Although the concession’s main camp, Vumbura seems to have been in the shadow of its smaller, sexier sister-camp; for 2002, however, it has slimmed down to just 12 guests, rather than 16 – and has thus become a lot more attractive.
That said, Vumbura (GPS: VUMBUR 18°59.801’S; 22°50.782’E) has always been a good, well-built camp. The main dining/bar area is built on wooden decking, whilst the tents are situated at ground level and stand in deep shade under a canopy of mostly jackalberry and mangosteen trees. The tents are widely spread out, most with good views over an open vlei area. (See page 57 for an explanation of ‘vlei’.)
Each has a double or twin beds, with the back of the headboard extending into a small wardrobe and laundry basket. There are twin washbasins, a separate toilet and hot shower, chairs and a table and a 24-hour fan that works from a battery backup system when the generator’s off at night. The tent’s large gauze windows can be closed with canvas flaps. Outside there’s a small veranda and a large open-air shower.
The camp has a small curio shop selling books, shirts, locally made baskets and toy mekoro, and a comfortable central dining/bar/lounge area dominated by an impressive oval table – all under canvas supported by gum poles.