Sitatunga

Sitatunga Private Island is an exclusive safari retreat located on an isolated island just as the Panhandle enters Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Its design is ‘Robinson Crusoe’ inspired with thick, shaggy thatch that covers canvas roofs and walls, and purposeful ‘salvage’ inspired reference, complete with giant basket shapes as a nod to the Bayei and other local Okavango fishing ancestries. However, as a ‘Réserve-Collection’ luxury safari camp, and a Relais & Châteaux member, the rugged décor is artfully balanced with a sense of sophistication and luxurious style.

There are only two suites, each resting high up amongst the established ebony tree canopy taking advantage of the views and the cool shade whilst providing the perfect wildlife watching vantage point. They offer a private indoor lounge area, double vanity bathroom with porcelain baths and indoor showers, environmentally friendly air conditioning over the bed areas, and an outdoor sala and plunge pool with tranquil views over the Delta. Vintage Persian carpets sit alongside blue trade bead curtains, soft flowing silk and linen curtaining that picks up the gentle breeze. Each suite includes a complimentary professional camera and lens set, which is now synonymous with a Great Plains Conservation Réserve-Collection safari camp. High-quality binoculars are also available. 

Sitatunga Private Island offers a water-based safari experience unlike any other. Glide silently through winding channels on mokoro excursions, track wildlife on guided boat safaris, or try your hand at catch-and-release fishing. Birdwatching is exceptional, with sightings of rare species such as Pel’s fishing owl and wattled cranes. As the name suggests, the surrounding wetlands are home to high numbers of the rare sitatunga antelope – a shaggy, almost impossible creature that lives in the swamp and walks on elongated hoofs. Elephants, hippos, and a variety of predators also thrive in this lush wilderness.

This exclusive island retreat is ideal for those seeking privacy, adventure, and an immersive connection to the Okavango Delta’s rich wildlife and landscapes.