Okuti Camp

OVERVIEW:

Okuti is a unique and architecturally innovative camp in a beautiful location, occupying prime lagoon frontage within the Okavango Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve. Open year-round, the camp offers an excellent base from which to explore the area’s sensational wildlife by land and motorboat on the tranquil Xakanaxa Lagoon, and family-friendly accommodations make it a good choice for those travelling with children. Though night drives aren’t permitted, there’s plenty to see by day, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and a spectacular array of birdlife. As it’s owned and run by Ker & Downey Botswana, there is a strong focus on hospitality, high-quality guiding, and value for money. Accommodation is booked on a full-board basis and includes all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, and a laundry service.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Okuti is situated beside the Maunachira river, which rushes through the Xakanaxa Lagoon in the central region of the Moremi Game Reserve. Access is by light aircraft into Xakanaxa airstrip, followed by a 20-minute game drive transfer.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT OKUTI:

In a departure from the traditional tented set-up, Okuti’s accommodation consists of five curved structures for double occupancy called ‘mosasas’, an ancient word meaning ‘house of reeds’, and two 2-bedroom family units overlooking the permanent Maunachira channel. All rooms are raised on teak decking along the banks of the river. Inside, reed-lined walls present an unusual aesthetic in a style favouring simplicity and clever use of natural materials. You’ll find a double bed (twin configuration also possible) with a mosquito net and overhead fan, a standing fan, two armchairs, and a writing desk behind the bed. The en-suite bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a low wall and consists of a separate flush toilet, a washbasin, and both indoor and outdoor showers. Double doors from the bedroom lead onto a private deck with views of the Xakanaxa Lagoon and a simple seating arrangement. One of the rooms is designated for honeymooners as it has a romantic bathtub, and the family mosasa is effectively two standard units with a shared bathroom. Connected by raised wooden walkways, all camp areas are wheelchair accessible.

The architecturally unusual communal building at Okuti incorporates five rondavels connected by a series of canvas arches with stunning riverfrontage. There’s a comfortable lounge with sink-in leather sofas, overhead ceiling fans, and statement brass coffee tables and pendant lights. Meals are usually fun and sociable, and it isn’t uncommon for staff and guides to sit with guests, creating a lively atmosphere. There’s also a well-stocked help-yourself bar. The lounge and dining areas both flow out onto Okuti’s main deck, the location of the camp’s fire-pit where guests congregate for drinks before and after dinner. On a slightly lower level, there’s a pool deck with a plunge pool and a few sunloungers and parasols.

ACTIVITIES AT OKUTI:

Okuti occupies a prime location within the Okavango Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve, one of the world’s most prolific wildlife destinations.

• Game drives

  – Moremi Game Reserve is frequently described as the beating heart of the Okavango Delta. Surrounded by floodplains and characterised by grasslands, woodlands, and water sources, the reserve is famous for its big cats and impressive concentrations of plains game. There are frequent sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo, while smaller predators include cheetah, spotted hyena, jackals, and wild dog. The astonishing herbivore count features giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and an amazing assortment of antelopes. The area is a haven for birdlife too, with specials such as martial eagle, pygmy goose, fulvous whistling duck, and the mysterious Pel’s fishing owl. Full-day picnic game drives are available on request, so please enquire for more details.

• Motorboat rides

  – In the presence of knowledgeable and experienced guides, boat rides offer a superb opportunity to get to know the wildlife of the waterways. Focusing on Xakanaxa Lagoon, these showcase the likes of elephant, hippo, and all sorts of water birds. From September to December, guests have excellent sightings of the lagoon’s storks and herons, as this is breeding season.

• Children’s activities

  – Kids are welcome to participate in the Young Explorers programme offered by Ker & Downey and get involved in identifying tracks, firing bows and arrows, and much more!

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.