The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest and ever-changing inland river delta and Africa’s most exclusive safari destination. Its maze of glistening lagoons and vast savannas support a myriad of wildlife - from large populations of mammals to over 400 species of bird. To ensure that you experience the best of the Delta, we have put together a list of the 10 Okavango Delta lodges that are sure to impress even the most discerning traveler.
Nothing beats enjoying your early morning coffee and breakfast on the main deck at Camp Okavango - surrounded by lush open savannas and clear blue skies.
What makes this lodge special:
Secluded water-based safari lodge situated on its own island offering an unparalleled year-round water wilderness experience.
Star rating:
5 Stars
An inside look:
The luxurious Camp Okavango nestles on the secluded Nxaragha Island in the heart of the permanent Okavango Delta. The solar-powered camp boasts twelve elevated safari suites that are incredibly spacious and well-appointed with full en-suite bathrooms, overhead fans, dressing robes, tea and coffee making facilities, in-room safes, luxury amenities and a private deck complete with loungers and stackable doors which offer spectacular views of the Delta. Even families are welcome at Camp Okavango, with one of the suites equipped with two bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms, and an additional children's area complete with games and books. Families love Camp Okavango as the camp will even accommodate a third child in the second bedroom on a roll-out bed - another good reason why Camp Okavango is one of our Top 10 Okavango Delta Lodges. Although the safari experience is not done in a traditional game vehicle, guests are afforded exceptional game viewing as they explore the winding channels and surrounding islands of the Delta in motorboats and mokoros. Guests can also try their hand at fishing, with the Delta well known for its tigerfish and bream. Guided bush walks also offer an opportunity to track down bigger animal species.
In the words of David - "I have been on a number of safaris but this was up there with the best. Camp Okavango has a lovely location on an island in the Okavango delta with opportunities for walking safaris and boat safaris. The guides are great and very knowledgeable and you learn that there is much more to safari in Africa than the Big Five. After safari's over the amenities are good and the wildlife can approach really close. The Camp is undergoing a major upgrade this autumn so it might be even better next year."
A real treat on safari at Sandibe is the stop for a picnic lunch at the river's edge where wildlife is plentiful.
What makes the lodge special:
Luxurious and exceptional, this lodge is located in one of the best game-viewing areas in Botswana.
Star rating:
5 Stars
An inside look:
Situated in a shaded forest on a private concession in the Okavango Delta, Sandibe offers an exclusive experience to its guests. The lodge is an architectural dream, with its unique natural design imitating that of the rare pangolin. The lodge blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, boasting 12 elevated suites that are luxurious and boast magnificent views of the Okavango. Each suite features comfortable beds, fireplaces, reading nooks and private viewing decks with plunge pools.Travelers who have stayed at Sandibe have consistently raved about the game viewing in the private concession, particularly on night dives when nocturnal species are most active. Other activities on offer at Sandibe include bush walks, a children's program and scenic helicopter flights.
In the words of Liz:
"Fantastic holiday. Would highly recommend both the destination and the company."
The campfire area at Chief's Camp overlooks the river and is the perfect place to enjoy your favorite drink and chat about the sightings for the day.
What makes the lodge special:
Consistently rated by Condé Nast as one of the best safari camps with reliable Big 5 and predator sightings.Star rating: 5 Stars
An inside look:
Chief’s Camp lies on a palm-fringed island in the famous Big 5 Moremi Game Reserve. But besides offering exceptional game viewing, particularly of predators, Chief’s Camp is consistently recognized as one of the top Okavango Delta Lodges by Condé Nast Traveller - offering the finest accommodation, decadent cuisine and exceptional service. Chief’s Camp offers ten luxury pavilions and a luxury suite positioned under a canopy of trees. Each room is well equipped with a four-poster bed, mosquito netting, an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, a sitting area, air conditioning, overhead fans, private dining area and viewing deck with a terrace pool.The safari experience comprises of dawn and dusk game drives, as well as tranquil mokoro excursions. The lodge can also arrange scenic helicopter flights over the delta, providing spectacular aerial views of this wilderness wonderland.
In the words of Jan-Erik:
"Chief's camp is easily one of the best in the Okavango delta (stayed in 3 camps in May 2015). Not only because of its superb location in the Moremi reserve; what better views for breakfast or evening cocktails (surrounded by hippos and elephants in the plains). But the staff was extremely present, helpful and kind. Knew your name instantly and were attentive to your needs. The trekker we had (Rex) born in the delta, plus his extensive professional training and experience was the best. A better way to see the big five in photographer's paradise does hardly exist."
Candle-lit dinners in the dining area at Stanley's Camp add to the intimacy of the camp.
What makes the lodge special:
Enjoy staying at this romantic, intimate camp the heart of the Delta, home of the Living with Elephants interaction.
Star rating:
5 Stars
An inside look:
Stanley’s Camp nestles on the southern tip of Chief’s Island in the Big 5 Moremi Game Reserve, whilst overlooking the perennial Boro River that attracts an abundance of wildlife. Many travelers who have stayed at Stanley’s Camp have commended the property on its luxurious accommodation, exceptional service and sumptuous cuisine. The genuine hospitality and safari experience is what makes Stanley's Camp one of the top Okavango Delta Lodges. Stanley’s Camp offers ten elevated canvas safari tents that are elegantly decorated and well equipped with an en-suite bathroom, fan, minibar, tea & coffee making facilities, lounge area, hairdryer, in-room safe, bathrobes, complimentary Wi-Fi and a private viewing deck.Led by expert guides, game drives at dawn and dusk are incredibly rewarding as you explore the bushveld for the Big 5 and other fascinating animals. Guided walks are also offered at the camp and offer an opportunity to track animals and learn about various flora species, whilst mokoro excursions offer a more relaxed experience as you explore the waterways.A highlight during one’s stay at Stanley’s Camp is the living with elephants activity - a leisurely walk with two semi-habituated elephants.
In the words of Tim - "A small very boutique lodge in the middle of nowhere is just amazing! having to fly in there are no tourists and it is just you and the wildlife! our guide made the trip memorable with amazing sun-downer drinks! And then the food which is great and not even to mention accommodation. Its in a tent but one would not believe how beautiful and luxurious they made it, a truly memorable experience and would definitely go back."
The private decks in the suites at Vumbura Camp are great for a mid-morning nap and some game viewing.
What makes the lodge special:
One of the few places in the Delta that offer wet and dry game viewing in an unfenced private concession all year-round.
Star rating:
5 Stars
An inside look:
Vumbura Plains nestles in the world-renowned Okavango Delta, boasting two satellite safari camps that are surrounded by both land and water all year round - offering the best of both worlds. Travelers have reported incredible sightings of elephant, giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest and a number of antelope species, particularly sable. Predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah, wildcats and wild dogs are also regularly seen during the morning and afternoon game drives. Vumbura Plains South and North Camp each boast seven elevated tents with a spacious bedroom, en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, a sunken lounge area with views of the floodplains from three sides, a private plunge pool and a sala area that overlooks the African bushveld. North Camp is loved by families as they have family tents that can accommodate four people in two separate interleading bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Each camp features a large lounge, dining and bar area, and an expansive viewing deck complete with comfortable couches and a fire pit. Besides game drives, the camp offers night drives, mokoro excursions, boating safaris, guided nature walks, catch-and-release fishing, bird watching and seasonal hot air balloon safaris.
The suites at Jacana Camp are incredibly spacious and blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
What makes the lodge special:
Intimate, personal and beautiful water camp that offers boating, mokoro excursions, fishing and game drives.
Star rating:
5 Stars
An inside look:
Jacana Camp lies in the private Jao Concession of the Okavango - a remote destination with permanent swamps and savanna that support an abundance of wildlife. The Jao Flats is generally a rewarding game viewing site with herds of red lechwe closely followed by lion and leopard. Other animals that are consistently seen on the concession include tsessebe, elephant, hippo and crocodile. Bird watching is exceptionally good, particularly in the summer months. Jacana Camp boasts five elevated Meru-style tents with en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, mosquito netting, sitting areas, in-room safes, fans and tea and coffee making facilities.When water levels are low in the summer months, the camp offers game drives in open safari vehicles but when water levels are high, guests enjoy mokoro excursions, boating safaris and catch-and-release fishing (seasonal).
Nxabega Tented Camp is positioned in a remote and wild game viewing area of Botswana and the open-plan design of the suites makes it possible to enjoy the views of the bushveld from every corner of the suite.
What makes this lodge special:
Luxury accommodation set in a private concession that offers excellent all-round Okavango experience and expertly guided game drives.
Star rating:
5 Stars
An inside look:
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp nestles in an exclusive wildlife concession that borders with Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango. Lion, cheetah, leopard, African wild dogs, large herds of elephant and buffalo are regular visitors to the floodplains around the camp. The camp has a great reputation, with travelers frequently commending the property on its elegant tented suites and unrivaled views of the Delta. Offering an intimate experience, Nxabega has nine elevated tented suites that are positioned under a canopy of ebony trees. Each luxurious tented suite features an en-suite bathroom with alfresco shower and veranda with a private sala that overlooks the floodplain that teems with wildlife. Families are welcomed at the camp and accommodated in a family tent which consists of two luxury tents that are connected by a walkway. The camp offers a unique collection of activities, including day and night game drives, guided bush walks, walking with Bushmen excursion, bird watching, a children’s program, fishing trips (seasonal), boating excursions (seasonal) and mokoro excursions.
Game drives at Chitabe are conducted in open-sided landrovers, offering unobstructed game viewing.
What makes the lodge special:
One of the Okavango Delta’s finest safari camps for dry game viewing with regular sightings of African wild dogs.
Star rating:
5 Stars
An inside look:
Chitabe Camp lies in the south-east corner of the Okavango, with 69 000 hectares of pristine and exclusive wilderness. With its vast floodplains, marshlands, grasslands and woodland; the concession offers sanctuary to an array of unique wildlife and is one of the best locations in Botswana to view predators and birds all year round.Chitabe has eight elevated Meru-style tents that feature twin beds, mosquito netting, en-suite bathrooms with outdoor showers, fans, writing desks, sitting areas and private viewing decks. Travelers thoroughly enjoy the private experience that Chitabe offers. The camp offers its guests day drives, night drives and walking safaris that are led by a team of professional guides. The game drives are very rewarding, offering up-close encounters with lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffe, elephant and buffalo.
The suites at Jao Camp are a home away from home - with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the spectacular views.
What makes the lodge special:
Spacious & luxurious boasting one of Botswana's best spas. The price tag is high but it undoubtedly offers the best water activities in the entire Okavango.
Star rating:
5 Stars
An inside look:
Nestled in the private Jao Concession of the Okavango, the luxurious Jao Camp is a water wonderland - surrounded by riverine forests and glistening floodplains. The bushveld is every changing with lechwe and lions plentiful during the months of April to September, elephant herds are seen in large numbers from August to November and the summer months offer exceptional bird watching. The camp boasts 9 spacious tents that are shaded under indigenous trees. Each tent features an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, lounge area, mosquito netting, fan, minibar, hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities and a private verandah with sala. Jao is one of the top Okavango Delta lodges for families, with a two-bedroom family tent that two en-suite bathrooms, individual entrances and a shared viewing deck. Jao Camp offers its guests the opportunity to enjoy both land and water activities, depending on the time of year. Activities include mokoro excursions, boating safaris, morning and evening game drives, picnics, fishing excursions, relaxing spa treatments and romantic sleep-out experiences in a nearby hide.
During the summer months, there is no better place to relax and enjoy the sunshine than on the pool deck at Splash Camp.
What makes the lodge special:
New kid on the block who welcomed its first guests in June 2018, the campsite is set up around a pan that attracts plenty of wildlife.
Star rating:
5 Stars
An inside look:
Splash Camp nestles in an active pan of the private Kwara Concession which borders with the Big 5 Moremi Game Reserve - recognized by travelers around the world as a prime game viewing destination in Botswana. The camp’s location offers guests the best of both worlds - land and water safari experience. It is for this reason that Splash Camp is one of the top Okavango Delta Lodges. Splash Camp has 12 elegant rooms that feature spacious bedrooms, mosquito netting, en-suite bathrooms with outdoor showers, writing desks, overhead fans, small lounge areas and private verandahs that command spectacular views of the pan. Activities offered at Splash Camp include morning and evening game drives, guided bush walks, mokoro excursions, fishing expeditions (offered 10 months out of the year), boating excursions and bird watching.
And there it is! If you’ve enjoyed our Top 10 Lodges in the Okavango Delta and are planning a safari vacation, rest assured that you won’t be disappointed when booking any of our favorites. We want you to experience the safari of your dreams and therefore recommend that you speak to one of our Travel Experts who will choose the best lodge for you based on your specific travel style and interests.
