Sleeping With Lions, Hyena & Hippos: Third Bridge Campsite

Most of our online research about the Moremi Game Reserve in north-western Botswana, and more specifically, Third Bridge Campsite within the MGR, revealed that this was proper, wild bush camping in the sense that you were in the middle of the wilderness and wild animals will be a common sighting in camp. This sounded perfect to us and thus we went and spent 3 nights of semi-camping at Third Bridge Campsite.

Clockwise: Aptly-named tent; Large, shaded veranda;
Fire pit & braai (barbecue) stand in front

At the time of booking our accommodation reservation we were still in-between tents (having thrown away our first and last nylon tent), so we opted to stay in one of the meru-style tents (they have 11 in total and 6 were recently erected).  This form of camping still made us feel like we were kind of roughing it because even though you have a comfy bed and your own toilet/bathroom, there is no kitchen, fridge or even electrical plugs for that matter.

Great view outside; Good-size, comfy bed; More than enough room

While described as a wild-campsite, Third Bridge is a bit of both really. At the gate you can get WiFi, there's a small kiosk shop with drinks, snacks, camp essentials etc. The campsites and meru-style tents are relatively close to each other (you don't feel completely isolated but you do have a bit of your own peace), there are communal ablutions and the tents have aforementioned comfy beds, a toilet (with flushing water), a basin and shower with solar-heated water. On the other side of the coin you hear hippos grunting in the early evenings and have them eat the grass near your tent. You may pass elephants within the campsite as you drive in or out. You may also have a pair of lions stroll behind your tent and have hyenas cackling and howling around the campsite while you sit beside your fire.

Spacious, rustic outdoor shower with hot and cold water

The tents have large windows with mosquito nets which help keep the interior breezy but also keep the pesky blood-suckers out. All tents are equipped with solar-powered lights (and an inverter mounted in the hallway), but there are no electrical plugs, so don't expect a fridge or kettle to be plugged in anywhere. There is a tap outside as well for cooking and washing water (not advisable to drink it). You do have to be fully self-sufficient when it comes to food and making your meals. There is a braai stand and fire pit outside, of which we just used the latter, while cooking our pre-made meals on our gas burner.

Panorama shot of the tent, veranda and fire area

The veranda is great for watching the sky change colours at dawn or sunset and also for looking out onto the bush to spot the occasional impala or hippo pass by. Nearby is a local waterhole that is frequented by these hippos, so their eloquent grunts can be heard from the late afternoon into the evening.

Large veranda with comfy chairs & table are perfect at sunrise or sunset

Night-time is the best time to sit outside either on the veranda or by the fire below and listen to the amazing sounds of the Botswana bush around you. From lion roars to hyena howls and hippo grunts, your stay at Third Bridge Campsite (whether you're camping or staying in a meru-tent) will be nothing short of spectacular, especially if you're lucky enough (as we were) to see some of the above-mentioned animals stroll past or through your campsite!

Be vigilant around the campfire at night as hyenas and/or lions do walk through the campsite

We spent 2 nights in the "Hyena" tent at Third Bridge Campsite in the Moremi Game Reserve and will gladly come stay here again. We now have a roof-top tent installed on our vehicle, so on our next visit we will probably actually camp there.
Visit the Xomae Group website to find out more about Third Bridge Camp Site and how to make camp bookings.

RBOF Rating

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Video of Third Bridge Crossing

Third Bridge Campsite is so named after one of the bridges (third of four) that you need to cross to get to the actual campsite. The bridges are relatively easy to cross and although they appear rather worn and flimsy, the gum poles they are made of are quite durable and strong. The crossing of the actual Third Bridge is an infamous one that involves a water crossing before you even get to the actual bridge itself. Below is a video we shot from our vehicle as we made the crossing, exiting the camp to go for a self-drive.

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Third Bridge Campsite - Location

Third Bridge Campsite is located on the eastern side of the Moremi Game Reserve and will take you about 3 hours of medium-speed driving though the sand and bush to get there from South Gate, which we used, coming from Maun. Once you sign in at the (second) gate into the actual campsite, you will be given the key to your tent, or told which campsite is yours and you will be directed to your spot by the helpful staff.

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Photo Slideshow

Enjoy the photos below of Third Bridge Campsite, our tent there and some of the wildlife we spotted while on a self-drive around the game reserve.