Setari Camp is an adventurer's paradise, tucked into a forested island in northern Botswana's Okavango Delta. Surrounded by year-round water in an otherwise seasonally flooded floodplain, this new camp lies right at the foot of the panhandle, where the Okavango River spreads across the Kalahari Basin. For anyone who enjoys watching game while afloat, there are myriad channels, lagoons and oxbow lakes to explore... The tents are stilted, tucked among foliage, and are on the luxurious side of comfortable. Don't expect huge numbers of big game, but the birdlife is extraordinary, and the wilderness is magnetic.
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Setari's main area hunkers on the edge of the riverine forest overlooking a floodplain, with its thatched roof and wooden decking helping it melt into the landscape. There's plenty of alfresco seating for enjoying the views, and a dining area that's lit by candles. The interior lounge has cosy corners that are open-sided, allowing you to read and keep an eye on the activities. There's a deck with a fire pit, a pool, and a gym and curio shop.
Elevated walkways lead to eight tented suites and one family tent, all built of canvas with solid-wood beams, and also raised on platforms. Real care has been taken in the overall design – the interiors are that agreeable combination of comfort and luxury. The extra-long king-sized bed is fitted with crisp sheets, there's a free-standing bathtub, a large walk-in shower, and an outdoor shower-with-a-view. The family tent consists of two adjoining tents, each with an en-suite bathroom and outdoor shower.
Accessing Setari involves a plane trip to a nearby airstrip, followed by a 30-minute drive to the waterside dock. Then all wheels are off – from here, you'll get around in motorboats or dugout canoes, and on foot. Cruising through the waterways is smooth and tranquil, and you're likely to see big grazers and browsers (elephants, buffalo, giraffe), primates (monkeys, baboons), water-adapted species such as sitatunga antelope, and a treasury of birds.
Guided walking safaris on one of the islands are truly magical. It's an incredible way to get acquainted with the environment.
For a perfectly balanced Delta experience, combine a visit to Setari with a stay at a drier, land-based camp in the area.
Don't expect huge numbers of big game, but the birdlife is extraordinary, and the wilderness is magnetic.
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