The camp Okuti lies between Xakanaxa Camp and a national park's campsite, beside Xakanaxa Lagoon – on the tip of Moremi's Mopane Tongue. Okuti was taken over by Ker & Downey in July 1999, when it was known as Camp Okuti, and it was completely redesigned and re-built in 2005.

Visiting before 2005, Okuti was a cramped and very dated camp – far below the standards of any of the other camps that we offer in the Okavango. However ... the camp changed radically when it was re-built.

Okuti remains in its original location, and occupies a relatively small section of the lagoon frontage – although back from the lagoon it spreads out quite a bit. Entering the camp, you walk in on a raised wooden walkway, a useful safety feature given the high game densities in this location.

The main lounge and dining area at Okuti is centred on several huge rondavels, which sits under smooth, rounded bee-hive-style thatched roofs. Inside – under the neat, exposed thatch of the ceilings – these are furnished in a contemporary style, with smooth wooden floors comfortable woven seats and various ethnic carvings.

From these rondavels, the main lounge stretches to the left, with adobe walls under a high, tunnel-like roof. This is a unique roof structure, unlike any other camp we know. It's rather like an over-sized version of the polythene tunnels used to growing vegetables in cool climes. A huge open end, partly-open sides, and a contemporary colour scheme - which revolves around browns, beiges and neutrals – makes this a comfortable area that looks and feels much nicer than you might imagine!

On the opposite side of Okuti's entrance rondavel is the dining room, which is constructed in a similar way, with a high curved ceiling and a contemporary feel. Nearby, where the smooth decking veranda extends towards Xakanaxa Lagoon, there is a small plunge-pool.

Raised walkways link the main lounge and dining areas at Okuti to its seven rooms. There are five rooms here that have either twin beds, or a large double, and also two 'family units' – which consist of two bedrooms which share a bathroom. The latter are ideal for families, and Okuti promotes itself as a child-friendly lodge. (Though families with very young children should note that this are has particularly dense concentrations of dangerous big game!)

The design of Okuti's rooms follows the style of the main areas: innovative, brown plastic structures (lined with a natural reed wall-covering) which, from the inside, are really spacious and quite lovely – albeit they're rather less attractive from the outside, and far from traditional.

Expect smooth wooden floors, plenty of space, and a superb view of the lagoon from the private balcony at the end of your personal 'tunnel' room. The en-suite bathroom – complete with flush toilet, shower and wash-basin – is separated by low, matt-brown walls ... but still beneath the high main roof of the rooms.

The activities at Okuti Camp revolve around open-topped 4WD trips and motor-boat trips on the particular lovely Xakanaxa Lagoon – all escorted by the camp's experienced safari guides. Because all of the activities from Okuti take place inside Moremi Game Reserve, it's not possible to have night drives, walks, or to drive off-road – and you will probably see quite a few other vehicles whilst you're out on safari from the camp. However, there are compensations: this area around Xakanaxa is stunningly beautiful and it's one of the best game areas in Botswana!

In conclusion ... Okuti is an old camp, in a relatively busy area, that has recently been re-born. Its designers get top marks for innovation, and even if you don't like the look of the camp from the outside ... it's lovely and comfortable when you're inside! Being inside a national park has its restrictions – but then you are in one of Botswana's more beautiful and game-rich areas.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 7 rooms

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: 2-3 nights is usually perfect at Okuti, and the camp is often combined with sister-camps which are also owned by Ker & Downey: Kanana and Shinde.

Geographics

Location: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Directions: Okuti would be normally reached by a 20-minute flight from Maun, and a short 10-minute drive from the airstrip to camp.

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Children

Attitude towards children: Okuti welcomes children, who share the normal activities with adult visitors.

Age restrictions: Age limit is 7yrs and over

Generally recommended for children: We'd recommend the camp to children who are interested in animals, provided that they can be supervised 24/7 by their parents.

Notes: The game in this area is prolific and often dangerous, and the children will need to be closely monitored, including when they are within camp.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: In the event of an emergency, the nearest doctor is in Maun – a short flight away.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: A full complimentary laundry service is included.

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