Birds, Fish And Beauty Galore

Guma offers guests a full choice of accommodation, catering and activity options. For those on a self-drive, we have a campsite with hot showers and flush toilets. Others may choose our cabins that are comfortably fitted with beds and linen and have private bathroom facilities. We offer full self-catering facilities, including a large kitchen and fridge and freezer options alongside a comfortable lounge, dining and bar complex with stunning views over the lagoon.

Activities

Fishing: Whether fly-fishing or spin-fishing, the Okavango River is undoubtedly one of the best freshwater sport fishing rivers found anywhere in Southern Africa. And with many recognised angling species in this region, including the prized tigerfish and nembwe, Guma is one of the most rewarding locations.

While all types of fishing are offered at Guma, the emphasis is on fly-fishing, and remember that it’s catch and release. Depending on the season, the prominent species caught on fly while fishing in the lagoon are catfish, African pike, redbreast tilapia, threespot tilapia and purple-face largemouth. For those who want to fish the mighty Okavango River, a 90-minute boat ride from camp that passes through a narrow meandering network of channels will get you there.

Although tigerfish are readily caught during most months, the peak season extends from September through to the end of November. This coincides with the annual catfish run, known locally as the barbel run, where literally tens of thousands of catfish are involved in frenzied pre-spawning feeding behaviour. Fishing off the edges of these runs for tigerfish is the ultimate Okavango fishing experience. Large catfish and the most sought-after of the bream species, the nembwe, are also caught during the runs. Away from the lagoon, the peak period for the bream species is over the winter months of May to August. While these are peak periods, Guma makes for a fantastic fishing destination throughout the year.

Birdwatching: The area has a species count of over 200 birds, which are found in a variety of habitats that include wetlands, floodplains, riverine forest and dry woodland. The specialities include Pels fishing owl, white-backed night heron, African skimmer, rufous-bellied heron and lessor jacana.

Mokoro trails: Guma offers a choice of daytrip or overnight camping mokoro trails that take you into the heart of the Okavango. There is always a chance of seeing large herds of red lechwe bounding through the water and passing elephants feeding among the lush wetland vegetation.

Night drives: This exciting option offers bird-viewing and stargazing by boat using a spotlight.

How to get there

By vehicle: Take the Shakawe road from Maun, and head to Etsha 13, which is about 270km away on a good tarmac road. Take the Etsha 13 turn-off, pass through the small village, and if in a 4×4, follow the sandy track for the next 10 to 15km into camp. While there are a number of tracks, which all eventually lead to the lagoon, the main track is marked with white signs, and this will lead directly into Guma Lagoon Camp. If in a saloon car, you must arrange with camp beforehand to be picked up at Etsha 13 village. Petrol is available at Etsha 6, which is about 13km before Etsha 13.

By aircraft: Seronga has a strip situated 23km from camp, which is suitable for most types of aircraft. Guests will need transfers to and from Seronga by motor boat which is a roughly two-hour trip through a narrow meandering channel to camp. This must be arranged with camp before arrival.