Best hotels in Okavango Delta

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.

Pitched deep in NG12 — a 90,000-hectare sprawl of northern Okavango — Expeditions Camp is the brainchild of third-generation guide Ralph Bousfield, and it shows. Eight Meru tents sit directly on the forest floor (no raised decks, no frills) beneath ebony trees and facing a seasonal floodplain. The aesthetic is 1920s expedition with four-posters draped with mosquito nets, Persian rugs over levelled sand, bone-handled silver cutlery, and a well-stocked drinks cabinet that seems to refill itself. It's lightly nostalgic without overdoing it, rather letting the Delta do all 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.

Island tree-houses with a relaxed atmosphere

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 known 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. In summary, 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.

Referred to as the ‘place of plenty,’ this intimate tented camp is situated on Chief’s Island, within the Moremi reserve, in northern Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Little Mombo is essentially a smaller, more private neighbour to its larger sister camp, Mombo, and is known for top notch hospitality and guiding. The Mombo concession is renowned for offering some of the best big game viewing in all of Africa. Both camps are also eco friendly, solar-powered, and involved in a number of conservation projects including the reintroduction of the black and white rhino.

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.

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.

This is the Okavango of your dreams, with a vast seasonal floodplain and wildlife to your left and right. And Kadizora Camp delivers it all in spades. Lying in the remote northern delta, this camp offers luxury in both its tents and wildlife encounters. Tear yourself away from the comforts of the lounge, bar and panoramic floodplain views to meander along the waterways in a mokoro. Too hot to move? Rest in the shade of the giant marulas, sycamore figs and rain trees, or cool off in the pool.