This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango

North Island Okavango


18°55’4.1"S 22°36’36.7"E

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. We understand that an additional two suites and a family suite are to be built in 2025.

Our last visit in January 2024 was a fleeting one, but we loved what we saw.

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.

Shaded by a ring of mature trees, from ebony and leadwood to mangosteen and wild fig, North Island Okavango’s four tented suites look out across a hippo-filled lagoon which promotes 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 that has its own bathroom. This lounge can be converted to a second bedroom by configuring the sofa as a sleeper couch, which would work well for families; there are also plans for a family suite in 2025, along with two further tented suites.

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, along with 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 are spoilt for choice, on land, on water and in the air. Along with traditional guided game drives, there are seasonal boat trips and mokoro excursions and in season the opportunity for fishing. Scenic helicopter flights add 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.

While we did not stay at North Island during our visit, we did share one fascinating sighting with a vehicle from the camp. While we were watching a pair of male lions, a leopard suddenly popped its head up out the grass on the other side of a small channel. The lions, sensing the competition, stalked towards the leopard, only to pause their dominance display as a pod of hippos in the channel between the two apex predators started grunting loudly at the lion’s intrusion. Just as quickly, the leopard vanished into the grass.

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 adds an additional dimension to this elite safari family.


Our view

This is an exciting camp for those looking for exclusivity and for small groups sole use. We just loved the idyllic island setting, yet easy access to the main game viewing areas over two wooden bridges. Despite our very brief visit we felt that the game viewing in the surrounding area was very good.

Megan Green

Megan Green

Botswana expert

Geographics

Location
Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
Ideal length of stay
3–4 nights, depending on activities
Directions
Okavango North Island is approximately 40 minutes by light aircraft from Maun, followed by an estimated 15-minute game drive into camp. The duration of the drive depends on the wildlife you see along the way and the water levels.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
Although we did not stay at this camp on our last trip, we expect the food at North Island to be very good and, in general, lighter and healthier than the usual safari meals. Dietary requirements and food intolerances can be catered for, but please advise us in advance so we can give the camp prior notice.

A full breakfast is offered in the morning before going on game drives. This usually consists of a cooked breakfast with fresh muffins, pancakes, and a selection of cereals, fruit and yoghurts, along with tea, coffee and fruit juice. There is also an option to take a bush breakfast out on your game drive.

Lunch is served plated, and because it is individual dining, guests have the flexibility to eat between 12 noon and 2.00pm. You can expect a good array of dishes, including buttermilk fried chicken, Cajun kingklip, lamb koftas with quinoa or other salads, and build-your-own pizzas. For dessert, options could include fruit platters, homemade lemon sorbet or frozen fruit lollies.

If a full-day game drive is planned, the camp can provide a packed lunch (usually sandwiches, fruit and biscuits).

Afternoon tea, served just before the afternoon activity, normally consists of a light savoury snack and some form of cake. Options include chocolate brownies, churros, carrot cake, banana bread, vegetable tartlets, bruschetta and frittatas, all served with smoothies, iced teas, coffees and fresh fruit juices.

Dinner, like lunch, is plated and usually served at individual tables unless requests are made to dine with other guests. If you would like to try all the dishes, we suggest the harvest table. We have been informed that a sample dinner might start with a soup, followed by Moroccan beef tagine or a fish and vegetable curry, all served with mushroom risotto, lentils or basmati rice. To finish, there could be crème caramel with whipped cream, a fruit compote and crushed nuts.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included
Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of (usually) South African red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.

Guests can help themselves to tea and coffee in the main area throughout the day.

Special interests

Family holidays
North Island Okavango is ideal for exclusive use, especially for multi-generational travel with older children, on a Botswana family safari.
See ideas for Family holidays in Botswana
Honeymoons
The size of North Island Okavango allows the staff to provide lots of small romantic surprises – a big plus on a honeymoon in Botswana. This is accentuated by the honeymoon special, where one spouse receives 50% off the nightly accommodation rate.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Botswana
Wildlife safaris
North Island Okavango is in an area is renowned for its predator interactions, especially wild dogs and leopard with very good general game viewing.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Botswana

Children

Attitude towards children
Children aged 6 and over are welcome at North Island Okavango.
Property’s age restrictions
Minimum age 6 years
Equipment
Each suite can accommodate a sleeper couch for two children, who will also have their own bathroom.
Generally recommended for children
Although the camp accepts children from the age of 6, it has an adult feel that is not in keeping with young children. It is also in an area where dangerous animals are free to roam, so it's best suited to much older children.
Notes
The camp is surrounded by tracts of water and has dangerous wildlife roaming through. Children must be supervised by a parent or carer at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes
There are battery-charging facilities in the suites. Hairdryers are available.
Communications
WiFi is available only in the suites. There is no cellphone signal in the area.
TV & radio
None
Water supply
Other

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The nearest doctor is in Maun. All management and guides are first-aid trained and there is a nurse on call (via radio) 24 hours a day. Medical evacuation is available in case of emergency, 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.

Swimming pool warning: Please be aware that the plunge pools do not have depth markings. Bathers need to be careful when entering the pool.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Guests are escorted to their suites after dark as dangerous wildlife is known to wander through the camp. A safety briefing is given on arrival. “Foghorns” are provided in the suites to attract attention in case of emergency.
Fire safety

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Mokoro

    Mokoro

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A complimentary laundry service is in place, with the exception of undergarments, for which washing powder is provided in each bathroom.
Money
There is a safe in each suite. No exchange facilities are offered.
Accepted payment on location
Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as are cash payments in US dollars, euros, GB sterling, South African rand and Botswana pula.

Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Kwara Camp

Kwara Camp

Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.


93% (232 reviews)
Little Vumbura

Little Vumbura

On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.


96% (138 reviews)
Shinde Camp

Shinde Camp

With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.


94% (102 reviews)
Splash Camp

Splash Camp

Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.


96% (90 reviews)
Chitabe Lediba

Chitabe Lediba

Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.


97% (87 reviews)
Kanana

Kanana

In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.


94% (79 reviews)
Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe Safari Lodge

The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.


94% (78 reviews)
Chitabe Camp

Chitabe Camp

In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.


96% (69 reviews)
Shinde Footsteps

Shinde Footsteps

Small and simple, but comfortable, Shinde Footsteps focuses on walking safaris as well as game drives; it also runs a special children's programme so is particularly suitable for families.


98% (49 reviews)
Gomoti Plains Camp

Gomoti Plains

Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.


93% (38 reviews)
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

Nxabega Tented Camp

Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.


95% (38 reviews)
Tubu Tree Camp

Tubu Tree Camp

A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.


98% (37 reviews)
Vumbura Plains

Vumbura Plains

Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.


96% (37 reviews)
Jacana Camp

Jacana Camp

Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.


99% (27 reviews)
Kwetsani Camp

Kwetsani Camp

Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.


96% (23 reviews)
Mapula Lodge

Mapula Lodge

For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.


94% (20 reviews)
Duba Explorers Camp

Duba Explorers Camp

Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.


96% (19 reviews)
Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains Camp is a traditional yet luxurious safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion behavior interaction that is often see during the day.


95% (19 reviews)
Baines' Camp

Baines' Camp

Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.


92% (17 reviews)
Pom Pom Camp

Pom Pom Camp

Amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery, Pom Pom offers idyllic mokoro trips in season, great birdwatching, and increasingly good big-game sightings, especially leopards.


95% (17 reviews)
Stanley's Camp

Stanley's Camp

In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.


93% (16 reviews)
Mma Dinare

Mma Dinare

Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.


98% (16 reviews)
Little Tubu

Little Tubu

Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.


100% (14 reviews)
Pelo Camp

Pelo Camp

In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.


96% (11 reviews)
4 Rivers

4 Rivers

4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.


100% (9 reviews)
Xaranna Okavango Delta Lodge

Xaranna

Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.


90% (8 reviews)
Jao Camp

Jao Camp

In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.


87% (6 reviews)
Seba Camp

Seba Camp

Seba Camp is a luxury camp in a lovely location that offers the full range of water and land safari activities, depending on the time of year. This camp is particularly suitable for families.


90% (6 reviews)
Rra Dinare

Rra Dinare

Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.


96% (5 reviews)
Setari Camp

Setari Camp

Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"


100% (3 reviews)
Abu Camp

Abu Camp

Abu Camp is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb elephant-back safaris and opportunities to walk with them too.


70% (2 reviews)
Okavango Explorers Camp

Okavango Explorers

The traditional, tented Okavango Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by great guides in a wildlife-rich area.


90% (2 reviews)
Kiri Camp

Kiri Camp

Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.


100% (1 review)
Duke’s Camp

Duke’s Camp

On a remote island within a vast private concession, the eclectic Duke’s Camp is nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains of the Okavango.


100% (1 review)
Okavango Delta Walking Safari

Okavango Walking Safari

The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.


100% (1 review)
Sitatunga Private Island Camp

Sitatunga Island Camp

Tucked away in a pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, the exclusive Sitatunga Private Island is a water-based camp offering boating, mokoro trips and fishing.


100% (1 review)
Karangoma

Karangoma

New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.


No reviews yet
Atzaro Okavango

Atzaro Okavango

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.


No reviews yet
Mokolwane

Mokolwane

Deep in the heart of the Okavango, Mokolwane promises adventure in a largely untouched area.


No reviews yet
Eagle Island Lodge

Eagle Island Lodge

Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.


No reviews yet
Maxa

Maxa

Overlooking the permanent Maxa Lagoon, Maxa is due to open in March 2025.


No reviews yet
Mbamba

Mbamba

Deep within the northern Okavango, the classically styled Mbamba is set to open in a wildlife-rich private concession in April 2025.


No reviews yet
Qorokwe Camp

Qorokwe Camp

Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.
Africa