Sitatunga Private Island is an exclusive, eco-designed luxury safari camp located on a secluded island where the Panhandle meets Botswana’s Okavango Delta. As the newest member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group, this Réserve-Collection camp embodies a unique blend of rustic ‘Robinson Crusoe’ charm and refined sophistication. Its design draws heavily from local Bayei fishing culture, featuring giant bamboo fishing basket-inspired suites perched high in ebony trees, offering guests both safety and spectacular views over the surrounding lagoons and waterways.
Constructed entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials, including railway sleepers and bamboo, the camp reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental harmony. Thick thatch covers the canvas roofs and walls, blending the structures seamlessly into the lush delta landscape. The interiors evoke the serene blues and greens of the Okavango, with vintage Persian rugs, flowing silk curtains, and thoughtfully sourced décor that complements the natural setting. Sitatunga Private Island is designed for a maximum of four guests in two spacious tented suites or a separate two-bedroom private suite, providing an intimate, personalized safari experience.
Guests are surrounded by the water-based ecosystem of the Okavango Delta through activities like motorized boat safaris, Mokoro excursions when water levels allow, guided walks on nearby islands, and tag-and-release fishing. Wildlife highlights include rare sightings of the elusive sitatunga antelope, abundant hippos and crocodiles in the reed-lined channels, visiting elephants and predators, and over 200 species of birds. The camp’s tranquil setting encourages guests to slow down and connect deeply with the unique rhythms of the delta’s waterways, offering a serene yet adventurous safari experience in one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.
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Wildlife
- The camp’s isolated island location offers sightings of rare sitatunga antelope.
- Abundant aquatic wildlife includes hippos and crocodiles in the surrounding reed-lined channels.
- Elephants, antelope, and occasional predators visit the island.
- Over 200 bird species, including African fish eagles, herons, kingfishers, and waterfowl.
- The serene waterways provide unique chances to observe nocturnal wildlife and water-adapted species up close.
Activities & facilities
- Motorised boating safaris
- Mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions (seasonal)
- Guided walking safaris
- Tag-and-release fishing (March to December)
- Night safaris
- Photography safaris with specialized boats
- Scenic aerial flights with optional champagne stops
- Main lounge and dining area
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Outdoor fire pit
- Safari Boutique
- High-quality binoculars and photographic equipment
- In-suite spa treatments
- Yoga mats, light weights, and stationary exercise bike available in suites
Highlights
- Only two spacious tented suites plus a private 2-bedroom suite option, all elevated in the ebony tree canopy with lagoon views.
- Suites feature private plunge pools, outdoor salas, environmentally friendly air conditioning, and generous indoor and outdoor living areas.
- Design incorporates recycled wood, bamboo, and thick thatch, with interiors inspired by local Bayei fishing traditions and Okavango’s natural colours.
- Gourmet dining inspired by Botswana’s riverine heritage, with flexible, personalized service.
Exclusive water-based activities including motorized boat safaris, mokoro excursions, and guided walks.
Location
- Sitatunga Private Island Camp is situated on a private island at the entry of Botswana’s Okavango Delta Panhandle.
Getting There
- The best way to get to Sitatunga Private Island Camp is to fly from Johannesburg to Maun or Kasane, followed by a flight via light aircraft to Duba Plains airstrip.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Maun/Kasane: 1 hr 50 min
- Flight time from Maun to Duba Plains airstrip: 40 minutes
- Flight time from Kasane to Duba Plains airstrip: 1 hr 25 min
- Scenic helicopter transfers from Duba Plains to Sitatunga Private Island take approximately 10 minutes
- Alternatively, motorised boat transfers are available between Duba Plains and the island
Inter-camp air transfer options are also available.
Special Offers
- Enjoy one free night with our ‘Pay 3 Stay 4’ offer.
- Enjoy two free nights with our ‘Pay 6 Stay 8’ offer, combining 2 camps in a 4-night stay each.
- Honeymoon: Enjoy 25% off accommodation (within 6 months post wedding date only).
- Renew your Vows : Enjoy 25% off accommodation (celebrating a 40th, or greater, wedding anniversary).
- Special offers are valid 11 January – 14 June & 01 October – 19 December.
Child Policy
- Sitatunga Private Island welcomes children from 6 years and older.
- Child rates are applicable for up to one child 15 and younger sharing with two adults in a suite.
- The 2-bedroom Sitatunga Private Island Suite accommodates a maximum of 5 guests for families with children.
- Children 06 – 15 years pay 50% of the adult rate sharing with two adults in a suite.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Included: Wildlife viewing activities (water based), all meals, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (including premium brand spirits and champagne), return airstrip transfers and laundry services.
- Complimentary use of a pair of high-quality binoculars and a professional camera set, including camera body and lenses. Photos will be digitally presented to guests on departure.
- The return scheduled seat in plane air transfers from Maun and/or Kasane Airports, Great Plains properties and camp in the greater Okavango Delta and Linyanti/Savuti regions, are included in the nightly rate – subject to a minimum 2-night stay.
- Guests will be transferred from Duba Concession to Sitatunga Private Island and back by helicopter at no additional charge.
- Excluded: Conservation levy and spa treatments.
Rates
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 50% applicable.
- In high and low season, a single supplement will apply from the 2nd single room
- Sitatunga Private Island 2-bedroom suite is charged per unit.
- Rates displayed are valid until 10 January 2027.
Seasons
- Peak season: 15 June – 30 September & 20 December – 10 January
- High season: 01 April – 14 June & 01 October – 19 December
- Low season: 11 January – 31 March
Your Safari, Expertly Curated
Our dedicated travel specialists craft seamless, tailor-made journeys – every detail designed around you.
Safari Suite
The two Standard Safari Suites are elevated within the ebony tree canopy, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding lagoon. Each suite includes Read more a private indoor lounge, an en-suite bathroom with both a bath and shower, and environmentally sustainable air conditioning. An outdoor sala and private plunge pool extend the living space. The suites are equipped with professional camera equipment, including lenses and binoculars, to enhance wildlife observation. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 3,140per person per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 2,100per person per night |
| Low Season | $ 1,660per person per night |
Private 2-bedroom Unit
The two-bedroom Sitatunga Private Island Suite offers a private and spacious accommodation option, featuring a central lounge and dining area Read more flanked by two bedrooms. Each bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom with clawfoot baths, indoor showers, and double basins. The suite opens onto a large deck with a private swimming pool and outdoor seating area. This suite is similarly equipped with professional photographic equipment and offers in-suite spa treatment option. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 15,070per person per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 10,080per person per night |
| Low Season | $ 7,965per person per night |
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