Desert & Delta Safaris has great pleasure in announcing that the construction of the new Camp Okavango is now completed and we welcomed our first guests back to our Okavango Delta paradise, on Nxaragha Island, on April 14, 2016.
Having hosted travelers to the Okavango Delta for over 35 years, in November 2015 Camp Okavango said goodbye to its last guests and made way for the new Camp Okavango. This remodeled Camp promises to continue the traditions for which the original camp is renowned, but now from a newly designed eco-sensitive camp.
The rebuild of Camp Okavango took a total of 5 months which began with the complete removal of the original camps infrastructure. The new camp has moved to the edge of the Nxaragha Island to take advantage of the impressive delta scenery, but has remained within the original camps general location to ensure there was minimal impact on the environment during construction.
AN ECO-CONSCIOUS DELTA CAMP
In staying with our sustainable tourism objectives, Camp Okavango has been built using a variety of modern, non-invasive, building techniques. Along with the eco-friendly design of the lodge, it is now run solely on renewable solar energy. The seventy kilowatt solar power plant provides the camp with twenty four hours of clean, green energy.
In addition to this initiative, we have further reduced the impact on the environment by installing a state of the art water treatment plant that can provide approx. 20,000 liters of environmentally friendly waste water a day. This water is now used to irrigate the camp environment as well as Camp Okavango’s private grass airstrip. Previously this water was extracted from the Delta, but this new technology now allows it to be pumped into our irrigation system to maintain the natural grass surfaced airfield which guests use to access the lodge every day.
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Perfectly positioned on the edge of the Nxaragha Island, Camp Okavango’s expansive main area has been built on elevated wooden decks with interconnected walkways linking the two lounge areas, dining room, library, self-service bar and curio shop. In front of the thatched lounges sweeping ramps lead to the lower decks with two open-air fire pits and comfortable seating areas to relax and take in the natural surroundings. There is a third deck which leads off from the main area which has a secluded rim flow swimming pool and thatched lounge for those warm summer days.
GUEST ACCOMMODATION
Camp Okavango has twelve rooms, accommodating a maximum of 24 guests, eleven intimate safari suites and one family suite. All rooms are on elevated wooden platforms and are connected with the main lodge via a wooden walkway. Each of the guest rooms have been thoughtfully placed beneath the natural Okavango Delta vegetation offering impeccable views over the delta. Inside, the expansive open-plan rooms have a bedroom (double or twin), lounge and en-suite bathroom. The en-suite bathrooms have double vanities, double shower and a separate water closet. Through the large stack away sliding doors the rooms open onto a private viewing deck to take in the spectacular scenery.
The new family unit has two separate bedrooms both with en-suite bathrooms with interconnected doors for easy access between the rooms. With the addition of a family room, Camp Okavango now forms part of our new Ultimate Family Safari Packages which offer families the opportunity to experience the diversity of Botswana on an easy to book and flexible itinerary.
THE CAMP OKAVANGO EXPERIENCE
With its location deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Camp Okavango focuses mainly on exploring the natural wonders of the delta. Our experienced guides take guests out to explore the intricate waterways of the delta in a modern motorboat or the old-fashioned way, in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe).
For those hoping to get closer to nature, guided bush walks are conducted on the many nearby islands, offering an opportunity to track some of the larger land-based species that inhabit this water wilderness. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s last true remaining wilderness regions. The new Camp Okavango allows visitors the opportunity to truly immerse themselves into this water wilderness environment from a modern eco-sensitive camp which boasts the traditions of the original Camp Okavango and Desert & Delta Safaris.
THE DESERT & DELTA SAFARIS PORTFOLIO
Desert and Delta Safaris is unique because our properties in Botswana are strategically located within the key wildlife areas of Botswana. A combination of these areas allow for possibly the best safari circuit within the destination. Another key advantage to the Desert and Delta Safaris circuit is the fact that every property is totally different to the next. We have specifically avoided using the same building styles, furnishings, decor and even cutlery and cookware for a reason. Every destination should be seen and experienced for its own merits and atmosphere and although our high service levels are maintained throughout all of our properties, the physical lodge or camp experience is different.
For more information on Desert & Delta Safaris and Camp Okavango:
Contact us @ Africa Discovery:
1 800 886-7321, (415) 444-5100
or Email us