro trip was surreal, gliding along channels made by hippos. We also had wonderful boat rides and thrilling game drives, and the food had so much variety. We were spoiled throughout the stay and left feeling deeply touched and changed. There's a sacred beauty to this place that stays with you. Jumbo Junction greeted us with our names and a joyful song. Our bags were taken to the rooms, each tent had a welcome sign with our names, and the staff showed real love, knowledge, and care. Louise was the best host I've had. One night, when we heard a loud sound in the Delta, she thought a large group of elephants might be passing and took us into the bush to hear them better and perhaps see them. It felt deeply personal, and we felt so cared for. Herman kept us busy with fun, meaningful moments, including braaing fillet and swimming in the Delta. Later, we heard that someone else had done the same while crocodiles watched them. Nervous laugh, but I'd do it again any day. On our final evening, the staff sang farewell songs, and saying goodbye felt like leaving a new family. I'll treasure this trip for life.

The mokoro rides with Herman were peaceful, and he also took us on safaris and speedboat trips. Game drive stops came with little surprises, like coffee and a snack or a cold drink. Service stayed personal and excellent throughout. In the evenings we had non-alcoholic sundowners by the fire, then dinner. The head chef came out each night to introduce her dish, which made the meals feel warm and personal. Getting to Jumbo Junction was an adventure in itself. Our 90-minute speedboat ride started with a crocodile sighting just minutes in. At the boat stop, guide Hustler greeted us with refreshments and a calm, friendly manner. We then drove slowly through a small local town in a Land Cruiser before reaching the camp, where Louise and the ground staff welcomed us with singing, smiles, local greetings, and warm scented ‘lappies’. I looked forward to those every day. The resort sits deep in the Delta, and water comes right up to the entertainment area, bringing wildlife to the edge. Our rooms were exceptional, with thoughtful details from the paths and personalized chalkboards to the linen and hand-picked gifts. Louise hosted us for the week, and the whole team made the stay feel luxurious and cared for. On the last evening, the staff sang a few heartfelt farewell songs. It felt like leaving a newly found family. I'll never forget the holiday.