Okavango Delta

Summary

Lying in the middle of the largest expanse of sand on earth the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most amazing, sensitive and complex environments supporting a spectacle of wilderness and wildlife. Unique as one of the world’s few inland deltas, the placid waters and lush indigenous forests offer a safe haven for innumerable bird and wildlife species. The Okavango Delta offers a number of activities for the visitor; game viewing, birding and fishing are all on offer. One can experience this magical world of islands and waterways from land, air and water. Highlights include the elusive Sitatunga antelope which has found refuge in this pristine wetland ecosystem, while birds such as the African fish eagle, Pel's fishing owl and many others provide a spectacular display.

Map

Click to display the map

Rooms: 9Type: Tented CampSpecial Interests: Birding, Nature, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

“Paradise Island” is a fitting name for the location of this water wonderland camp, deep in the Okavango Delta. The ebb and flow of the annual inundation shapes this area of islands, channels and papyrus beds. Seasonal boat trips to shallow water lagoons enable swimming and other truly immersive experiences. Mokoro excursions are a speciality, as well as game drives on the productive Nxabega Island. Xigera comprises nine luxury tents nestled between giant riverine forest trees, and connected by an elevated walkway. A highlight is reading the ‘morning news’ – the tracks of nocturnal visitors left behind in a sandpit on the bridge. INSIDER'S TIP: This is the land of the elusive sitatunga antelope and Pel’s fishing-owl. Keep an eye out for these and other speciality sightings as you float along the serene channels of the Delta.

Rooms: 8Type: Safari LodgeSpecial Interests: Birding, Nature, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

As a ‘combination’ Okavango Delta camp, Seba offers enthralling wildlife encounters from both land- and water-based activities. In addition to game drives and boating, walking safaris are another exceptional way to get up close to your subject at eye level. Look out for tracks and signs, and reconnect with nature on foot.

The camp’s lagoon-side setting hints at the rich wildlife experience to come. Eight luxury tents include two designed for families, with interconnecting bedrooms and plunge pools. Access the bush by game drive, mokoro or guided walks, or join your children for a bush cooking or photography lesson.

INSIDER'S TIP: Game viewing at Seba is excellent, with lion and leopard, a chance to see roan, and hyaena cubs when the resident clan is denning.

Rooms: 6Special Interests: Birding, Nature, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

Abu Camp offers Africa’s premier elephant interaction experience where you’ll have the opportunity to see the Okavango Delta through the eyes of the herd as they accompany you into the bush, and subtly make a case for the conservation of all elephants.

The six luxury guest tents, with private plunge pools and viewing decks, peep out across a lagoon from under ancient fig trees. Game drives, guided walks, and mokoro and boat excursions reveal the many wonders of this wildlife-rich area. The Abu team delight in creating unique moments for guests, whether in the company of elephants or at night around a crackling campfire.

INSIDER'S TIP: Book a night under the stars in the Abu Star Bed. The king-sized bed on a raised platform is close to the elephant boma, so you’ll be lulled to sleep by the contented rumbling of the Abu herd below.

Rooms: 8Type: Safari LodgeSpecial Interests: Birding, Nature, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

Chitabe’s location places it at the heart of a complex and beautiful mosaic of habitats, and this diversity results in Chitabe being one of the most storied of all Botswana’s areas. Experienced, passionate guides are inspired by the intricate and dynamic landscapes to deliver wildlife experiences few other locations can match.

Eight elevated, Meru-style guest tents provide the perfect human habitat, while a stroll along the elevated walkways connecting them to the main area is a safari experience in itself. Day and night drives and guided walks showcase the varied wildlife and landscapes of the Okavango margins.

INSIDER'S TIP: Learn more about the wild dog packs of the area; if you’re lucky you’ll see some of these endangered carnivores.

Rooms: 5Type: Safari LodgeSpecial Interests: Birding, Nature, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

On the same island as its sister camp, Chitabe Lediba is a smaller, more intimate destination for small groups and families. Views over the “lediba” – a former lagoon that is now a waterhole – give the opportunity to watch the daily animal traffic. Beyond the camp, Okavango and Kalahari landscapes meet to form rich habitats.

Of the five guest tents, two are specially designed for families. Each is decorated in a unique, inviting style, while mealtimes in the intimate dining area (with its views across the floodplains) lend themselves to recounting tales of game drives and nature walks.

INSIDER'S TIP: Scan the bushveld during your evening drive for nocturnal mammals such as civet, genet, bushbabies, owls and leopard.

Rooms: 12Spoken Languages: EnglishSpecial Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

Camp Okavango, a unique and exclusive African safari camp is situated on the remote Nxaragha Island. This hidden treasure, in the heart of the permanent Okavango Delta, assures its guests of an unparalleled year-round water wilderness experience.

Camp Okavango’s main area comprises of a network of interconnected walkways linking up two lounge areas, a dining room, library, self-service bar and curio shop. Sweeping ramps lead to the lower level deck with two open-air fire pits and comfortable seating areas to relax and take in the natural surroundings. There is a third deck with a rim flow swimming pool and thatched lounge deck for those warm summer days.

With its open air design and elevated position, the new Camp Okavango is an eco-sensitive lodge which captures the very essence of the Okavango Delta.

To ensure a peaceful and genuine safari experience, Camp Okavango accommodates just twenty-four guests. There are eleven intimate Safari suites and one Family suite consisting of two bedrooms and each with an en-suite bathroom. Each of the guest suites have been built on individual raised wooden platforms and set beneath the thick Okavango Delta vegetation. The en-suite bathrooms have double vanities, double shower and a separate water closet (with a view). The stack away sliding doors open onto a private open-air viewing deck offering beautiful views over the Okavango Delta.

Rooms: 9Spoken Languages: EnglishSpecial Interests: Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Nature, Star Gazing, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

Kwara sits on the beautiful lagoon of the original site, and is set to be a larger and more luxurious camp than its predecessor.

Kwara overlooks a secluded lagoon in the northern part of the Okavango Delta, within the magnificent 1,700 sq.km Kwara concession which borders the Moremi Game Reserve. With access to both the permanent waterways of the Delta and expansive dry land areas, a range of activities are available including game drives, night drives, mokoro and motor boat excursions, nature walks and seasonal fishing. Kwara is admired for its quality game viewing with consistent sightings of predators, including lion, cheetah, and leopard. Herds of elephants frequent the area, as well as giraffe, zebra, sitatunga, lechwe, impala and hippos and the lagoon is known for its abundant varieties of birdlife.

The décor of Kwara pays homage to the authentic African style of Kwando Safaris, and will have 9 canvas tents. Each tent has a spacious deck overlooking the lagoon, an ensuite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers and a gorgeous bath – all of which have views out to the floodplains.

Rooms: 3Type: Safari LodgeLocation: Botswana

Little Tubu shares Hunda Island with its larger sister camp, and also benefits from being in a dry-land location surrounded by seasonally-inundated floodplains. Little Tubu offers an intimate safari experience, combining the luxury of seclusion and privacy with access to some of the best game viewing in the Okavango.

The three luxury guest tents that make up Little Tubu peep out from under the shade of a grove of riverine trees. Sightings of wildlife from the camp inspire excursions to productive woodlands in open 4x4 vehicles, with seasonal water-based activities also an option.

INSIDER'S TIP: The beautiful hide located near to camp is a wonderful platform to enjoy game viewing. At night the hide is transformed into a Star Bed that offers a thrilling wilderness immersion.

Type: Safari LodgeSpoken Languages: EnglishSpecial Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Nature, Relaxation, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

Tall, graceful palm trees mark the location of Pelo Camp, while the island’s distinctive shape is instantly recognisable from the air. ‘Pelo’ is the local word for heart, and guests instantly fall in love with this tiny, tranquil island hideaway.

One of the smaller camps in Botswana, Pelo has five tents with private verandas and magnificent vistas of the surrounding Okavango. The emphasis at Pelo is on mokoro excursions – a smooth, silent way to connect both with the finer details of the Okavango Delta and the rich heritage of the people of this region.

INSIDER'S TIP: Watch the comings and goings of wildlife from the comfort of the camp and by mokoro – hippos, lechwe and sitatunga among many other water-loving creatures.

Type: Tented CampLocation: Botswana

The camp is nestled under large acacia trees in a diverse and game-rich area. Most of the concession is comprised of a mixed woodland habitat and open grasslands that are transformed into floodplains in years of plentiful water. The main area includes a thatched dining room where guests will enjoy freshly prepared meals as well as a cosy lounge. The camp accommodates a maximum of eight guests in five spacious and comfortable canvas tents. Designed to recreate the style of the early explorers, the tents feature richly-coloured teak director chairs and comfortable interiors. Separate bedside tables with 12-volt reading lamps, wooden-framed wardrobes, comfortable twin beds and mirrors are provided. Each tent has a private en-suite toilet and shower. Interpretive day and night drives and guided bush walks are led by experienced Explorations guides, where guests are likely to view a multitude of grazing animals in the fertile and grassy surrounds. Wildlife is plentiful with regular sightings of leopard, lion, wild dog, cheetah, giraffe and elephant. Guests can also choose to relax and take in the views from under the shade of their veranda. In the evenings, paraffin hurricane lanterns and a crackling campfire set the ambience.

Rooms: 6Spoken Languages: EnglishSpecial Interests: Birding, Nature, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

This small, intimate camp embodies all that is best about the Okavango Delta – breathtaking beauty, remote, peaceful island location, abundant game and varied landscapes. Add in the warm hospitality of the people of this region – who are stakeholders in the ecotourism success story of the Okavango – and you have a winning (and beautiful) combination.

With access to varied, game-rich habitats, this six-tented camp nestles beneath the trees of an ancient island forest. A floating jetty connects land with water, and the wildlife experience can include sightings of sable and wild dog.

INSIDER'S TIP: Float along a crystal-clear Okavango waterway by mokoro as you scan for reed frogs and waterlilies. The hot air balloon safari is another highlight for seeing wildlife from new heights!

Rooms: 5Special Interests: Birding, Nature, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

Kwetsani offers the perfect Okavango ‘combination’ experience. Its extremely remote location gives access to both water and dry land areas, allowing guests to see all aspects of the Delta’s makeup. Unique "tree house" style tents provide exceptional views from their elevated positions, looking out over floodplains dotted with game.

The five tents combine with the cool thatched main area to form a self-contained safari world – a fusion of creature comforts and incredible wildlife moments. Access to Hunda Island for game drives, plus water activities in search of species rarely encountered elsewhere, contribute to Kwetsani’s comprehensive activity offering.

INSIDER'S TIP: Lie back on the loungers at the pool on a sunny afternoon while looking out for wildlife and “Delta Specials” or enjoy sightings from the comfort of your private room.

Rooms: 5Type: Safari LodgeSpoken Languages: EnglishSpecial Interests: Birding, Nature, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

Jacana is the archetypal Okavango Delta camp. Situated in the beautiful, expansive Jao Flats, Jacana is a place where the rhythms of the arriving (and departing) annual inundation can be seen and felt. The year-round presence of water creates a tranquil environment shared with multitudes of birds – including sought-after ‘Okavango specials’ – and other wildlife which thrives in this unique, water-filled environment.

Jacana features five guest tents, each with an outdoor shower. The main area, sheltered beneath giant sycamore fig trees, is the starting point for waterborne voyages of discovery by boat and mokoro.

INSIDER'S TIP: A safari at Jacana is not complete without enjoying a mokoro ride along the tranquil channels of the Delta. Scan passing trees for the elusive Pel’s fishing-owl!

Rooms: 8Type: Safari LodgeSpecial Interests: Birding, Nature, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

From its location on the western side of remote Hunda Island, Tubu Tree has easy access to a diverse range of habitats. Day and night game drives explore productive mopane and acacia woodlands, with Tubu Tree being well known for its leopard sightings. Wildlife movements vary with seasonal water levels, meaning that no two Tubu experiences are ever the same – but all are equally wonderful.

Eight guest tents (including one designed for families) offer breathtaking floodplain views from their elevated positions. In addition to the drama and excitement of game drives, seasonally-available water activities facilitate a different pace and perspective.

INSIDER'S TIP: Enjoy a drink at Tubu’s famous open-air bar under the shade of a marula tree.

Rooms: 7Type: Safari LodgeSpecial Interests: Birding, Nature, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

In the heart of the Okavango, luxurious Jao is set amongst islands fringed with riverine forests and vast, floodplains with prolific wildlife. Shaded by a canopy of trees, the five spacious suites and two ultra-luxe villas offer en-suite facilities with both indoor and outdoor showers. Expansive views from the private sala at each suite make for a sumptuous setting for afternoon siestas.

Customised luxury guest suites and two ultra-luxe villas share Jao Island with the spectacular main area, which features a pool, a library and an outdoor boma for evenings of traditional food, song and dance. The views of the night skies over Jao cement its place in the safari firmament as a star among equals.

INSIDER'S TIP: Make the most of the many luxuries offered such as the beautiful star bed sleep-out or a visit to the spa to feel utterly restored.

Rooms: 9Brand: andBeyondSpoken Languages: EnglishSpecial Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Indigenous Culture Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

A maze of sparkling lagoons, meandering channels and overgrown islands teeming with wildlife, Botswana’s Okavango Delta lies like a sparkling jewel at the heart of the Kalahari Desert. Known as the river that never finds the sea, the Delta’s crystal-clear channels spread over the thirstlands of the Kalahari with their papyrus-fringed banks and fertile floating islands. Adapted for a life in and out of water, the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga are found in this watery wilderness. Lion, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog share the floodplains with large herds of elephant and buffalo. Hippo inhabit the deeper channels and lagoons, while honeybadgers can be seen in broad daylight. Tall termite mounds are homes for families of dwarf and banded mongoose. Traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) rides explore the delicate details of the glistening waterways, where iridescent dragonflies, frogs of every colour and jewel-like kingfishers live in the papyrus-lined banks.

andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp is located in a 25 00 hectare (61 775 acre) exclusive wildlife concession on the edge of the Okavango Delta, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Ideally positioned to explore the magnificence of the Okavango, the camp is known for its elegant tented accommodation, which boasts breath-taking views of the ever-changing Delta. Blending skilfully with the environment, nine exclusive tented suites set on raised wooden platforms are tucked beneath a canopy of ebony trees. Each spacious tent features ensuite bathrooms and private verandas with romantic salas overlooking the reeded floodplain. The heart of Nxabega lies in its handsome living and dining areas, where burnished teak floors and a steeply pitched thatch roof frame a lofty and comfortable space. Made from local timber, reed and thatch, the guest areas include indoor and outdoor dining areas, a Safari Shop and a swimming pool with an expansive viewing deck. From this springboard of comfort, guests are able to appreciate the exquisite beauty of the Okavango Delta. Private bush dinners, breakfasts in bed, lamplit cocktails on a river island or a walking safari with al fresco picnic are all provided with pleasure by Nxabega’s warm and friendly staff.

Rooms: 8Type: Safari LodgeSpoken Languages: EnglishSpecial Interests: Birding, Fishing, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

Xugana Lagoon is widely accepted as being the most spectacular permanent water site in the entire Okavango Delta. Xugana Island Lodge, situated on a wooded island abutting the lagoon, takes full advantage of this magnificent site. The thatched common area, comprising cocktail bar, lounge and curio shop, is still the original building put up in 1974, when Xugana became only the second tourist lodge ever built in the Okavango Delta.

Mokoro trips in eco-friendly dugout canoes built to the traditional design, boat safaris to lagoons and islands and wilderness walks give guests the chance to see the Delta wildlife such as sitatunga and lechwe antelope, crocodile and hippo, as well as the other big game that frequents the islands and riverine fringes. Bird-watching opportunities are outstanding, and the bream and tiger fishing can be excellent at certain times of the year. Optional day and night drives are available on the islands surrounding Xugana Island Lodge. The peaceful boat ride back across Xugana Lagoon during the spectacular African sunset provides a lifelong memory.

Rooms: 9Type: Luxury Tented CampSpecial Interests: Birding, Nature, WildlifeLocation: Botswana

The name Qorokwe means “the place where the buffalo broke through the bush into the water" and is evocative of the high-density game area in which the camp is situated. The diverse habitats of the south-eastern Okavango support a wealth of wildlife, earning the area’s well-deserved reputation as a top Botswana safari destination.

Qorokwe Camp has nine tented suites, one of which is a spacious family unit with a private plunge pool. En-suite facilities feature an indoor shower with an inward opening door giving the illusion of an outdoor shower experience. Built on elevated wooden platforms, the main area includes a dining room, lounge, library, bar and an infinity pool overlooking an expansive lagoon. Highlights of Qorokwe’s dining experiences include festive boma evenings and scrumptious pizzas from the camp’s bespoke oven.

INSIDER'S TIP: Keep a look out for the secretive white rhino which have been reintroduced into this area.