The grand dame of the Delta, Mombo — and its sister camp Little Mombo — is an ultra-luxurious lodge where the elephants drink from the private swimming pools. The refurbishment calls to mind the romance of the Ralph Lauren era of safari sophistication; of steamer trunks, leather and gold detailing. The spacious guest rooms include a sitting room with a bar unit, an outdoor dining area, a bathroom with a dressing area and a splash pool in every suite.
Wooden sliding louvre shutters can open up completely letting the outside in. The bedrooms and bathrooms are focussed on the view of the floodplain. The bathrooms include an indulgent brass bath for two, a grey marble vanity and a custom shower screen laser cut in a pattern of Botswana grasses which also feature on naturally dyed wall hangings and bedspreads. The headboards and bed bases are made of crackled leather with hand-stitched seams. The colour palette is neutral in traditional browns and stone with highlights of gold and copper.
The furniture styling is classic and traditional: distressed leather, deep button, deconstructed sofas and vintage leather dining chairs. The furnishings were all sourced globally and mismatched, yet complementary pieces create a personalised, familiar feel. Beautiful chandeliers drop from the ceiling to the natural oak floors in layered shimmery gold chains. The wall of the central fire place is copper-clad and the dining tables have brass in-lays. No detail has been spared an element of sumptuous luxury.
