OVERVIEW:
Sitatunga Private Island Camp is a remote and truly wild, watery camp with an emphasis on exclusivity, complete flexibility, and appreciating the beautiful, quieter waterways of the Okavango. Activities are almost entirely water based, and Sitatunga offers a wonderful change of pace for those hoping to get away from the busier 4×4 safari areas. The property has been designed to combine with other luxury camps by Great Plains Conservation, such as Selinda or Duba Plains, where classic safari drives are the go-to activity. So, if you’re looking for a contrasting game experience and something utterly unique – like finding yourself in unspoilt wilderness on a private island in the Delta – this is that camp! Rates are full board and include accommodation, scheduled activities, all meals, laundry service, and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, including premium brand spirits and champagne.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Sitatunga Private Island Camp is located within a private concession in the north-west of the Okavango Delta. It is one of the few places in the world where you’ll find the rare sitatunga antelope, after which the camp is named. These elusive creatures, with their unique markings, are specially adapted to semi-aquatic life. Within the magical waterways, you can expect herds of wading elephant forging pathways through the Delta, Nile crocodiles lurking in the reeds, enormous hippos, and a myriad of exceptional birdlife. To access the camp, guests fly into Duba Plains airstrip by light aircraft – from here, it’s a 10-minute helicopter flight to the island. Motorised boat transfers can also be arranged on request.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT SITATUNGA PRIVATE ISLAND CAMP:
Accommodation at Sitatunga Private Island Camp consists of two luxurious tented suites and the separate Sitatunga Private Island Suite, which comes with two bedrooms and a private pool, ideal for families. Perched on wooden decks amongst a canopy of ebony trees, each tent features a spacious veranda, an outdoor sala overlooking the lagoon, and a private plunge pool. Step inside, and you’ll find the rustic-chic style synonymous with Great Plains Conservation camps – shaggy thatch, canvas roofs and walls, local artefacts, vintage Persian carpets, oversized baskets, and wooden stilts on which the tents are raised – these draw inspiration from local fishermen who have fished these waters for centuries. Solar-powered aircon and fans keep rooms at an optimum temperature, and the plunge pools offer respite in the heat of the day between safari activities. Each tent can be configured as a double or twin, and additional features include a bar fridge with drinks of choice, a tea-and-coffee station, a mosquito net, a yoga mat, light weights, a stationary exercise bike, and a professional camera and lens set for use throughout your stay. Every en-suite bathroom has a double vanity unit, a flush toilet, a porcelain ball-and-claw bath, and an indoor shower. Sitatunga Private Island Suite accommodates a maximum of two adults and three children and is a completely private, standalone unit. Raised on a wraparound railway sleeper private deck, you’ll find two en-suite units on either side of a central main lounge and dining area, leading to a vast private deck, fire-pit, and swimming pool. Guests at Sitatunga Private Island Suite have their own private guide and boat, and fitness enthusiasts will be pleased to find a yoga mat, light weights, and a stationary exercise bike. Wi-Fi is available in all guest accommodations, with limited mobile phone reception. Massages are also available in-room at an additional cost.
The main area at Sitatunga Private Island Camp consists of a stunning open-plan lounge and dining area under a thatched roof, with vintage-style leather sofas and armchairs, over-sized kilims spread over a smart, hardwood floor, outdoor dining, an expansive viewing deck, and a floating fire-pit that juts out over the water and is accessed from the camp via a wooden bridge. Private dining is also available in the guest tents on request. The Great Plains Safari Boutique sells locally and regionally produced crafts, supporting local community projects in the nearby Okavango panhandle.
ACTIVITIES AT SITATUNGA PRIVATE ISLAND CAMP:
With its stunning location at the heart of the main branch of the Delta, Sitatunga Private Island Camp offers mainly water-based activities. Please note that while the camp allows children from 6 years, some safari activities have an older age restriction.
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Walking safaris
– Accompanied by an expert guide armed for your protection, this activity is perfect for safarists who want to get to know the smaller lives of Sitatunga Island, including its plant life, insects, and hundreds of types of bird. You can occasionally track big game too. Please note that this activity has a minimum age of 12 years. -
Boating
– There’s so much to see within the concession by boat – hippos, Nile crocodiles, tiny frogs, and abundant waterbirds. The camp has flat-bottomed motorboats with swivel chairs, making photography opportunities much easier. -
Game drives
– Sitatunga Private Island Camp is only accessible by boat, and wildlife activities centre on water and walking. However, the beautiful island nearby can be explored in an open-sided vehicle, allowing for morning and afternoon game drives. -
Fishing
– Tag-and-release fishing is available from March to December each year and offers guests another way to spend a tranquil morning or afternoon out on the water. -
Mokoro canoes
– Water levels permitting, take to the Okavango’s pristine channels and waterways aboard a mokoro, a traditional dug-out canoe led from the front by an experienced poler. As the mokoro doesn’t have a motor, you can sit back, relax, and fully embrace the sounds of the mammals, reptiles, and birds all around you. Please note that this activity has a minimum age of 12 years. -
Photography
– Each suite has a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos are downloaded to a USB flash stick on your departure for memories that will last a lifetime. -
Scenic flight
– You can board a helicopter and view the spectacular Okavango landscape from the air – a stunning excursion, complete with a champagne stop at one of the Delta’s other islands. This activity needs to be pre-booked and comes at an additional cost.
*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.