Yes, you can hire a tent at Lorato, so you can go camping without a tent. We have 7 tents for guests who arrive without one. A tent costs $55 per night, including the camping fee. Each tent sleeps 2 and comes equipped with beds, mattresses and bedding. Message us on WhatsApp at +267 7430 4407 with your dates and how many people are travelling, and we will confirm availability. Camping is $20 per person per night.
Key facts
- Tents for hire: $55 per night, including the camping fee. There are 7 tents, each about 2.5 m x 2.5 m or 3 m x 3 m, and each sleeps 2.
- What comes with a tent: beds, mattresses and bedding.
- Camping: $20 per person per night.
- Where: Muchenje, Chobe District, 15 minutes from the Ngoma border and about 7 km from Ngoma Gate.
- Facilities guests mention: green lawn, clean ablutions, hot water and solar power.
- Book: WhatsApp +267 7430 4407. Tell us your arrival time. Late arrivals are fine.
Who tent hire suits
- Backpackers and bus travellers crossing between Namibia and Botswana at Ngoma, travelling light.
- Self-drivers without a rooftop tent, or with more people than the vehicle sleeps.
- Groups with an extra traveller or two.
- Anyone who wants to try camping in Chobe without buying gear.
What tent hire costs, compared
| Two people, one night | Cost |
|---|---|
| Your own tent | 2 x $20 = $40 |
| Hired tent, with beds, mattresses and bedding | $55, including the camping fee |
So for two people, hiring costs $15 more than pitching your own tent, and you carry nothing. Children aged 0 to 12 pay half price on the camping fee. If you are one traveller and want to hire a tent, ask us what applies. A 50% deposit secures a booking, free cancellation runs up to 7 days before arrival, and 10% off longer stays and groups of 5 or more is available in all seasons for now.
Camping in a rented 4x4, or with a backpack
- Rented 4x4 with no camping kit: some rental vehicles come without a tent, and a rooftop tent does not suit every group. Hire a tent here and keep the rental simple. Your rental company will need to give you a letter of authority to cross at Ngoma, so read our Ngoma border guide.
- Backpacker without a car: there is no scheduled bus across the Ngoma border, so see how people get from Katima Mulilo to Kasane. Message us before you travel, because hire tents are limited to 7.
- Travelling on to Savuti or Maun: we do not know of tent hire at the park campsites, so ask the campsite operator before you rely on it, or ask us about trips with licensed local guides.
What to ask us
When you message us, tell us:
- your arrival date and how many nights
- how many people need to sleep in the tent
- your expected arrival time (guests can arrive at any time and someone is always available, but quiet hours are 22:00 to 07:00)
We will reply with availability. Tents cost $55 per night, including the camping fee. We have 7 tents, about 2.5 m x 2.5 m and 3 m x 3 m. Each sleeps 2 and comes equipped with beds, mattresses and bedding.
How to book
Send a WhatsApp message to +267 7430 4407, or use the booking form on our campsite page.
What to bring
- A torch or headlamp.
- Warm layers for June to August, when nights in northern Botswana can be cold.
- Insect repellent. Chobe is a malaria area, so speak to a health professional before you travel.
- Your own food. Lorato sells drinks but no longer serves meals. There is a butchery and there are small shops with basic groceries in Muchenje village. Kasane has supermarkets.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a tent at Lorato?
Yes. Lorato has 7 tents for hire for guests who arrive without one. Message us on WhatsApp at +267 7430 4407 to check availability.
How much does tent hire cost?
A tent costs $55 per night, including the camping fee. Each tent sleeps 2 and comes equipped with beds, mattresses and bedding.
Can I camp in Botswana without a tent?
Yes. At Lorato you can hire a tent for $55 per night, including the camping fee. We have 7 tents, each sleeping 2, with beds, mattresses and bedding.
Is tent hire available in Botswana near Chobe?
Yes, at Lorato in Muchenje, 15 minutes from the Ngoma border. Message +267 7430 4407 with your dates. We have 7 hire tents.
Do I pay a deposit for a hired tent?
A 50% deposit secures a booking, and cancellation is free up to 7 days before arrival. After that the first night is charged.
Can I hire a tent if I have a rented 4x4?
Yes. Many rented vehicles come without camping gear. Hire a tent at Lorato, and ask your rental company for a letter of authority to cross at Ngoma.
How big are the tents?
We have 7 tents, about 2.5 m x 2.5 m and 3 m x 3 m. Each sleeps 2.
How much does it cost to camp at Lorato?
Camping is $20 per person per night. A hired tent is $55 per night, including the camping fee.
Is bedding included with a hired tent?
Yes. Each tent is equipped with beds, mattresses and bedding.
Is food available at Lorato?
Lorato sells drinks but no longer serves meals, so bring your own food. There are fire pits and a boma for cooking. There is a butchery and there are small shops with basic groceries in Muchenje village, and Kasane has supermarkets.
How far is Lorato from the Ngoma border?
About 15 minutes by road. Lorato is in Muchenje, Chobe District.