After several unforgettable days exploring the African bush by Land Rover with Great Plains Conservation, my wife and I boarded a small helicopter and lifted off toward the next chapter of our Botswana adventure. Our destination? Sitatunga Private Island Camp—an ultra-exclusive, water-based safari experience nestled deep in the Okavango Delta. And let me tell you, nothing could have prepared us for just how magical this next leg of the journey would be.
From the moment we arrived at Sitatunga Private Island Camp, we were immersed in serenity. With only three luxury tents available, the camp is designed to host no more than 6–8 guests at a time. That means unmatched privacy, tranquility, and individualized attention. The peaceful remoteness of this private island, surrounded by tranquil waterways and lush reeds, created an atmosphere that was nothing short of majestic.
The Most Luxurious Room We've Ever Stayed In
I’ve stayed in high-end hotels across the world, but the “tent” at Sitatunga Private Island Camp blew every previous experience out of the water. Walking into our suite felt like stepping into an African dream: a sprawling living room with wide open netted windows looking out to our private plunge pool, comfortable lounge chairs, an exercise bike (yes, really), and a view of the water where we spotted crocodiles and heard the low grunts of nearby hippos.
The bedroom was equally stunning, with top-of-the-line bedding, luxury décor, and the soothing sounds of nature echoing through the open-air canvas walls. It was elegant, romantic, peaceful, and perfectly connected to the wild. If I had to choose one hotel or room in my life to relive again, this would be it.
Laid-Back Luxury by Water
Unlike the more rugged Land Rover safaris at Okavango Explorers Camp, Sitatunga Private Island Camp offers a more relaxed experience, making it the perfect place to wind down. The safaris here are primarily conducted by boat, floating gently through lily-covered channels carved out in the thick aquatic vegetation. This alone was a unique and tranquil way to see Africa—gliding quietly past crocodiles, hippo pods, and even elephants bathing in the river.
One of the most remarkable moments came during a water transfer to our walking safari site. It took about an hour of exploring winding streams before we pulled into a peaceful landing area. Along the way, we saw towering Nile crocs basking in the sun and hippos yawning wide beside our boat. Despite their presence, we felt safe—our guide, Mike, was calm, experienced, and always carried a rifle for added protection (though I confirmed with him that it’s never been used).
A Walking Safari with a View
After arriving at our destination, we set out on a short 1.25-mile walking safari on foot. Unlike typical safaris where you sit back in a vehicle, this one brought us face-to-face with the pulse of the wild. We tracked elephant paths, learned about native plant life, and listened to the sounds of birds and insects as Mike shared stories passed down from generations. His father was a great hunter and naturalist, and you could tell that deep-rooted knowledge lived on in Mike. He wasn’t just a guide—he was an encyclopedia of African wildlife, passionate about sharing every sound, scent, and sign.
Breakfast on the Boat
One of the trip’s most peaceful and picturesque experiences was breakfast on the boat. After our walking safari, Mike set up a spread with eggs, granola, fruit, yogurt, muffins, and fresh coffee—all enjoyed right on the water. We sat in the shade, surrounded by African wilderness, soaking in the moment. These were the kinds of meals you remember for a lifetime—not just for the taste but for the view and the feeling of gratitude it stirred.
Evenings by the Campfire and Stargazing with Mike
After returning to camp and enjoying some downtime in our tent, we capped the day off by joining Mike for drinks at the campfire—a dock built out over the water. The stars in Botswana are breathtaking. With no city lights to pollute the sky, it was one of the clearest skies I’ve ever seen. Mike pulled out a laser pointer and gave me a crash course in astronomy. For the first time in my life, I was able to understand constellations, how to navigate by stars, and just sit still in awe of God’s masterpiece above.
World-Class Dining & Hospitality
The service at Sitatunga Private Island Camp was second to none. From the moment we stepped into the lobby area to the final goodbye, the staff treated us like royalty. Meals were gourmet—carefully crafted to suit each guest’s dietary needs. Whether you were vegetarian, kosher, gluten-free, or just had preferences, the chef had it covered. Every dish was plated beautifully, and dinners were served under the stars with lantern-lit paths guiding you through camp. We had the option to dine privately or communally, but either way, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and deeply memorable.
A Perfect Finale to a Dream Safari
After days of exhilarating game drives and dusty roads at Okavango Explorers Camp, Sitatunga Private Island Camp was the ultimate place to unwind. It allowed us to process our experiences, relax, and soak in the last moments of our Botswana safari in peace. Between the world-class hospitality, private setting, and luxurious accommodations, this was an experience I’ll be talking about forever.
If you’re planning a trip to Africa, I can’t recommend Great Plains Conservation enough—and if you want to end your trip on a peaceful, luxurious note, Sitatunga Private Island Camp is the place to do it.
Want More of the African Adventure?
If you enjoyed this glimpse into our time at Sitatunga Private Island, don’t miss the full story of our African safari adventure from start (Cape Town South Africa) to finish. And for a deeper look at where it all began, be sure to check out our separate blog on the Okavango Explorer Camp—the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable journey through Botswana.
