Camp Okavango
- Escape to Africa Editorial Team
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
Botswana's Luxurious Delta Haven
As I step onto the remote Nxaragha Island in the heart of Botswana's Okavango Delta, I'm immediately struck by the seamless blend of untamed wilderness and refined luxury that defines Camp Okavango. This hidden gem, recently honoured with the World Luxury Travel Award for Sustainable Tourism in Southern Africa, offers an unparalleled safari experience that speaks to the most discerning of travelers.
The arrival itself is an adventure – touching down on a private airstrip before being whisked away to this exclusive retreat. Camp Okavango's intimate setting, hosting just 24 guests across 11 luxurious suites and one family suite, ensures that privacy and personalized service remain paramount. Each East African-style safari tent is a masterpiece of sustainable luxury, where modern comforts meet authentic African design.
My suite, a haven of tranquility, opens to breathtaking delta views. The attention to detail is impeccable – from the electric fans that keep the space perfectly temperate to the elegant furnishings that remind you this is no ordinary safari experience. The en-suite bathroom rivals any five-star hotel, while the private deck offers a front-row seat to nature's daily performance.
What truly sets Camp Okavango apart is its unique approach to safari experiences. Forget the typical game drive – here, you'll explore the delta's labyrinthine waterways in ways that feel both exclusive and authentic. I found myself gliding through crystal-clear channels in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), champagne in hand, as red lechwe antelope grazed nearby. The guided walking safaris offer an intimate connection with the delta's secrets, while sunset boat cruises transform wildlife viewing into a luxurious affair.
The culinary journey at Camp Okavango deserves special mention. Each meal is an event, whether served in the elegant dining room or under the stars on a floating deck. The chef's creations showcase the finest local ingredients, elevated to gourmet status. I particularly loved the surprise bush breakfast after our morning activity – a white-tablecloth affair set up in a scenic clearing, complete with made-to-order eggs and freshly baked pastries.
For those seeking ultimate exclusivity, the camp's sleep-out experiences offer a night under the African sky, reimagined with luxury camping amenities. The main lodge area is equally impressive, featuring a stunning infinity pool, cocktail bar, and a carefully curated wildlife reference library – perfect for those moments between adventures.
What impressed me most was Camp Okavango's commitment to sustainable luxury. The camp's eco-sensitive design and operation under Desert & Delta Safaris' CARES philosophy prove that conservation and luxury can coexist beautifully. Solar power, water conservation initiatives, and community involvement programs run silently in the background, allowing guests to indulge guilt-free in this pristine environment.
As I sip my sundowner at the lodge's deck, watching elephants wade through the crystal waters below, I realise that Camp Okavango offers something increasingly rare in today's world – authentic luxury that doesn't compromise on either comfort or conservation. For the sophisticated traveler seeking an extraordinary African experience, this hidden paradise in the Okavango Delta isn't just a destination – it's a revelation.
Perfect for
Luxury adventure seekers,
wildlife enthusiasts,
eco-conscious travelers,
honeymooners
Best time to visit
Year-round, with each season offering unique wildlife experiences
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