Camp Okavango

Luxurious and intimate safari suites elevated on raised viewing platforms, set beneath the thick vegetation of the Okavango Delta. Interior is elegantly decorated in a classical yet lavish safari style, finely furnished with a host of modern amenities. En-suite bathrooms contain 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.

Amenities Include:

• En-suite bathroom with double vanity and toilet
• Double capacity shower
• Balcony/deck
• 220V Plug points for charging equipment
• Dressing gowns
• hairdryer
• fan
• Safe
• Bio degradable soaps, conditioning shampoo, hand wash, body lotion, insect repellent and shower caps
• A kettle with tea and coffee available
• Complimentary laundry service
• Flashlight, airhorn (in case of emergencies) and umbrella

A luxurious and spacious suite decorated in a classical African safari style, elevated above the ground on raised teak decks and furnished with a variety of modern amenities. Each bedroom has its own private deck, en-suite bathrooms comprising of a double shower, double vanity and toilet. The second bedroom can accommodate 2 children in twin beds, and a third child on a roll out bed. This suite includes a children’s area, complete with a variety of games and books.

Amenities Include:

• En-suite Bathroom with double vanity and toilet
• Double capacity shower
• Balcony/deck
• 220V Plug points for charging equipment
• Dressing gowns
• Hairdryer
• Fan
• Safe
• Bio degradable soaps, conditioning shampoo, hand wash, body lotion, insect repellent and shower caps
• A kettle with tea and coffee available
• Complimentary laundry service
• Flashlight, airhorn (in case of emergencies) and umbrella

Camp Okavango’s main area is comprised of a network of interconnected boardwalks 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 atmosphere. There is a third deck with a rim flow swimming pool and thatched lounge deck.

Perfect for relaxation amidst the midday heat. Camp Okavango’s all inclusive, self-service bar provides an indulgent range of locally sourced and imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a variety of lite bites and snacks to keep you going between meals, available throughout the day and evening. All dietary requirements are accounted for, so be sure to inform the catering staff in advance so they can accommodate you.

Set forth for winding delta channels on a riveting marine safari adventure of a lifetime. Traverse open waters in hard bottom aluminium boats as private guides take you on a journey through the deeper channels of the Okavango Delta. Ensuring a truly remarkable maritime safari experience, providing opportunities to spot aquatic game and water wildlife. Boats are equipped with comfortable seats, a foldaway canvas roof and life jackets.

The Okavango Delta is home to a magnificent variety of indigenous bird species that attract the eye of birders and wildlife enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. Over 450 species make for a unique and unparalleled viewing experience. Some of the rarer avian species include the illusive Pel’s fishing owl, endangered wattled crane and the majestic African fish eagle. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!

The ultimate safari experience. Indulge in a tranquil, culturally enlightening water-bound excursion that see’s you silently glide across open waters in a traditional style African dugout canoe (Mokoro) as you pass scores of aquatic creatures and vegetation. Venturing calmly onward will reveal intricate waterlilies, papyrus grasses, brightly coloured frogs, kingfishers and dragonflies, as well as the elephants that rear in close to feed on the reeds and drink from the river.

Experience first-hand the breath-taking natural beauty of the Botswanan wilderness. Seasoned tour guides will lead you safely through the vast plains of the Okavango where you will witness scores of exotic animals and creatures, immersing you deeply amidst the thriving heart of delta lands, creating lasting memories every step of the way.

Take to the skies with an aerial tour of the Okavango Delta in a guided helicopter excursion across the vastness of the Botswanan wilderness. Witness the delta flats and wetlands like never before with a birds-eye view across the vast stretches of bush, and experience exclusive vistas unattainable through conventional land-based safari. Watch in awe as herds of elephant and other large mammals pass beneath you, soaking in the spectacular geography and unique layout of the land.

flights are operated with the utmost respect and caution for the natural environment, the wildlife and travellers. Routes have been carefully pre-determined to ensure that guests partaking in other activities and in camp are not disturbed. The flight routes and take off areas are designed specifically to utilise pristine areas within the concession.

Camp Okavango offers the quintessential safari experience. Licensed guides will lead you through the vast, undisturbed plains of the Okavango in open 4×4 safari vehicles where you will encounter some of Africa’s most revered and majestic creatures. Morning and afternoon game drives provide the opportunity to photograph meandering elephant herds, lion prides, kudu, giraffe, cheetah, buffalo, and numerous other staples of safari wildlife. Be sure to bring a camera!

The camp employ a company doctor which is run as a family practice, the company doctor conducts regular visits to each of the properties within the circuit allowing him to get to know the staff members individually to understand their specific medical needs, not only administering a GP service but ensuring that the best medical advice and mentoring for all our staff is freely available.

Offering HIV/AIDS testing, ensuring anti-retroviral treatment is effectively administered as well psychological support are critical functions of the doctor, all done with complete confidentiality to ensure job security. All medical treatment supplied by the company doctor is funded by the camp.

The Youth Development Programme focuses on creating workplace opportunities for youth from disadvantaged social environments. Working closely with the Khumaga Primary school, we offer career guidance, education assistance, day trips through the Makgadikgadi National Park, as well as lectures for the youth of the Khumaga Village. The Tsidillo Stimulation Centre offers direct aid and support for the children of Maun with learning, mental and physical disabilities.

The Community Employment Programme focuses on creating workplace opportunities for youth from disadvantaged social environments. Working closely with localised community institutions, a significant percentage of revenue from Desert and Delta Safari holidays is spent on bursaries to train local people for prospective roles within the Botswanan tourism industry.

This enables cash to flow into local economies and allows communities in developing areas to grow as individuals receive the knowledge and education necessary to thrive in the ever-growing sustainable tourism industry.

By offering bursaries for tertiary education, the Leaders for the Future initiative is helping develop Botswana as a leading tourism destination. To date, approximately BWP380, 000 has gone into assisting students with their tourism studies. Students who have successfully completed their studies through the program are guaranteed work placements and career opportunities within the local travel industry.

The CARES philosophy is the foundation on which Desert and Delta Safaris is built. Part of this initiative involves giving back to the local community and environment. A significant portion of revenue is allocated to funding bursaries and educational programs to provide local people the opportunity to train as local safari guides and various maintenance-oriented roles, hereby incorporating local people into the sustainable tourism industry, pumping money into local economies and developing areas. In deconstructing the CARES philosophy, the commitments and credentials held at the heart of Desert and Delta Safaris becomes transparent.

C is for Career and Community; a fundamental value that underpins the ethos at the heart of all operations. Without indigenous, local communities who contribute their support and expertise to the sustainable travel industry, initiatives such as these would prove unsuccessful. To ensure the success and viability of this industry, Desert and Delta Safaris provides opportunities for long term career development and employment to eager and talented locals widespread through the various surrounding communities, to give back to the people and communities who have given so much.

A is for Advanced Health Care; a necessity that can be in no way overlooked or compromised. Desert and Delta Safaris employs approximately 320 staff members within eight safari lodges. Due to the remote locations of these lodges; situated vast distances from mainland civilisation, it is important to care for the welfare of all staff employed, which is why each lodge employs a doctor to tend to the health and wellbeing of all staff and visitors alike, doubling as a general GP service available around the clock. Offering HIV/AIDS testing ensures anti-retroviral treatment is effectively administered, as well psychological support is critical to the wellbeing of all employed, conducted with complete confidentiality to ensure job security.

R is for Responsibility to our Environment; a fundamental value that emphasises the collective efforts at the heart of Desert and Delta Safaris. Without consideration for the environment, the sustainable tourism industry would serve to undermine the very nature essential to its success. All eight of Desert and Delta Safari lodges adhere to strict eco-friendly initiatives that aim to minimise the carbon footprint and emissions inherent to the industry. By incorporating solar powered electricity to power lodge facilities, utilising cutting edge water treatment initiatives, using locally sourced and recyclable materials in the construction of lodges, and incorporating eco-friendly logistical practices, it is possible to set a standard at which all institutions should inspire to and incorporate, as to make a substantial and positive impact on the environment.

E is for Equality in the Workplace; an unnegotiable necessity. The Botswanan tourism industry serves as one of the country’s leading source of revenue yet has offered little historically by way of employing Botswanan nationals and providing opportunities for senior roles and positions.

Desert and Delta provides annual training programs and schedules with the aim of recruiting and training national residents as guides and facility managers, seeking to offset the imbalance of opportunities that have persisted throughout the years. As much as 50% of all lodge managers and staff are female, which is seen as an important step in countering gender inequality within the industry, proving more inclusive opportunities for all who seek to make a difference.

S is for Soul and Spirituality; an often overlooked yet critical matter. Desert and Delta Safaris cares for the physical and psychological wellbeing of all its staff, yet spirituality is an equally important factor. The great distances between home and workplace are an issue inherent to the industry, and one that staff face daily.

Desert and Delta Safaris organises means of transport for workers to be able to visit their home communities and employs a pastor to conduct religious ceremonies in-camp for those with religious obligations. Creating a sense of unity is important, which is why isolation must be addressed wherever possible.

The camps primary waste-water flows into a series of above-ground, sealed water-treatment tanks. The end product is potable water that we use to irrigate the lawns and gardens. This water is tested on a regular basis.

In order to provide water to guests, a reverse osmosis water treatment plant has been built supplying drinking water – bottled water on request. The RO system runs this already safe and naturally filtered water through an additional set of filters to further purify it. The end result is water with TDS (total dissolved solids) of less than 5 ppm.

In comparison, bottled mineral water is around 10 ppm, and the Okavango Delta river water is around 20 ppm. The level below which water is considered safe to drink is 500ppm. The tap water in the average American home has a TDS of around 350ppm. We ask our guests to refill their water bottles (provided) as required from the water coolers in camp.

Every aspect of the camps operation is monitored in terms of its environmental impact in order maintain high standards of environmental care. As members of Botswana Tourism, several of the 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 where possible.

A solar plant at Camp Okavango was built, ensuring the camp runs entirely on renewable energy. The camp has 24-hour power supplied by the solar plant, backed up by generator. 220V AC plug’s in guest rooms.