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

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
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Fishing
Helicopter
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.