Welcome to Sitatunga Private Island

“The first time I saw a sitatunga antelope, I fell in love with these shaggy creatures that live in the swamp, walking on elongated hoofs. An impossible animal, really.

When my friend Lance Dixon and I scouted this island, we saw a dozen of these animals and the name “Sitatunga” leapt out at me.

Sitatunga Private Island is an extraordinary place.

Not only is it a private island, but it is also one of the few locations where one can still see these rare aquatic antelope which can be seen from camp and by boat, which is the main activity in addition to guided walking.

Sitatunga Private Island is deep within Botswana’s Okavango Delta and, as such, is rich in birding. Head out on a boat to view elephants, crocodiles, and hippos all day, every day.

I know you will enjoy every moment, as I do.”

– Dereck Joubert

Welcome to Sitatunga Private Island

“The first time I saw a sitatunga antelope, I fell in love with these shaggy creatures that live in the swamp and walk on elongated hoofs. An impossible animal, really.

When my friend Lance Dixon and I scouted this island, we saw a dozen of these animals and the name “Sitatunga” leapt out at me.

Sitatunga Private Island is an extraordinary place.

Not only is it a private island, but it is also one of the few locations where one can still see these rare aquatic antelope. Sitatungas can be seen from camp and by boat, which is the main activity in addition to guided walking.

Sitatunga Private Island is deep within Botswana’s Okavango Delta and, as such, is rich in birding. Head out on a boat to view elephants, crocodiles, and hippos all day, every day.

I know you will enjoy every moment, as I do.”

– Dereck Joubert

The Camp

Sitatunga Private Island, located on an isolated island just as the Panhandle enters Botswana’s Okavango Delta, has been designed by Dereck Joubert, CEO of Great Plains, with interiors by Beverly Joubert, co-founder of Great Plains.

This Réserve-Collection luxury safari camp, and Botswana’s newest Relais & Châteaux member, is very ‘Robinson Crusoe, desert island-ish’ in its design. Its design has a purposeful ‘salvage’ inspired reference, complete with giant basket shapes as a nod to the Bayei and other local Okavango fishing ancestries.

There is thick pole woodwork, reminiscent of sailing masts salvaged from a shipwreck, with the very spacious inner floorspace being some of the largest we have ever built. Bamboo, a premium, environmentally friendly and renewable building material with its high carbon sequestration factor, is also a vital component of the camp’s main area structure.

Thick, shaggy thatch covers canvas roofs and walls.

Sitatunga Private Island, entirely surrounded by water, has a blue theme. Vintage Persian carpets, blue trade bead curtains, soft flowing silk and linen curtaining that picks up the breeze complete the interiors.

Fellow Réserve-Collection luxury safari camps in Botswana include Zarafa Camp and The Dhow Suite at Zarafa, Selinda Camp and the Selinda Suite, the Sitatunga Private Island Suite, and Duba Plains Camp and the Duba Plains Suite.

Our Réserve-Collection luxury safari camps in Zimbabwe include Tembo Plains Camp and The Zanji Suite at Tembo Plains.

Our Kenyan Réserve-Collection luxury safari camps are Mara Nyika Camp and The Sambuk Suite at Mara Nyika, Mara Plains Camp and The Jahazi Suite at Mara Plains, Mara Toto Tree Camp, and ol Donyo Lodge.

Book Your Journey

Safari Suite

There are only two suites, each resting high up amongst the established ebony tree canopy. Traditionally, this was a way to seek and find safety, take advantage of the views, and relax in the cool shade. And spot sitatunga.

The expansive suites, with views over the lagoon and waters of the Okavango Delta, offer you 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.

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 for your enjoyment.

Guests can enjoy a range of treatments in the privacy of their suite or on the open-air deck alongside their private swimming pool.

Our executive chef and his team personally design cuisine that offers an exciting culinary experience. It also pays homage to Botswana’s river people and their style of food.

Rates

$1 550 to $2 935 per person sharing per night

More Details

$2 935 per person sharing per night 
15 June – 31 October 2024 & 20 December 2024 – 10 January 2025

$1 965 per person sharing per night 
01 November – 19 December 2024

$1 550 per person sharing per night 
11 January – 31 March 2025

$1 965 per person sharing per night 
01 April – 14 June 2025 & 01 November – 19 December 2025

$2 935 per person sharing per night 
15 June – 31 October 2025 & 20 December 2025 – 10 January 2026

The above rates are in US$ and based on a per person per night sharing basis. Single guest, child rates, private safari drive and guide rates are available on request.

These rates include accommodation, scheduled activities, all meals, laundry service, and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, including premium brand spirits and champagne. Return scheduled seat in plane inter-camp air transfers, including air transfers from Maun and/or Kasane Airports, are included in the US$ nightly rate – subject to a minimum 2-night stay.

Safari Experiences

Crocodiles and hippos are never far away, calling the deep reed bed lined channels of one of the greatest rivers on Earth home.

Elephants, antelope and the occasional predator also come onto the island to investigate who may be visiting at the time.

Sitatunga Private Island’s unique water-based setting allows for guests to immerse themselves in learning, and experiencing, a deeper appreciation of Botswana’s famous waterways. Aquatically adapted wildlife can be viewed with a new perspective from motorised boat on the lagoons and river or on a poled mokoro in smaller waterways (when water levels allow).

There is also the opportunity to experience guided walks.

Tag-and-release fishing is available from March to December each year.

- Explore our other Great Plains Camps

Spot a rare Sitatunga antelope

Explore the Okavango’s water channels on a range of boats

Enjoy a guided walk on the wild side on Matota Island

Lasting Impact

Project Ranger: Supporting Anti-Poaching Units Across Africa

Project Ranger aims to support those on the front lines of conservation, filling critical gaps and supporting wildlife monitors, rangers and the anti-poaching operations of NGOs and conservation organisations in Africa. Because poaching and trafficking continue to threaten wildlife across Africa and many rangers continue to be woefully under-resourced, Project Ranger will continue to address both short-term emergency needs and adopt a longer-term focus. Sponsor a Ranger, Protect a Species.

READ MORE ABOUT THIS INITIATIVE