Central Okavango
As you might have guessed, Great Plains' latest camp is set on a gloriously private island in the Northern Okavango. On arrival, you'll scarcely believe such a place exists, with every corner providing a front row seat to this startlingly beautiful corner of Botswana. Hosting a maximum of eight guests, you'll have your guide's utmost attention whilst exploring the channels and lagoons, watching hippos wallow, elephant swimming, and the birdlife a-fluttering. And how could we forget the shy sitatunga antelope dwelling in the reeds of the Delta from which the camp takes its name?
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Inspired by the fishing traditions of the people who live in the Okavango Delta, the main lodge is decorated with oversized fishing baskets and heavyset wooden poles, and the interiors are splashed with soft blues across the Persian carpets, beaded curtains and textiles. Dinners are accompanied by wine from the cellar, and most often served under the stars as the firepit crackles nearby. The camp also has a boutique where you can pick up a few souvenirs.
The camp has just two suites, each with wide, netted windows, mini fridges, and solar-powered air-con. The en-suite bathrooms feature a diving copper tub, twin basins, and a generous separate dressing area. More special amenities include binoculars for all, professional cameras and exercise bikes. The rooms are either twin or double, but an extra bed can be added for children under 15. Each room opens onto a spacious deck where a private pool (or a massage...) awaits.
Water-based activities are the main focus at Situatunga Camp. Mokoro rides provide a close-up look at the smaller lifeforms of the Delta, and on the boat rides, look out for hippo, crocodile, elephant and antelope. All boats are equipped with swivel chairs for the very best chance at capturing the photo of a lifetime. While game drives aren't on offer, walking safaris can be arranged - or splurge on a scenic helicopter flight, where you'll stop for champagne on a nearby island (but be sure to book in advance).
Sitatunga Private Island Camp is owned by Great Plains which is dedicated to creating lasting, sustainable conservation solutions for the world's iconic wildlife and wilderness areas. Through their model of compassionate protection and intelligent management, funded by low-impact tourism, they integrate communities, governments, and the private sector. Embracing the concept of 'Conservation Tourism', they prioritise environmentally sound practices while ensuring benefits directly support conservation efforts without a negative impact on the land or wildlife. A contribution of $95 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
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