Okavango Delta Top 10 Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps

With its seasonally flooded plains and wooded islands, the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most remarkable safari destinations. It’s not only home to the “Big 5” and endangered African wild dogs but large numbers of wallowing hippos and crocodiles that can be spotted on mokoro canoe safaris, guided walks and game drives.

As one of Botwana’s most sought-after safari destinations, the Okavango Delta boasts exceptional safari lodges and camps that allow you to wildlife spot in style. In this article, discover 10 of the best and what it is that sets them apart. While many are based in the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, some are located within private concessions for a truly exclusive experience.

 

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

Located on Xaxaba Island, this intimate and exclusive safari lodge features just 12 tented suites that offer magnificent views across the floodplains. They come complete with luxurious bathtubs, private plunge pools and sweeping decks, from where you can watch the wildlife coming and going. What sets Belmond Eagle Island Lodge apart is its “slow safari” approach, offering an alternative to the action-packed days of traditional safaris.

 

Highlights

• Embark on a helicopter safari for a bird’s eye view of the Okavango Delta
• Locally sourced and seasonal produce is served at the lodge restaurant
• Game, drives, mokoro canoe trips and village visits with a “slow safari” approach

 

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Xigera Safari Lodge

Forming part of the Moremi Game Reserve, the Xigera Safari Lodge is a luxurious accommodation named after the pied kingfishers that frequent the area. Each of its 12 suites is beautifully decorated with an African aesthetic while a waterside lounge with a copper-clad fireplace lies at the heart of the property. Aside from offering traditional safari experiences in the Okavango Delta, this luxury lodge boasts two spa treatment rooms, a swimming pool and a well-equipped gym.

 

Highlights

• Spacious suites that showcase African artists and creatives
• Participate in daily game drives, mokoro canoe trips and guided walks
• Surrounded by papyrus swamps and wooded islands that attract a diversity of birdlife.

 

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Camp Xakanaxa

Set on the banks of the Khwai River, Camp Xakanaxa is a year-round safari camp that offers a majestic setting for exploring the Moremi Game Reserve. All of its eclectically decorated tents and communal spaces are designed using natural materials while the campfire invites you to socialise with other guests at the end of the day. Camp Xakanaxa prides itself on offering a laid-back and familial environment for guests of all ages.

 

Highlights

• Spacious tents with private decks for intimate viewing wildlife
• Exceptional hospitality that is all about making guests feel at home
• Set within a wildlife-rich part of the Moremi Game Reserve

 

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Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

Designed in an elegant, contemporary style, the Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp offers spellbinding views across the seasonal floodplains of the Moremi Game Reserve. Elevated wooden platforms connect each of the luxuriously appointed suites, which come complete with suspended daybeds framed by thatched blinds. At the heart of the property is a vaulted dining room with a dedicated coffee bar.

 

Highlights

• Indulge in therapeutic massage treatments with trained masseuses.
• Participate in mokoro canoe safaris, helicopter flights and catch-and-release fishing.
• Surrounded by riverine forest and mopane woodland that attract a diversity of wildlife.

 

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Kadizora Camp

Framed by grand fig and marula trees in the heart of the Okavango Delta, the Kadizora Camp centres around a horseshoe-shaped communal area with a sandy fire pit. In addition to its luxuriously appointed tents, there is a spacious family tent, all of which come with bathtubs and outdoor showers. Aside from game drives, guided walks and boating safaris, cultural visits and catch-and-release fishing are offered.

 

Highlights

• Ideally suited for families and couples wanting a laid-back experience
• Optional hot air balloon safaris at sunrise for a unique perspective on the Okavango Delta
• Relax in the middle of the day beside the sparkling swimming pool

 

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Camp Moremi

Overlooking the Xakanaxa Lagoon, Camp Moremi nestles within a natural riverine forest of the Moremi Game Reserve. Elevated wooden walkways connect its 12 tented suites, each of which is decorated in an elegant yet rustic style. The area surrounding Camp Moremi is particularly renowned for its abundant birdlife, with fish eagles and kingfishers regularly sighted here.

 

Highlights

• Timber and thatch communal spaces that include a well-stocked wildlife library.
• Memorable boat excursions to spot elephants, hippos and waterbucks
• Sliding glass doors lead onto private decks for intimate wildlife-viewing experiences.

 

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Jacana Camp

Surrounded by papyrus swamps and seasonal floodplains, Jacana Camp is an exceptional water-based camp on an Okavango Delta island. While mokoro trips, boating safaris and guided walks are offered throughout the year, game drives are also possible between September and May. Each of the Meru-style tents offers stunning views and luxurious creature comforts that include starlit bathtubs.

 

Highlights

• Locally sourced ingredients are used to create sumptuous meals in the restaurant.
• Jacana supports the Children in the Wilderness initiative to preserve the area for future generations.
• Exceptional encounters with water-loving elephants, hippos and native birdlife

 

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Sanctuary Baine’s Camp

Set on the banks of the Boro River, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp takes its name from the 19th-century explorer, Thomas Baines. With just five suites, it is one of the most exclusive camps in the Okavango Delta and comes complete with starlit bathtubs, private decks and skybeds. During the heat of the day, you can relax in one of the two salas that frame the sparkling swimming pool.

 

Highlights

• A diverse choice of activities that include game drives, mokoro safaris and guided birdwatching walks.
• Sustainably designed with recycled cans for an eco-friendly stay
• Located on a private concession that allows guided walks and night drives.

 

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Chitabe Camp

Forming part of a private concession on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, Chitabe Camp offers a unique mix of both Kalahari and Okavango habitats. It is a renowned predator hotspot and a photographer’s dream, with large numbers of cheetahs and lions among the area’s animal residents. Each of the tented suites is decorated with earthy colours and striking wildlife images by Dave Hamman.

 

Highlights

• Regular sightings of predatory cats during early morning and evening game drives
• The camp supports the work of the Botswana Wildlife Dog Research Project
• Guided walks offer a unique perspective on the Moremi Game Reserve

 

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Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Set along a network of ancient game paths, the Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is an intimate and stylish camp surrounded by wild palms and fig trees. Each of its 12 raised suites was inspired by golden weaver nests while the main lodge recreates the armour of a pangolin. A highlight of staying at the Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is feasting on delicious cuisine prepared in the interactive kitchen.

 

Highlights

• Traditional baskets and Botswanan handicrafts adorn the private and communal spaces
• A diverse range of activities that include game drives, bush walks, helicopter flights and massages.
• A uniquely designed property inspired by native African wildlife.

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