Camp Okavango
Nxaragha Island Botswana
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#13 of 96 lodges in North-West District
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We are very pleased to announce that the NEW Camp Okavango has officially opened 14 April 2016. The entire camp has been rebuilt and what has been the existing camp has been removed completely. Camp Okavango, due to its very unique location in the heart of the Okavango Delta, is one of the very few properties which can truly offer an authentic Okavango Delta water wilderness experience to prospective visitors. Camp Okavango is a stalwart of Botswana and Okavango Delta safari tradition. Camp Okavango is located on Nxaragha Island, which is surrounded by water all year round. This is a permanent water camp and the ideal location from which guests who truly want to experience the real Okavango Delta can do so. Accommodation is in spacious, elevated and unique safari suites, all raised on decks above the ground and with en-suite bathrooms. There are 11 standard safari suites and one double capacity, inter-leading family suite. Activities are all guided and take the form of boat cruises, mokoro excursions and guided walking safaris on the network of islands within this incredible water ecosystem. Camp Okavango has its own airstrip and can easily be linked to a network of other safari properties by means of light aircraft transfers. Camp Okavango is Managed and staffed by an enthusiastic team of Botswana citizens, some of whom have been at Camp Okavango for more than 36 years. Elevated walkways will connect the rooms to one another and to the main camp public areas, allowing guests to wind through trees as they walk to their rooms. The safari suites encompass a foyer and lounge, large bedroom and ensuite bathroom equipped with double vanity and shower, with an expansive deck accessible through large retractable doors from the room. The family suite has an additional bedroom with separate entree to the bathroom area.
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Property amenities
Pool
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Outdoor fireplace
Sun terrace
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Private balcony
Safe
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Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
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HOTEL CLASS
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Languages Spoken
English
Location
Nxaragha Island Botswana
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We stayed at three camps in Botswana, all were superb. Camp O is a little different in that it is surrounded by the water of the Delta. So mostly boat trips when we were there, although we did one walking safari that was really a highlight for me. The camp is wonderful, the staff are just the best people you could hope to meet, the other guests were great company. Nothing is too much trouble for any of the staff, they all go out of their way to interact with you and make your stay so special. How they prepare such outstanding food in the middle of a delta is still a mystery to me!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Room Tip: A really different experience from the land based safari camps - a really good variation to...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
What a fabulous camp! What a warm welcome we had and the rest of the visit didn't disappoint. It's clearly a very well run camp with great staff. We had a choir sing to us one night before dinner and everyone joined in and were really enthusiastic and fun. Our guide, GB was wonderful. Very patient and knowledgeable. This camp offers daily walks which were fantastic, as you get really close to the animals on the ground. You also go out on boats and see lots of hippos, elephants and alligators. Wonderful food and lots of drinks! Don't miss the opportunity to sleep out in the tree house, amazing experience!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Room Tip: Make sure you sleep out one night, we had 3 elephants eating right next to us and lions roaring...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Michelle Odumetse, Marketing at Camp Okavango
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Lucy, Thank you for your review on Camp Okavango. It really is a piece of paradise in the the Okavango Delta and a perfect spot for relaxation on the canoe and guided bush walks in the Islands. We will be sure to pass on your praise to GB and and the rest of the camps. Best wishes, The Desert & Delta Safaris Management Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our first safari trip to Southern Africa. We wanted to start in Botswana and first went to Chobe Game Lodge. Next , we went to Camp Okovango and had a drastically different experience. This is delta -- rivers inside a marsh area. We were here for two days and saw one elephant in the distance from our room. We also saw a hippo poke it's face out of the water. Otherwise be advised that you do not see the larger animals. You travel on motor boats through the river marsh and see some colorful birds. There also was a short canoe sunset trip, and a game walk on an island. Both of these were ok, but not memorable. You do not need more that two days here. Now, there were also many positives about this camp. The room was great and the food was terrific. Drinks were abundant. But mostly, the people at his camp made our experience almost magical. They are always singing. You get a singing greeting from the staff as you arrive. You also get songs when they present dinner. We also had a birthday event at dinner on our second night and the staff was singing and dancing around the dining room. I have wonderful videos of this singing. If you do a blend of game lodges on your safari, then this Camp is something different and worth giving a try -- if only for the wonderful singing staff.…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Room Tip: Few large animals -- this is a different type of camp
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Michelle Odumetse, Marketing at Camp Okavango
Responded 27 Oct 2023
Thank you so much for your detailed review and feedback on your stay with us at Camp Okavango. From all accounts it sounds like you had a wonderful stay, creating many memories along the way. The Camp is in the heart of the Okavango delta and offers sightings of water based wildlife and glad that you spotted the gentle giants- Elephants. Our staff are dedicated to ensuring that all our travelers have memorable experiences within our camps and very glad that this was a highlight of your trip at Camp Okavango. We hope to see you in the not so distant future for another incredible stay at Camp Okavango. Best wishes, The Desert & Delta Safaris Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a great time here. Saw so much wildlife with the help of the wonderfully knowledgeable guides. All the staff were so personable and friendly and nothing was too much trouble. They’re great singers too! We went on boat trips, a nature walk where we saw wildlife and also learned about the plants and a peaceful macorro (canoe) trip at sunset.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Our arrival was delayed when our short walk from the airstrip was blocked by three elephants. We were told to retreat beyond a tree before being taken by a vehicle to the goods entrance to the camp. This meant that we missed the warm welcome we had experienced at the other two Desert and Delta camps that we had visited during our stay in Botswana. Camp Okavango can only offer boat or walking safari trips so do not expect to see big cats. However the location is delightful. Many of the staff are great but the person who appears to be the manager was not good. She appeared not to be interested in guests and almost surly at times. Our guide was very young and short of experience but he really tried to do his best. The mokoro trip was poor. We were sent out in a small group obviously with a guide in each mokoro for two passengers. The guides chatted away most of the time totally spoiling the lovely sounds of nature in the evening. The little wooden jetty used for access to these little boats was in a poor state and an accident waiting to happen. Our food was excellent, as was our room and the fishing was good. We had a great time but better management would have made our stay so much better.…
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Michelle Odumetse, Marketing at Camp Okavango
Responded 13 Oct 2023
Dear Geoff and Ruth, Thank you for your honest and constructive review on your stay with us at Camp Okavango. We are pleased that you enjoyed the location of the camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta as well as that of the food, accommodation and fishing. Thank you for raising your concerns regarding certain aspects of your stay. We will certainly be investigating these with our Operations Team. Best wishes, The Desert & Delta Safaris Management Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I went to Okavango with my two children, on their mid twenties. I was planning to put a quiet end to our trip to south Africa, but it was much more than that. It was completely different to the "classical" safari, and we could not make a better choice than Camp Okavango. The rooms were very large and comfortable, decorated in a luxurious african style. The hotel staff were attentive and helpful, while still close and friendly, and guides impressively knowledgeable and funny. We had a quiet and beautiful mokoro ride, two exciting motorboat drives and a couple of walking safaris in the islands. Completely different from other safaris we had in Botswana and South Africa.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Michelle Odumetse, Marketing at Camp Okavango
Responded 08 Oct 2023
Thank you for your kind review and feedback on your stay with us at Camp Okavango. It is wonderful to read that you created lasting memories of your stay with us and that Camp Okavango gave you an experience like no other had before! We are delighted. Kind regards, The Desert & Delta Safaris Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
-absolutely loved it -great guide Luckson -romantic honeymoon dinner was spectacular -accommodating and friendly staff -made us feel special -great variety of safari opportunities - walking, water, makoro -tasty food -luxurious room
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Michelle Odumetse, Marketing at Camp Okavango
Responded 20 Sept 2023
Congratulations on your marriage and we are delighted that we got to spoil you on your honeymoon! Thank you for your kind review! We hope to welcome you back for many anniversary celebrations! Best wishes, The Entire Desert & Delta Safaris Management Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Camp Okavango was the last of our three Desert and Delta stops in Botswana, and it was a beautiful introduction to the delta. We strongly recommend the 30 min helicopter ride, which allowed us to see all of the wildlife from a different angle, AND gave us a real appreciation for the beauty of the delta. We learned so much! Other activities included a canoe ride (the traditional mokoro), fishing (unsuccessful but very fun), and a boat ride exploring the flora and fauna of the delta. The staff were really fun and welcoming, and the food and accommodations were awesome. Thank you Camp Okavango for helping us make memories!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Michelle Odumetse, Marketing at Camp Okavango
Responded 31 Aug 2023
Delighted to hear that you loved your stay with us at Camp Okavango and that it gave you a wonderful introduction to the beautiful Okavango Delta. Thank you for the recommendations and we are pleased that you go back home with wonderful memories of your stay with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The camp is a very special experience: It is a water camp without game drives, so you do not see so many animals, but instead you learn so much about the smaller details, like the life of termites or beautiful birds. It is also very likely that you will see hippos on the boat rides - and hear them at night! Our exceptional guide Tau was an authority on knowledge about animals, plants, the delta, and knew his way around the bush like no other. He helped us understand the intricate ecosystem of the delta in a new way and opened our eyes to its complexity and vulnerability. We were especially appreciative of him taking us on bush walks, which is unique to this camp only. Watching him read the tracks, listen to the birds’ and monkeys’ alarm calls and drawing his conclusions from it and many other signs was the absolute highlight of our stay! To be able to see an elephant from the ground, eye to eye (even if it was further away than at other camps) is something we will never forget. Thank you, Tau! The camp itself was very beautiful overlooking a lagoon. The staff greeted us with a very warm welcome and lively song, everyone was very friendly, attentive and accommodating. The room was beautiful and had everything we needed, and we even got hot water bottles for the night, as it gets quite cold at night in the winter and there is no heating. The base of the bungalows is wooden, but the walls and windows are tentlike. We also enjoyed the daily laundry service that was included in the price. The food was delicious, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay! We would recommend this camp at the beginning of your Okavango Delta experience and then move on to another camp with game drives. This way you get the best out of two worlds. But if your English is rather limited, it would be better to skip this camp since it’s all about the highly knowledgeable explanations from your guides!…
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Michelle Odumetse, Marketing at Camp Okavango
Responded 23 Aug 2023
Thank you for your detailed and informative review on your stay with us at Camp Okavango. It is wonderful to know that you had a special experience and enjoyed learning about the details of the Okavango Delta and enjoying it up close & personal. Tau will be pleased to know that he created unforgettable memories with you and that he got to pass on his knowledge and love for the Delta. Thank you for your recommendation and we hope to welcome you back one day soon. Kind regards, The Desert & Delta Safaris Management Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Camp Okavango Operated by Desert & Delta Safaris (see below) this was our 2nd camp on a 4 centre itinerary across Botswana booked through Okavango Delta Explorations (see below). After a quick lodge hop from Camp Xakanaxa (see separate review) we arrived at Camp Okavango airstrip and walked into Camp with one of the lodge managers. Again, immediately, we knew this camp was special, raised walkways linked rooms to the central hub and the view from the double fire pit area was stunning. Our room was amazing, with a beautiful outlook and had the biggest shower we’ve ever had in a room - massive! Daily activities here were all based around the boat trips, along with a Mokoro canoe one day (which was divine) and on a couple of occasions, walking safaris too. The Mokoro was super special, being so peaceful and low to the mirror-like water. Walking safaris, just priceless, as being out in the Bush transforms the experience, immersing you 100% with nature. Food was amazing for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, High Tea and Dinner and service equally so. Don’t miss the lovely walkway to a secluded lookout and also check out the curio shop. Worthy of note is the included laundry service which is fabulous. Taken in the morning and back in the room late afternoon; washed, dried, ironed and folded. Special thanks to our Guide Taps (and Ed also whom accompanied us on the walks). Taps went above and beyond, knowing we loved birds of prey and had not seen Pels Fishing Owls, he arranged for us to go on a private little walk to where he knew a pair of these owls were roosting (adult female & chick). Thank you so much, very special sighting for us which just added to a stunning stay at a wonderful camp and again showed how the Desert & Delta staff went above and beyond. If you stay 3 nights or more, you get a free 20 minute helicopter ride (or flip as they call it). We extended this to 30 minutes with a stop-off in the Delta for a champagne treat. Seriously, this was one of, if not the best thing we have ever done, truly amazing and emotional experience. Helicopter flip with the DOORS OFF!!! Seeing the Delta from such a unique perspective was beyond words. Thanks to our pilot Fondy for making this experience so special, he even wrote the date and GPS co-ordinates on the cork from the champagne bottle #priceless And furthermore, another option if you stay 3 nights or more, the sleep-out. OMG!!! 4-poster bed, with mosquito net, up on a wooden, stilted construction with toilet facilities affording a private night (guide in a tent nearby to call upon via walkie-talkie if required) to experience the true spectacle of the Milky Way and stars with zero light pollution whilst enjoying a glass (or 2) of Amarula sat in the sunken bench area in front of the bed. Listening to the sounds of the Delta; hyena hooping, lions roaring, hippos grunting, trumpeting of elephants and the constant backdrop of insects & frogs will be with us forever. And then the amazing sunrise opens up in front of you as you lie in the 4-poster, truly wonderful. Then you are taken back to the Camp for breakfast and morning activity. Absolutely a must do in our opinion, never have we seen the night sky like this, the Milky Way being so obvious and a sunrise to die for. Also thank you for the private meal on our last night there, topped off a fabulous stay at a marvelous location #magical #specialmemories Operated by Desert & Delta Safaris Words cannot begin to describe how amazing Desert & Delta Safaris are. They provided my wife & I with one of, if not the best holiday experiences - ever! 12 nights taking in 4 of their safari destinations across Botswana being Camp Xakanaxa, Camp Okavango, Savute Safari Lodge & Chobe Game Lodge (see separate reviews for each establishment) afforded us not only wildlife beyond our dreams but also the most amazing service, environments and experiences we could have wished for. This being a postponed trip from 2020 due to travel restrictions then, became our Silver 25th Wedding Anniversary trip in June 2023. Desert & Delta Safaris, not only did what they said they would but exceeded our expectations in every respect. From the outset of booking this trip via Okavango Delta Explorations (see below), all our requests were honoured; for example, specific guide at Savute, recommended room at Savute, private meal at Chobe. And then they added special treats for us around our anniversary too, just amazing. The attention to detail, the slick operation throughout, the impeccable service, the wonderful staff, the fabulous food, the awesome guides, the rooms - EVERYTHING was just perfect. For mentions of specific staff at each place we stayed, please see those reviews. Notable commendation and thanks here to Andrew of Desert & Delta Safaris, as your help in making our dream trip come true was above and beyond. Even before travelling, your help when the 2020 trip was cancelled, during the planning, booking and ultimately even whilst we were there, showed us that Desert & Delta Safaris is a fantastic company to travel with. And now we have experienced the magic, we know this notion was well founded and now proven, as we would not hesitate to recommend Desert & Delta Safaris and will be staying with you again in the future to take in more of beautiful Botswana. Booked via Okavango Delta Explorations If you are looking for an experienced, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly tour operator for a bespoke trip to Botswana, look no further. From the outset, Louise was fantastic! We had some ideas of what we would like to do around the Okavango Delta and Chobe area of Botswana with a visit to Victoria Falls tagged on the end, after all this was going to be a super special trip for our 25th silver wedding anniversary but had no idea how to put such a tour together. We’d looked at standard tour packages with the likes of Virgin Holidays but they had pulled them from their brochures after the pandemic. Based on our initial emails and follow up phone calls, Louise created the perfect personal, bespoke itinerary for us consisting of 3 nights at each of 4 Desert & Delta Safari camps/lodges being Camp Xakanaxa, Camp Okavango, Savute Safari Lodge and Chobe Game Lodge (see separate reviews), culminating in 2 nights at a family run guest house at Victoria Falls. The process was not only exactly what we needed, affording us as it happened, a magical trip which exceeded all expectations but was also easy and an enjoyable experience. Lots of comms which Louise did not mind about at all, always eager to help and iron out any issues we thought may arise. Louise covered everything, from the availability/order of camps/lodges to the transfers between them, any special requests we had around our anniversary celebrations and even provided us with all the documents and information about our dream trip via the Vamoos App. This meant everything was all in one place and Louise could update at her end and message us via it with gate details for departures whilst we were at the airport, for example. Superb service throughout. Even had a call from the local rep at Victoria Falls to check if all OK on our final day before we departed. Special thanks to Louise too for the notes we found in our rooms along the way and the bubbles at Batonka to celebrate the end of a stunning trip. Would recommend Okavango Delta Explorations and Louise within a heartbeat and will most certainly be contacting Louise again when we plan our return to Botswana.…
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Michelle Odumetse, Marketing at Camp Okavango
Responded 23 Aug 2023
Dear Martin and Julie, Thank you so very much for your review that is filled with praise, details and excitement for your stay with us at not only Camp Okavango but at all the Desert & Delta Safaris properties. It brings us all such joy and delight to know that you have gone home with memories of a lifetime and that we got to share the beauty of our properties with you as well as the beauty of the Okavango Delta and Botswana as a whole. It is wonderful to know that you were touched not only by the beauty and wildlife of Botswana but by the people and the tiny details that makes the whole experience a magical one that has allowed you to take home a lifetime of memories. We are pleased that we got to celebrate your 25th anniversary with you, even though a little delayed! The Camp Okavango team certainly enjoyed spoiling you and will be pleased to know that you so enjoyed the sleep out experience and the open door helicopter flip, which is included in your stay as you stayed 10 nights and more within the Desert & Delta Safaris circuit. We are pleased that every aspect of your trip went smoothly from the planning stages , enjoyment of the actual holiday to your return home where you now delight in all the experiences had, friends made and moments never to be forgotten. We are looking forward to welcoming you back soon and sharing more of the beauty of Botswana with you! Best wishes, The entire Desert & Delta Safaris Family
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ALSO KNOWN AS
camp okavango hotel okavango delta
LOCATION
BotswanaNorth-West DistrictOkavango Delta
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
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Frequently Asked Questions about Camp Okavango
What are some of the property amenities at Camp Okavango?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Camp Okavango?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Camp Okavango?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Camp Okavango have airport transportation?
Yes, Camp Okavango offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.