Best hotels in Central Okavango

This five-day trip has it all. Based at their main camp, Kujwana, on the banks of the Xudum River, the safari takes you deep into the western Okavango on horseback – expect around six hours in the saddle on riding days, interspersed with scenic picnic lunches and camp beds for midday siestas (or a dip in the river if you fancy it). But it's not all about galloping across floodplains. Game drives, mokoro trips through the peaceful waterways and leisurely sundowners round out the days, striking a balance between adventure and total relaxation.

The private Nxabega concession in Botswana's Okavango Delta is ideally situated to experience the diversity of this vast wetland wilderness. The scope of activities on offer maximises one's exposure to wildlife and scenery, whether it's from the perch of an open 4x4, the frog-eye level of a silent mokoro, or the bird-eye-view of a helicopter. Beautiful old world safari-style tents and a well-considered camp layout create a luxurious and private experience. This is the best a safari has to offer, without going over the top.

Chitabe camp is the larger of two sister camps situated in the private Chitabe Reserve on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta. Mostly a dry camp with sporadic seasonal flooding, this camp is known for its diversity and abundance of both habitats and wildlife, particularly predators. Exclusive access by light aircraft only adds to the wild feel of this island camp. The area offers a huge diversity of habitats within close proximity, and as such, a diversity of species. Besides diversity, Chitabe is most renowned for its wild dogs which are the stars of Running Wild, a book authored by the camp’s owners.

Most people visiting the Okavango never get anywhere near NG12, a 90,000-hectare sweep of palm islands, channels and floodplain in the far north of the Delta. That’s rather the appeal. Expeditions Camp is the work of third-generation guide Ralph Bousfield, and it’s his idea of what safari was before it became an industry. Eight Meru tents sit on the sand beneath ebony trees, facing a seasonal floodplain. There are four-posters, Persian rugs, bone-handled silver cutlery and a drinks cabinet that never seems to run dry. You won’t find an infinity pool or a statement building. It’s nostalgic without tipping into fancy dress, and it leaves the Delta to do the talking.

Chitabe Lediba is the smaller of two sister camps situated in the private Chitabe Reserve on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta. The camp is an independent four-room counterpart to the nearby eight-room Chitabe Main Camp. Its smaller size increases the intimacy and exclusivity. Mostly a dry camp with sporadic seasonal flooding, this family-friendly, well appointed tented camp is known for its broad range of habitats and species, as well as exceptional service and its wild dog population.

Jao Camp is situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta on a large island bordering the Moremi Game reserve. It is one of the Delta’s original premier camps, well-established and a cut above the rest with high standards and service levels. Access is by light aircraft transfer to Jao airstrip, followed by four-wheel-drive vehicle to the camp. Perched above teaming waterways, yet close to dry Kalahari woodland, it offers the best of both worlds - amphibious activities and unadulterated sophistication in a truly wild and authentic setting.

This intimate tree-house style camp, situated in the centre of the Jao concession, is known for its density of red lechwe and incredibly good birding. Although Kwetsani is not famed for big game, it does offer good predator-spotting opportunities. Perched amongst fig and palm trees on the shores of a slim island, Kwetsani is perfectly positioned to make the most of the surrounding landscapes and their variety of game. Ultimately, Kwetsani offers an authentic and relaxing Okavango experience.

This luxurious, stylish and intimately small tented camp is situated on Hunda Island, the largest island in the Jao reserve, on the western side of the Okavango Delta. Like it’s big sister Tubu Tree Camp, Little Tubu offers some of the best dryland viewing in the area. Although the two camps are separate, they are linked by a wooden walkway. The surrounding forests are a great place to see leopard, while other surrounding areas offer a consistent variety of typical Delta game.

This relatively small tented camp is situated on Hunda Island, the largest island in the Jao reserve, on the western side of the Okavango Delta. While its sister camps Little Tubu, Kwetsani, Jacana and Jao, are more wetland focused, Tubu offers some of the best dryland viewing in the area. The camp has its own airstrip, which adds to the sense of exclusivity. Its surrounding forests are a great space to see leopard, while its other areas offer a consistent variety of typical large and small Delta game.

If you are a good rider and want to see the Okavango Delta, Macatoo Horseback Safari Camp is the place to go. Leave the comfortable tented camp with your experienced guide and trot off into one of Africa’s prime wildlife areas. From your saddle, high above the long grass and reeds, you'll see giraffe, elephant, buffalo, many antelope species and even lion. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and, even if you're not a horserider, exploring the Delta by boat or in a safari vehicle is just as rewarding.

With a steadfast reputation as one of Botswana’s best safari camps, the luxuriously exclusive and award-winning Chief’s Camp, an A&K Sanctuary has recently been rebuilt to incorporate top notch amenities, whilst offering an authentic safari experience. Situated in the Mombo Concession of the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, one of Chief’s Camp's principal draws is the opportunity to observe vast numbers of wildlife in this rich ecosystem, year-round, accompanied by expert guides. The camp’s design allows for maximum comfort and privacy; the layout is spacious, lending wonderful views from all angles, whilst the attention to detail is impeccable. Truly, a first class experience.

Kanana is a luxurious tented camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta floodplains. Its well-chosen position on the Xudum River reveals stunning views of this watery paradise and all its inhabitants. The remote location means Kanana can only be accessed by light aircraft, followed by a brief transfer. Game drives are truly special here.