Disconnected to Reconnect: andBeyond's Chobe Under Canvas

The camp

Chobe Under Canvas is andBeyond's mobile safari camp, relocating every few weeks to different locations within Chobe National Park. Don't let "mobile camp" fool you—this is luxury camping done right. The tents are temporary but beautifully appointed: comfortable beds, flushing toilets, and bucket showers filled to your preferred temperature once a day.

What makes this camp special is the deliberate disconnection. There's no electricity, no Wi-Fi, and no phone reception. It sounds daunting, but, after three nights, we didn't miss our phones once. The vehicles do have charging ports, so bring two camera batteries and you'll be sorted. Meals were consistently delicious (they adjusted beautifully to my pescatarian diet), and the communal dining setup, with staff joining guests, created a genuine sense of warmth and community.

The activities

We visited at the end of the dry season in September, which is peak time for wildlife concentrations in Chobe. The park has one of the highest elephant densities in Africa at this time of year, and it showed—we regularly spotted herds of over 20 elephants at once. Giraffes gathered in large groups, too, which was incredible to witness.

Because Chobe is a national park, off-roading isn't permitted, but this didn't limit our sightings. Our guide, Tony, used the presence of other vehicles to his advantage, stopping to chat with guides he knew who'd share tips on nearby activity. This led us to a female leopard mid-stalk—we watched her creeping toward prey, completely absorbed in the hunt.

One thing to note: Chobe Under Canvas doesn't use the traditional guide-and-tracker setup you'll find at some other camps. Because it's a national park, no one is allowed to step out of the vehicle except in designated spots—so having a tracker up front would mean breaking the rules. Tony handled driving, tracking, and spotting solo, and he was brilliant at it. He was attentive to our interests and made time for the smaller sightings, not just the big game.

The magic moments

Our first night delivered the kind of experience you can't plan for. We heard branches cracking in the distance, the sound growing closer and closer, until a large elephant herd emerged in the moonlight, walking directly through camp and past our tents. It was one of the most visceral, unforgettable moments of the trip.

• Best for: Travelers who want an authentic bush experience without sacrificing comfort. Ideal for those happy to disconnect. This is not the camp for anyone who needs to stay online.

• Bring two camera batteries; vehicles have charging ports, but there's no power in camp.

• Bucket showers: Request your preferred temperature when you ask for it to be filled. It's surprisingly luxurious.

• Dry season (June–October) offers the best wildlife concentrations, particularly elephants.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our safari page.