CAMP OKAVANGO – OKAVANGO DELTA

Camp Okavango is an exclusive African safari camp situated on the remote Nxaragha Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta and offers a year-round water wilderness experience and walking safaris.

With its open air design and elevated position Camp Okavango is an eco-sensitive lodge hidden amongst beautiful ancient mangosteen trees. The main area comprises a network of interconnected walkways and decks linking two lounge areas, a dining room, library and self-service bar.

The camp offers water-based activities conducted by experienced professional guides who will expertly navigate you through the many meandering, reed-lined waterways by motorboat or explore the Okavango Delta using traditional mokoros.

Guided bush walks are offered on a number of the nearby islands and you can track some of the larger land-based species such as buffalo, lion and hyena. Birding opportunities are outstanding, and fishing is offered.  Please note that Camp Okavango is a water-based camp and game-drive activities using safari vehicles are not possible.

LOCATION

Camp Okavango is located on Nxaragha Island within the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana.

Access is by light aircraft transfer to the airstrip, and it is a short 5 minute walk to the camp.

CAMP

The camp has eleven beautifully furnished safari suites and one family suite.  Each of the suites have been built on individual raised wooden platforms and set beneath the thick Okavango Delta vegetation. The ensuite 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 stunning views over the Okavango Delta.

Fans, small hairdryers and tea and coffee making facilities are available in all rooms and there are 220V multi adaptor plugs for charging photographic equipment.

The family suit has two bedrooms each with an ensuite bathroom and the two tents are joined in the middle through the bathrooms.

Camp Okavango’s main area is 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.

The camp has 24-hour electricity supplied by a solar plant backed up by a generator and 220V AC plugs in all the guest rooms.  A guest laptop is available with basic internet connection in the library – there is no WIFI available.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland water systems. It rises in Angola’s western highlands, then flows through northern Namibia and finally enters Botswana, where it is called the Okavango Delta.

The delta’s floods are fed by the Angolan rains which start in October. The floods cross the border between Namibia and Botswana at Mohembo in December and reach Maun in July. The Okavango River never reaches the sea but flows south-eastwards into the Kalahari. Here it spreads out into a delta formation – a lush water-wilderness of papyrus swamps, shallow reed-beds and floodplains, dotted with islands and laced with a network of channels and lagoons.

Due to its location in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Camp Okavango offers a range of activities focused on exploring the uniqueness of the Okavango Delta waterways and surrounding islands.

Motorised Boat Safaris – guided excursions through the deeper channels and lagoons of the Okavango Delta in hard-bottom aluminium boats. The boats are equipped with comfortable seats, a foldaway canvas roof and life jackets.

Guided mokoro excursions – in traditional canoes through the shallower channels and floodplains of the Okavango Delta.

Bush walks – on the surrounding islands for a chance to track the larger species that inhabit the water wilderness. Guided walks are conducted in small groups with two guides.

Optional fishing – excursions to fish for bream (seasonal). All fishing equipment is available at the lodge.

Scenic helicopter flights – over the Okavango Delta are available from Camp Okavango at an additional charge.

GIVING BACK

The CARES philosophy is the foundation on which Desert & Delta Safaris is built, highlighting our core values in developing human potential and building a sustainable tourism model.

Established in 1982, Desert & Delta Safaris is one of the most successful safari operators in Botswana. Their philosophy and core values in supporting people and protecting the natural heritage of Botswana is at the forefront of how they run their business.

Through a variety of initiatives, they support local communities, focused on creating career opportunities in the tourism industry.

Desert & Delta Safaris employs approximately 320 staff members within the eight safari lodges and the remote location of properties means access to medical care is a challenge, so they employ a full time company doctor. Run as a family practice, the company doctor conducts regular visits to each of the properties allowing him to get to know the staff individually to understand their specific medical needs as a GP but ensuring that the best medical advice and mentoring is freely available.

The company is eco-conscious, driving sustainable and innovative initiatives within daily operations which protect and limit the impact of business on the areas in which they work.

As members of Botswana Tourism, several of the Desert & Delta Safaris camps and lodges are EcoTourism rated, the highest status recognised by Botswana Tourism for sound sustainable tourism initiatives. This includes the usage of greywater treatment plants, careful waste management protocols as well as the use of sustainable building materials wherever possible.

CAMP OKAVANGO IS CLOSED DURING FEBRUARY EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 6 YEARS AND OLDER AND THERE IS A DEDICATED FAMILY TENT AVAILABLE