Discovering Luxury in the Wild at Atzaró Okavango

Okavango Delta: A Natural Wonder
Every year, the Okavango River releases 11 cubic kilometers of water into the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert, creating one of the largest and most biodiverse wetlands on Earth. This expansive network of waterways, lagoons, shallow channels, reed islands, and grassy floodplains covers an area of over 16,000 square kilometers. It hosts an extraordinary array of wildlife, including over 1,000 plant species, more than 480 bird species, 130 mammal species, and numerous reptiles and fish. Recognized as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Okavango Delta is a dazzling jewel in Botswana’s natural landscape.

Atzaró Okavango Camp: The Essence of Eco-luxury
Atzaró Okavango Camp, situated in the wildlife-rich southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, epitomizes a blend of adventure, eco-consciousness, and luxury. As you leave Maun’s bustling little airport and the town’s mix of buildings, bars, homes, and shacks behind, the landscape shifts to a canvas of scrub, bushes, trees, and dried-up waterholes. Crossing the Buffalo Fence, erected in the 1980s to separate buffalo from domestic cattle, the scenery diversifies to reveal game trails, hippos in the waterways, and elephants under trees. Gradually, the vibrant hues of the Okavango come into view, and soon the outline of Atzaró Okavango’s lodge appears, ready to welcome you into a world of opulence.

Overlooking a seasonal lagoon and surrounded by lush palm islands and verdant delta vegetation, Atzaró Okavango stands as a stylish retreat. The camp features eight luxurious tented rooms connected by raised wooden walkways. These rooms come equipped with air conditioning, fans, and voluminous mosquito nets draped over beds. Each room has a private deck with a shaded seating area and a plunge pool, ideal for cooling off during the warm days. The bathrooms offer both indoor and outdoor showers and baths, adding a touch of decadence to your stay—imagine spotting wildlife while soaking in an outdoor tub! Families can choose from two villas with connected rooms.

The Heart of the Camp: Luxury and Relaxation
The main lodge area at Atzaró Okavango boasts vaulted ceilings, an open lounge filled with antiques, leather Chesterfield sofas, and traditional Kuba cloths adorned with embroidery and appliqué. The bar, detailed with wood, velvet, and cut glass, features a sunken seating area around an outdoor firepit, offering stunning views of the lagoon. Guests can enjoy high tea on the observation deck, sip pre-dinner drinks at the bar, or relax on the deck’s comfortable chairs. After dinner, guests can gather around the firepit to stargaze and listen to the sounds of hippos and elephants.

For wine enthusiasts, there’s a well-stocked wine cellar with an expert sommelier. Dining options include the main dining area and an artfully thatched traditional boma, resembling a bird’s nest, which provides a rustic alternative. The lodge also serves as a ‘living museum,’ showcasing a collection of intricate traditional artworks from across Africa, with similar pieces available for purchase in the gift shop. Committed to sustainability, Atzaró Okavango is built using recycled materials and is fully powered by solar energy.

Activities and Wildlife Encounters
Atzaró Okavango offers a range of exceptional amenities, including a gym, a 20-meter swimming pool, and a yoga deck. The wellness spa offers a variety of treatments, with massages that are particularly noteworthy. Given its prime location, the lodge offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing. During a morning game drive, we encountered five cheetahs camouflaged in the grass. Our adventure continued with a dramatic face-off between the cheetahs and a family of warthogs, which remarkably ended with the warthogs standing their ground and triumphing over the predator.

Guests at Atzaró can partake in walking safaris with an armed guide, birdwatching, boat trips, sunset cruises, catch-and-release fishing, and mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions, all offered on a private basis for a more intimate experience.

Okavango Gin: The Perfect Sundowner
The camp’s in-house mixologist, Percy, is a master at crafting cocktails. On our way back to camp after a game drive, we encountered Percy and his mobile sundowner station, where he introduced us to Okavango Gin. This unique gin is created through a collaboration of naturalists, safari guides, botany enthusiasts, and hospitality experts who love the Okavango Delta. Made with pure Okavango water, Marula fruit, and Mopane seeds, this gin offers a vibrant, contemporary taste. Percy’s signature cocktail, the FRENCH 75, combines Okavango The Sentinel gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine, garnished with a slice of lemon.

Planning Your Okavango Adventure
Organizing a luxury safari requires careful planning, including considerations of locations, seasons, and logistics. For a memorable journey to Atzaró Okavango, Mahlatini, a bespoke luxury travel company, offers expertly curated African itineraries. Committed to environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and community benefits, Mahlatini partners with properties like Atzaró Okavango that share these values.

Atzaró Okavango promises an unparalleled blend of luxury and adventure, immersing you in the stunning beauty and rich wildlife of the Okavango Delta. Whether you’re sipping a drink by the lagoon or relaxing in your private plunge pool, the camp exudes a sense of relaxed luxury with its fusion of contemporary design and traditional African charm. It’s the perfect place to embrace the luxurious safari lifestyle.