Central Okavango
It may not seem like you could step any further off the beaten track than the Okavango Delta, but how does a private island sound? Welcome to North Island, a gorgeous lodge on an island ensconced by the boughs of ebony, mangosteen, leadwood and fig trees, and watched over by a lagoon that's popular with the ample wildlife. With only three enormous tents, it's incredibly exclusive and the views and surrounding landscapes are sublime. During the day, discover the Okavango by land, water or from the sky, and in the evening, plonk yourself down and listen to the symphony of bell frogs as fireflies blink above the water. Magic.
/22.693482549905813,-18.918355135540256,6/600x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidGltYnVrdHV0cmF2ZWwiLCJhIjoiY2poMGw1eHpkMmRkbDJ6bW8xYWZ5OGpjYyJ9.PYvAO7lUJ40SOpGvwmQLqw&attribution=false&logo=false)
Covered by a pointed canvas roof, the main area has separate lounge and dining areas featuring grounded yet bold decor that reflects the wildly-beautiful scenery beyond. The areas are connected by a spacious wooden deck, which provides the ultimate spot to follow the movements of hippos in the lagoon nearby, or contemplate the heavens as a fire crackles nearby. When you're not exploring, delve into a new read at the library or squeeze in a little exercise at the outdoor gym.
Shades of deep green and taupe fill the trio of tented suites, each with a giant bed draped in netting and an eco-friendly cooling system (which is completely solar-powered). In the winter months, there's a fireplace just waiting to be lit and keep you cosy in the chilly mornings. You'll also find a fully-equipped bathroom with an outdoor shower to use on balmy, starlit evenings, and the expansive deck boasts a sunken lounge and private plunge pool with views of the busy lagoon.
The northern Okavango is famous for its sprawling buffalo herds and the lions that hunt them, thousands of elephant who migrate through the area, and rare sitatunga antelope who gather along the banks. Take in the iconic scenes on game drives, walking safaris, mokoro or motor boat rides, or from the seat of a helicopter - North Island offers them all. For the twitchers amongst you, keep an eye out for carmine bee-eaters, secretary birds, Pel's fishing owl and around 350 other species. You'll also have the chance to learn about wildlife conservation with one of North Island's eco-partners.
North Island Okavango is owned by Natural Selection which is dedicated to conservation, partnering with local communities, governments, and organizations to protect and expand conservation areas. They build eco-friendly camps that blend into the environment and aim to inform guests about Africa's wildlife challenges and successes, hoping to inspire further positive action for wildlife conservation. A contribution of $50 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Where uber-stylish lodges offer a range of iconic experiences and exceptional wildlife is the cherry on top
