Camp Okavango | Best Botswana Safari Lodges

The place

Camp Okavango is as close as you get to an ocean-island experience in the heart of Southern Africa. The sense of remoteness is enhanced by the fact that the only way to reach this hidden safari lodge is by light aircraft and then a short walk across Nxaraga Island. The absence of vehicles on the island adds to the tranquillity. At first, we’re stuck by the almost complete silence, but our ears soon become accustomed to snatches of birdsong, and the whisper of the breeze in the tops of the trees that lean over the camp. Our footprints mingle with the tracks of animals as we walk, and within minutes we’ve arrived at the camp. Stepping out onto the main deck causes us both to exclaim at the beauty of our surroundings: an immense floodplain, criss-crossed by streams, a larger channel, and myriad wildlife paths stretches out from beneath our feet. The level plain is punctuated by clusters of palm bushes, and small, bare islands, on one of which we spot a crocodile basking in the sun. It waddles leisurely into the water, its slow gait setting the pace for our time at this luxurious lodge.

Camp Okavango is as close as you get to an ocean-island experience in the heart of Southern Africa. The sense of remoteness is enhanced by the fact that the only way to reach this hidden safari lodge is by light aircraft and then a short walk across Nxaraga Island.

The absence of vehicles on the island adds to the tranquillity. At first, we’re stuck by the almost complete silence, but our ears soon become accustomed to snatches of birdsong, and the whisper of the breeze in the tops of the trees that lean over the camp.

Our footprints mingle with the tracks of animals as we walk, and within minutes we’ve arrived at the camp. Stepping out onto the main deck causes us both to exclaim at the beauty of our surroundings: an immense floodplain, criss-crossed by streams, a larger channel, and myriad wildlife paths stretches out from beneath our feet.

The level plain is punctuated by clusters of palm bushes, and small, bare islands, on one of which we spot a crocodile basking in the sun. It waddles leisurely into the water, its slow gait setting the pace for our time at this luxurious lodge.

The room

We love the stroll along the raised walkway to our room – we’re several metres above the ground and birds flit about us. Our safari suite is on its own deck, reinforcing the sense that we have the island to ourselves. The genius of the architecture is that our suite is built around the trees – as they were here first, the building must accommodate them, rather than vice versa. Wherever we are in our suite, we can see out, either through mesh panels or the stacking doors, which fold open ingeniously to admit more of the sights and sounds of Nature. The double vanity means that we can both brush our teeth and brush up on our birding at the same time, and I can’t help noticing that there’s plenty of room for two in the shower – another safari experience we can share! The wooden deck invites us to step outside and scan our surroundings for visitors, and as I do so, my partner hands me a cup of coffee. Things, they say, can only get better, but in this moment, on this island and in this company, I wouldn’t change a thing.

We love the stroll along the raised walkway to our room – we’re several metres above the ground and birds flit about us. Our safari suite is on its own deck, reinforcing the sense that we have the island to ourselves.

The genius of the architecture is that our suite is built around the trees – as they were here first, the building must accommodate them, rather than vice versa. Wherever we are in our suite, we can see out, either through mesh panels or the stacking doors, which fold open ingeniously to admit more of the sights and sounds of Nature.

The double vanity means that we can both brush our teeth and brush up on our birding at the same time, and I can’t help noticing that there’s plenty of room for two in the shower – another safari experience we can share! The wooden deck invites us to step outside and scan our surroundings for visitors, and as I do so, my partner hands me a cup of coffee. Things, they say, can only get better, but in this moment, on this island and in this company, I wouldn’t change a thing.

What sets it apart

‘Camp O’, as the staff affectionately call it, is distinguished by its remoteness, and the way it perfectly blends intimate comfort with the possibilities offered by the expansive landscape. We love the fact that we’ll travel everywhere either on foot or by boat or mokoro – a true Okavango Delta experience, not unlike that of the communities’ who live around the delta. The tranquillity is mesmerising; I’m sure my blood pressure drops a little more with each moment we spend here. This is a lodge that’s entirely sympathetic to its surroundings, and which offers a soothing sanctuary to travellers from less serene parts of the world.

‘Camp O’, as the staff affectionately call it, is distinguished by its remoteness, and the way it perfectly blends intimate comfort with the possibilities offered by the expansive landscape. We love the fact that we’ll travel everywhere either on foot or by boat or mokoro – a true Okavango Delta experience, not unlike that of the communities’ who live around the delta.

The tranquillity is mesmerising; I’m sure my blood pressure drops a little more with each moment we spend here. This is a lodge that’s entirely sympathetic to its surroundings, and which offers a soothing sanctuary to travellers from less serene parts of the world.

At a glance

Camp Okavango has 11 safari suites and one family unit perched on individual raised decks, while the thatched, double-level main area has lounge areas, a pool and a bar.
Remote island location, private dining available, private activities available (additional cost), flexible schedules, limited number of guests per activity and year-round Okavango water experience.
Motorboat and mokoro excursions, guided island bush walks, birding, catch-and-release fishing (seasonal) and scenic helicopter flights (additional cost). No game drives as this is a water-based camp.
Family suite with two en-suite bedrooms available, each with a private deck. Second bedroom can accommodate up to three children (twin beds plus a roll-out bed). Families travelling with children aged 6–11 must book private activities (additional cost).

Camp Okavango has 11 safari suites and one family unit perched on individual raised decks, while the thatched, double-level main area has lounge areas, a pool and a bar.
Remote island location, private dining available, private activities available (additional cost), flexible schedules, limited number of guests per activity and year-round Okavango water experience.
Motorboat and mokoro excursions, guided island bush walks, birding, catch-and-release fishing (seasonal) and scenic helicopter flights (additional cost). No game drives as this is a water-based camp.
Family suite with two en-suite bedrooms available, each with a private deck. Second bedroom can accommodate up to three children (twin beds plus a roll-out bed). Families travelling with children aged 6–11 must book private activities (additional cost).

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.