North Island Okavango: Our full report
Opened in June 2023, North Island Okavango introduces an air of exclusivity to the north-west corner of the Delta.
As the name suggests, the new camp is set on a private island, and with just four tented suites, its footprint is both small and extremely personal.A team from Expert Africa has yet to visit North Island, but we know this area and have worked with the owners for many years, and are confident that it will meet their – and our – high standards. In the meantime, this is what we understand of the new camp.
The water-rich setting is typical of this area of the north-west of the Okavango Delta, a network of channels and lagoons broken up by individual islands – of which North Island is one. Floodplains, open savannah and woodlands are home to the full range of Okavango wildlife, while more than 350 species of bird await the keen birdwatcher.
A ring of mature trees, from ebony and leadwood to mangosteen and wild fig, surrounds the camp, whose three tented suites looking out across a hippo-filled lagoon will guarantee a high level of privacy.
The tents are enormous, their wide frontage guaranteeing views from each area. Taking centre stage is a four-poster bed, flanked by a serious but contemporary bathroom (with indoor and outdoor showers and a bathtub) and an understated lounge.
Step out on to the deck for a dip in the private plunge pool or relax with a book or binoculars on the sunken sundeck. On cooler evenings, a fireplace will add warmth, and Wi-Fi is standard in the suites.
In-room spa treatments (at additional cost) could prove another reason to stay in your suite, but you’re only a short wander from a lounge and separate dining area, a well-stocked library and even an outdoor gym.
Throughout the camp the aim is to “celebrate the modern Africa” – with traditional craftsmanship offset by bold colours, smart design and a sense of sophistication.
When it comes to activities, guests will be spoilt for choice, on land, on water and in the air. Along with traditional guided game drives, there will be boat trips and mokoro excursions and – in season – the opportunity for fishing, with hot-air ballooning and scenic helicopter flights adding a very different perspective (again, at additional cost). There’s also the opportunity to visit a nearby village or to find out about the importance of wildlife conservation in the area.
Not to be confused with the famous North Island in the Seychelles, this ‘North Island’ is a sister-camp to Jack’s Camp in the Kalahari, Duke's Camp in the Okavango Delta and Tuludi in Khwai Private Reserve, North Island Okavango will add an additional dimension to this elite safari family.
Geographics
- Location
- Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- 2–4 nights, depending on activities
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children aged six and over are welcome at North Island.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Minimum age six years
- Equipment
- Each suite can accommodate a sleeper couch for two children, who will also have their own bathroom.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There are battery-charging facilities in the suites. Hairdryers are available.
- Communications
- Wi-Fi is available only in the suites.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Other
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Helicopter
Mokoro
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Included
Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.