Atzaro Okavango: Our full report

Opening in March 2024, Atzaro Okavango will be set among palm islands in the Delta’s south-eastern corner.

With a river to one side, and overlooking a lagoon from the main area, it promises to be a stylish camp with a strong focus on the environment, including the use of recycled materials in its construction.

While we have yet to visit Atzaro, we have visited many of its sister camps in Botswana, and have high hopes of this new venture.

Atzaro’s 9 tented rooms are well-spaced in a loose ‘V’ around the central area. All have both air conditioning and fans, with mosquito nets around the beds. Outside on your private deck, there’s a small “lapa”, or shaded shelter, with a plunge pool to cool off in the heat of the day. Bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers. Two family suites add to the options, their individual rooms linked by a walkway.

And if a night under the stars sounds appealing, do ask us about Atzaro’s sky beds.

The luxurious style of the individual rooms run through into the main area, where – in addition to a classy lounge, complete with an open fireplace – you’ll find a wine bar and gift shop. Sip your drinks at the bar, or from a comfortable chair overlooking the lagoon, or wander over to the firepit, while for meals, a boma adds a rustic alternative to the dining area.

The range of amenities at the new camp is exceptional, too. If you fancy a workout, head for the gym or the 20m swimming pool, while for the more hedonistic there’s a spa offering a range of treatments and a separate yoga deck with space for self-managed yoga.

As you’d expect with a camp of this nature, activities are many. Along with morning and afternoon game drives, guests can take part in walking safaris and birdwatching, while on the water there are boating safaris and sunset cruises, catch-and-release fishing, and – water levels permitting – the gentle pace of mokoro excursions. From our experience of other camps under the same ownership, we would expect the guiding to be of a high standard.

Our view

With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari. For those seeking a more traditional style, a simpler, more traditional style of camp may be more appealing.

Tracy Lederer

Country manager: Botswana

Geographics

Location: Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
Directions: Light-aircraft flights into Qorokwe Airstrip are available from Maun, Kasane, Linyanti or Khwai. Helicopter transfers are a further option.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Drinks included: A wide selection of drinks is available from the bar is included in the price. Premium brands, such as malt whiskies or French champagne, can be requested for an additional charge.

Each guest is given a water bottle upon arrival, and staff will fill this for you on request.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Atzaro.
Property’s age restrictions: Children of 16 and under may not take part in walking safaris and mokoro excursions.
Generally recommended for children: Although the lodge accepts children of all ages, we feel that its style and set up are likely to work best for interested children of 12 years and over.
Notes: This is an open camp with access to a lagoon and an unlifeguarded pool, and the potential for dangerous wildlife to wander through. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes: There is a back-up generator. All suites have a hairdryer and battery-charging facilities.
Communications: Wi-Fi access is available in the individual suites.
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Other
Water supply notes: All the tented rooms have plumbed hot and cold running water for showers, and flushing toilets.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: In an emergency, clients can be flown out either via helicopter or medical rescue plane – but please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight hours as the bush airstrips do not have any lighting at night.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Fire safety