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“Every day, we had two game walks, which was a beautiful opportunity to explore the Okavango Delta on foot and really be one with nature and the animals here. With our fantastic guide, we were able to track down a lion; see multiple herds of elephants, zebras, and buffaloes; spot pods of hippos in the water; and even watch a leopard slink through the wilderness.” Michelle’s Okavango Delta safari clearly illustrates why this region is one of the premier safari destinations in Africa. What can really take your experience to another level is the safari lodge you choose to stay at.
Get inspired with our list of the top 10 Okavango Delta safari lodges to choose from for your trip to Botswana. From exciting safari activities to five-star dining and luxurious creature comforts, you’ll be hard-pressed to decide on a favourite!
1. Machaba Safaris Monachira Camp
Monachira Camp is a water-based safari camp located along the Monachira Channel in Moremi Game Reserve. Here, elevated wooden decks allow you to enjoy sweeping views of the wetlands, which are often teeming with wildlife. Imagine lounging on the deck, drink in hand, watching as herds of buffalo pass by.
Modern luxury meets vintage safari accommodation in the designer tents, of which two are family tents and eight are double. You’ll be immersed in nature while still enjoying the finer things in life, including a plunge pool surrounded by loungers, gourmet meals, and in-room spa treatments.
There are a variety of ways to explore the wilderness that surrounds you here; as Monachira is a water-based camp, you can’t miss out on mokoro safaris and motorboat rides. While going through the waterways, keep an eye out for semi-aquatic sitatunga antelopes, and birders will be thrilled at the chance to spot Pel’s fishing owls. Nature walks and game drives are also on offer, giving you a well-rounded safari experience in the delta.
2. Desert and Delta Xugana Island Lodge
Situated along an awe-inspiring permanent water site in the Okavango Delta, Xugana Island Lodge boasts some of the best views possible. Imagine a vast expanse of water stretching ahead of you, dotted with lilies, the incredible African sunset hues reflecting across the smooth surface.
These views were taken into account when constructing this lodge, with viewing decks in the main area and multi-level dining. This lodge is a secluded, exclusive experience, as only 22 guests can be accommodated in the luxury lagoon-facing tents. You’re able to allow the tranquillity of nature to wash over you as you gaze at your surroundings from your deck.
3. African Bush Camps Atzaró Okavango Camp
Atzaró Okavango Camp seamlessly blends luxury with an authentic safari experience in the Okavango Delta. Thanks to the open-plan layout, you get to appreciate the natural beauty of the region no matter which way you turn. Local art and crafts dot the lodge among the natural tones that reflect the wilderness.
Opulence awaits in the 12 private suites at Atzaró. Think your own private plunge pool (the perfect place to relax after a game drive), both an indoor and outdoor shower, a private deck for wildlife viewing, and luxury amenities. Comfort is not at the expense of the environment – the lodge is an eco-conscious destination powered by solar energy and created with recycled materials.
4. Natural Selection North Island
In the northern region of the Okavango Delta, on its own private island, lies North Island, a safari camp where you can immerse yourself in the magic of the wetlands. During your exploration of this destination, you can traverse the sparkling channels in a traditional mokoro, go on boat excursions further into the wilderness, embark on game drives across grasslands, and go birding to spot over 350 bird species.
North Island’s positioning allows you the incredible opportunity to see rare animals, such as African wild dogs and aardvarks. Lions are often found in abundance here, as well as large herds of buffalo and elephants. Birders will be in heaven with the array of species, including the wattled crane, carmine bee-eater, and secretary bird (the best time for a birdwatching safari in Botswana is the green season, from November to March).
Positioned on raised wooden decks, surrounded by large trees, and enjoying stunning lagoon views, each of the seven safari tents includes a private plunge pool and sundeck, the perfect place to sit back, relax, and listen to the sounds of the wilderness, including hippos in the water below.
5. Ker & Downey Shinde
Built in a treehouse style, Shinde offers safari-goers a unique and intimate escape in the Okavango Delta. Under the branches of towering ebony and mangosteen trees, the tents and main area of the camp take full advantage of the beautiful lagoon views, which often teem with wildlife. Inside the en-suite safari tents, every luxury is taken care of, from plush king-sized beds and outdoor showers to yoga mats and even hair dryers.
Shinde is a year-round destination offering a variety of ways to explore. Water safaris on either mokoros or motorboats are an incredible way to go birdwatching and spot wildlife on the banks of the waterways – imagine spotting a lion crouching down to take a drink, its amber eyes roaming the landscape.
Embark on a walking safari with an experienced guide to gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and the smaller creatures that call it home. Of course, your safari isn’t complete without game drives across the plains. If you’re an angler, visit between May and September for excellent bream fishing or September to November for exciting tigerfishing opportunities.
6. Sanctuary Chief’s Camp
Chief’s Camp is situated on Chief’s Island, the largest island in the Okavango Delta and a Big Five safari destination. Beyond offering excellent game viewing, Chief’s Camp is consistently rated as one of the Okavango Delta’s top safari lodges by Conde Nast Traveller for its sumptuous accommodation, exquisite cuisine, and exceptional service.
This luxurious destination features 10 luxury pavilions and a luxury suite situated under a canopy of indigenous trees. Each room comes with an outdoor shower and en-suite bathroom, a four-poster bed, mosquito netting, a sitting area, a private dining area, overhead fans, air conditioning, and a viewing deck with a terrace pool. The safari experience features tranquil mokoro rides, dawn and dusk game drives, and even scenic helicopter flights over the delta.
7. andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
Exceptionally luxurious, Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is situated in one of the best game-viewing areas in Botswana. Located in a forest on a private concession within the Okavango Delta, Sandibe offers its guests a truly exclusive experience. The lodge is an architectural wonder, with its one-of-a-kind natural design imitating the rare pangolin.
Blending in seamlessly with its wild surroundings, the lodge features 12 elevated suites, each offering incredible views of the Okavango. Each suite features a fireplace, reading nooks, comfortable beds, and a private viewing deck with a plunge pool. Guests who have stayed at Sandibe consistently mention the amazing game viewing in the private concession, especially on night drives when the nocturnal species come out of hiding. Other popular activities at Sandibe include the children’s programme, bush walks, and scenic helicopter flights over the delta.
8. Great Plains Sitatunga Private Island
Inspired by the shaggy, elusive, and rare sitatunga antelope, this private island is the ideal destination for safari-goers looking for a blend of adventure and serenity. A Robinson Crusoe aesthetic permeates through the lodge with poles reminiscent of salvaged wood from ships, beaded curtains, and bamboo accents.
While at Sitatunga Private Island camp, you can drift through waterways and watch an array of animals, including elephants and, of course, sitatungas, wade through the shallows. Game viewing doesn’t end when you come back to camp. Slip into the pool and continue enjoying the rhythm of nature and wildlife flow around you.
9. Kwando Splash Camp
Kwando Splash Camp is set up around a pan that attracts a variety of wildlife. This stunning destination is situated in the private Kwara Concession bordering the Big Five Moremi Game Reserve, which is recognised as a prime game viewing spot in Botswana. Because of its unique location, the camp offers its guests the best of both worlds in that it’s both a land- and water-based safari experience.
Splash Camp features 12 stylish rooms with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers, spacious bedrooms, mosquito netting, overhead fans, writing desks, lounge areas, and private verandahs with incredible views of the pan. Activities on offer at Splash Camp include guided bush walks, mokoro excursions, morning and evening game drives, seasonal fishing expeditions, bird watching, and boating excursions.
10. Wilderness Vumbura Plains Camp
Wilderness Vumbura Plains Camp is one of the few destinations in the Okavango Delta that offers both wet and dry game viewing in an unfenced private concession throughout the year. Vumbura boasts two satellite safari camps that offer the best of both worlds. Visitors to Vumbura have reported spectacular sightings of giraffes, buffalo, elephants, wildebeest, and a wide array of antelope.
Predators like African wild dogs, lions, leopards, wildcats, and cheetahs are also regularly spotted during dawn and dusk game drives. Vumbura Plains South and North camps each feature seven elevated tents with sizeable bedrooms, outdoor showers, en-suite bathrooms, a sunken lounge area with panoramic views of the floodplains, private plunge pools, and a sala area overlooking the African bush.
North Camp is popular with families because of its family tents that can sleep four people in two separate interleading bedrooms. Each camp has a large lounge, dining, and bar area and a spacious viewing deck with comfy couches and a fire pit. The camp offers day game drives, night drives, guided nature walks, catch-and-release fishing, seasonal hot-air balloon safaris, mokoro rides, boating excursions, and bird watching.
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Author: Devryn Panaino
Published: 27 April 2023