FAQs

Atzaró Okavango Camp is situated in a unique location within the Okavango Delta, a vast inland UNESCO World Heritage-listed river delta renowned for its expansive grassy plains in northern Botswana. The lodge is nestled within a unique private concession positioned between the iconic Moremi Game Reserve and Gomoti Plains.

From Cape Town Airport, travellers can easily reach Atzaró Okavango Camp via a 2-hour flight to Maun, where our private helicopter charter awaits to transfer you into the Okavango Delta.

From Johannesburg, travellers can reach Atzaró Okavango Camp via a 1 hour and 45-minute flight to Maun.

Most nationalities are eligible for a complimentary 30-day visa upon arrival in both countries. However, it is recommended to verify the latest information by contacting the embassies of Botswana and South Africa for accurate and up-to-date visa requirements.

We strongly advise that all guests obtain comprehensive insurance coverage, including protection for cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, medical emergencies, and baggage. This ensures your peace of mind throughout your stay.

• Accommodation.
• All meals and snacks.
• All beverages, alcoholic, soft, and wines and non-alcoholic.
• All activities, including twice-daily open game drives, mokoro canoe excursions, and walking safaris.
• Access to the lodge’s swimming pool and gym.
• Road transfers between the airstrip and the lodge.
• Personal laundry.
• Wi-Fi.

• Community and Conservation Levy, includes park entry fees, concession fees, and conservation & community contributions.
• International and domestic airfares and excess baggage fees.
• Passport, visa, or international and domestic airport tax fees.
• Flights and hotel bookings before and after the lodge stay.
• Expenses due to situations beyond our control.
  Premium alcoholic beverages, wines, and French Champagnes.
• Spa and massage treatments.
• Medical and personal travel insurance.
• Discretionary tips.

Our cancellation policy is as follows:

• Cancellation of a booking 61 or more days before the date of travel will result in the 20% commitment fee being retained.
• Cancellation of a booking between 60 – 46 days before the date of travel will incur a 50% cancellation fee based on the total value of the itinerary and the stay. The 50% cancellation fee includes the 20% commitment fee paid on acceptance.
• Cancellation of a booking 45 days or less before the date of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee based on the total value of the itinerary and stay. The 100% cancellation fee includes the 20% commitment fee paid on acceptance.
• Refunds will not be issued for any activities or travel that were part of the confirmed itinerary but were unable to occur due to events beyond the control of Atzaró Okavango Lodge.

Yes, each of our 12 suites is equipped with air conditioning for your comfort. Our suites are thoughtfully designed with glass windows to optimise energy efficiency and maintain a consistently pleasant temperature within the suites.

We provide complimentary Wi-Fi access in all our suites, as well as in the African art gallery and boutique within the lodge. Please be aware that our remote location limits the available bandwidth, which is suitable for web browsing, emailing, and communicating via WhatsApp. However, streaming media might not be optimal due to these bandwidth limitations. It’s important to note that there is no mobile phone signal at Atzaró Okavango Lodge. Instead, we encourage you to disconnect and embrace the wild surroundings.

Yes, Atzaró Okavango warmly welcomes families with children. However, please note that our lodge is unfenced and wildlife can occasionally pass through the area. We are fully prepared to accommodate families, but it’s important to ensure that children are under the constant supervision of their parents. Certain age-related restrictions apply to various activities for safety reasons, as determined by our guides.

• Children 0 – 6 years (sharing with adults): No charge for accommodations. Please note that transfers and conservation levies still apply. Certain activities such as walking safaris, mokoros, and canoeing might have age restrictions and are subject to the discretion of our guides.
• Children 7 – 15 years: The rate for this age group is 50% of the adult rate. If a child occupies a single room, a single supplement will be applicable. Similar to younger children, certain activities may have age restrictions for safety reasons and are at the discretion of our guides.
• Children 16 and above: Children in this age group are charged at the full adult rate. There are no restrictions on participating in activities for this age group.

We offer daily laundry services as part of our all-inclusive package, subject to weather conditions and water availability. For your convenience, environmentally friendly detergent for hand washing is available in all suites, and it can also be supplied upon request. However, please note that we do not offer dry-cleaning services.

At the lodge, we have a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis treatment plant that purifies the water to the highest standards. The purified water is re-mineralized, ensuring its quality and taste. You can confidently enjoy tap water at the lodge without any concerns. We also offer bottled water in environmentally friendly glass bottles for your convenience.

Each game drive vehicle is equipped with high-quality binoculars for guests to use during safari outings to enhance your wildlife viewing experience and allow you to observe animals and landscapes with greater clarity.

At Atzaró Okavango Lodge, we offer custom-built eight-seater safari vehicles that are designed with your comfort and wildlife photography experience in mind. These vehicles are equipped for optimal game drives. The seats are covered with comfortable cotton canvas, featuring adjustable armrests that can be locked into position for photography purposes. To enhance your safari experience, our vehicles are equipped with amenities for memorable refreshment stops, including tables, chairs, cold boxes, hot boxes, and picnic baskets.

Our skilled chefs are adept at catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and needs. To ensure the best dining experience for you, we recommend providing advance notice of your dietary requirements. This way, we can prepare and serve meals that align with your needs and preferences.

The Okavango Delta is a destination that offers something special throughout the year, each season with its own unique qualities and experiences. However, the southern hemisphere autumn and winter months (May to October) are often considered the high season and are commonly regarded as the best time to visit.

• May – October: This period corresponds to the dry season when wildlife congregates around water sources, making game-viewing especially rewarding. The lack of vegetation and increased visibility during this time allow for excellent wildlife spotting. Additionally, the floodwaters gradually rise, peaking around September.
• November – April: Referred to as the green season due to increased rainfall, this period, particularly January and February, is ideal for photography and birdwatching. Many young animals are born during this time, which adds to the diversity of wildlife. Predators hunting newborns can make for captivating game-viewing experiences.

The temperature variations in the Okavango Delta offer distinct experiences throughout the year.

• May-August (Winter Months): The arrival of the flood waters occurs in May each year and will slowly rise over the coming winter months, bringing with it a flourish of new life and an evolving landscape. This time of year has the most pleasant temperatures, with sunny, clear afternoons of around 20°C or 68°F. Occasionally, a cool change might lead to a slight temperature drop. May to August is comfortable for outdoor activities. Early mornings and nights can be cold with temperatures around 7°C or 44.6°F, so we advise packing warm clothing that can be layered for ease.
• Late September to November: Temperatures rise in late September, while October and November are the hottest months of the year. During this time, the landscape dries out and animals congregate in large numbers around water sources. In early summer, temperatures can range between 28°C or 82.4°F and 36°C or 96.8°F. To stay comfortable during the heat of the day, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and sun protection for day-time activities.
• December onwards: At this time of year, you can expect the annual summer rainfall to begin. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and create a dramatic, yet beautiful experience over the vast plains. From December onwards, temperatures gradually cool. Daytime averages range from 28°C or 82.4°F to 32°C or 89.6°F, creating a pleasant climate for a host of activities and comfortable conditions for explorations on land and water. We advise packing light clothing that can be layered in neutral shades.

When preparing for your safari trip to Botswana, it’s advisable to pack efficiently. For charter aircraft flights, the maximum luggage allowance is 20kg (44lb) per person. You’re also allowed one piece of hand luggage or a camera bag. If space permits, you can reserve additional seats to accommodate excess luggage. Booking extra seats allows for an additional 70kg (154lb) of luggage. However, it’s important to consider not only the weight but also the shape and dimensions of your luggage. Your bags need to fit within the cargo pod beneath each aircraft. To ensure convenient transportation, we recommend using soft-sided holdall-type bags instead of rigid hard-shell suitcases. If your luggage doesn’t fit in the cargo pod, it will need to be carried inside the aircraft, incurring additional charges for excess luggage.

There is no specific dress code at Atzaró Okavango Camp, as we want our guests to feel relaxed and comfortable throughout their stay. For game excursions, we recommend lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing. The lodge provides a complimentary daily laundry service, allowing you to pack less clothing for your safari. Please avoid bringing any clothing with a military or camouflage pattern, as wearing such patterns is discouraged in Botswana.

If you’re planning a visit to Botswana, it’s important to consider certain vaccinations. It’s highly recommended to consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional to determine the vaccinations that are relevant and necessary for your specific health needs and travel plans.

Additionally, keep in mind that specific areas of Botswana are considered malarial, so discussing malaria prevention strategies with your healthcare provider is also crucial for a safe and healthy trip.

While Atzaró Okavango Lodge is located in a remote area with a very low risk of malaria, we still recommend taking precautions. It’s advisable to use anti-malarial prophylactics as a preventive measure. To ensure your health and safety, we recommend consulting a travel doctor or a healthcare professional at least three weeks before your departure to Africa. They can provide personalised advice and recommendations based on your health profile and travel plans.

Settling payments for additional services and purchases such as spa treatments, spa products, gratuities to guides or staff, and items from the Atzaró Okavango Camp Art Gallery and Boutique can be conveniently done at the lodge. You have the option to pay using either cash or credit card. Please note that we only accept US Dollars (USD) for cash payments. Additionally, we welcome major credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, and American Express for your convenience. All foreign currencies are accepted via credit card payment and will be converted to USD at the time of payment.

While gratuities are always appreciated by our staff, they are entirely at your discretion. If you wish to express your satisfaction with the service, we offer the following suggestions:

• Guides and Specialist Guides: You may choose to provide a direct one-time payment to the guide at the conclusion of your stay.
• Mokoro Polers: For the services of the poler or tracker, it is customary to offer payment directly after the service. This team is from the local village.
• General Lodge Staff: A one-time payment at the end of your stay is customary. We collect these contributions in a communal tip box, which is then distributed evenly among all lodge staff except for the guides.

Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are only allowed in designated areas of the lodge, which our staff will identify upon request. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the main lodge area, safari vehicles, mokoro boats, and guest suites. However, you are welcome to smoke on the outdoor decks of your private suite. During game activities, there will be designated stops for refreshments, during which smokers may enjoy a cigarette.

We kindly inform you that the use of drone cameras is not permitted at Atzaró Okavango Camp. This policy is in place to safeguard the well-being of the wildlife, preserve the privacy of our guests and staff, and adhere to local regulations and protected area guidelines. It’s important to consider that drones can potentially disturb animals and pose risks to the environment. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this policy.

To prioritise the safety of our guests jogging or running in the bush is not recommended due to the presence of wild animals in and around Atzaró Okavango Camp. However, you can utilise our gym facilities for your workouts. The safety of our guests is of utmost importance and we encourage you to exercise within the designated areas for a secure and enjoyable experience.

At Atzaró Okavango Camp, our commitment to sustainability is a core value. We strive to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to the conservation and preservation of the pristine areas in which we operate. Atzaró Okavango Camp has been designed with sustainability in mind. Our lodge features semi-permanent structures constructed using sustainable materials, which allows us to minimise our impact on the surrounding environment. These structures are designed to be easily assembled and disassembled, showcasing our dedication to low-impact operations. Additionally, we take pride in our solar farm, which serves as a reliable and eco-friendly source of electricity for the lodge. This solar initiative not only reduces our reliance on non-renewable energy sources but also aligns with our goal to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. We are committed to nurturing the natural beauty of the areas we are privileged to be a part of, and our sustainability efforts are a testament to that commitment.

Our commitment to the local communities in the areas where we operate is at the heart of our mission. Through the African Bush Camps Foundation, our charitable arm, we actively support and engage with the communities surrounding our lodges. The Foundation focuses on essential projects that encompass education, community empowerment, and conservation initiatives. We believe that by investing in education, we can empower future generations and create lasting positive change. Our projects aim to improve access to education, provide scholarships, and enhance educational facilities for local children.
We are also dedicated to uplifting the local economy by sourcing resources from nearby communities. We utilise locally sourced building materials, labour, furniture, clothing, decor, and food supplies whenever possible. This not only supports local businesses but also fosters a sense of collaboration and sustainability.

In line with our commitment to wildlife conservation, we recognize our responsibility to protect and preserve the diverse wildlife in the regions we operate. Our safari activities are designed to promote ethical wildlife viewing and conservation awareness among our guests. We believe that responsible tourism can play a significant role in safeguarding the incredible natural heritage of the areas we are privileged to be a part of. Through these efforts, we strive to make a positive and meaningful impact on both the local communities and the natural environment that we hold dear.

Yes, we are deeply committed to empowering the local communities by providing employment opportunities to residents of the areas where our lodge is located. All our staff members, including guides, hosts, and chefs, are recruited from the local communities surrounding Atzaró Okavango Camp.

We believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Many of our staff members have progressed from entry-level positions, such as kitchen staff or mechanics, to become skilled professionals in various roles within our lodges. This is a testament to our commitment to training, development, and creating a supportive work environment.

By employing local staff, we contribute to the economic growth of the communities, enhance local livelihoods, and strengthen the bond between our lodges and the areas they operate in. Our aim is to not only provide excellent service to our guests but also to create a positive impact on the lives of our staff and the communities they call home.

The safety and well-being of our guests are of paramount importance to us. Upon your arrival at Atzaró Okavango Camp, our dedicated staff will provide you with a thorough and comprehensive safety briefing. This briefing is designed to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the lodge’s layout, facilities, and safety protocols.

During the safety briefing, you will be informed about emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points, and the location of safety equipment. Our goal is to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident during your stay and that you are well-prepared in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

We maintain stringent safety standards across the lodge premises to provide a secure environment for all our guests. Additionally, our knowledgeable guides and staff are available to address any safety concerns you may have and to provide assistance whenever needed. Your safety and peace of mind are central to our commitment to delivering a memorable and worry-free experience at Atzaró Okavango Camp.

Yes, Atzaró Okavango Camp is equipped with a reliable and sustainable power source to ensure that you have a comfortable and convenient stay. The lodge operates primarily on solar power, utilising a state-of-the-art solar farm to generate electricity. This environmentally friendly approach allows us to minimise our impact on the surrounding ecosystem and reduce our carbon footprint.

In addition to solar power, we have a backup generator in place to ensure a continuous supply of electricity, even during times of limited sunlight. This backup generator provides a reliable source of power to support the lodge’s operations and ensure that you have access to electricity for all your needs, from charging devices to lighting.

Our commitment to providing a sustainable and comfortable experience extends to our energy infrastructure, reflecting our dedication to preserving the environment while offering you modern amenities during your stay at Atzaró Okavango Camp.

Yes, we want to ensure that your stay at Atzaró Okavango Camp is as comfortable and convenient as possible. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with a selection of essential cosmetic and personal care products to enhance your experience and provide for your needs. The range of products available in each room includes sunscreen lotion, mosquito repellents, after-sun lotions, moisturisers, and shampoo and conditioner. These products are provided to ensure that you have access to necessary personal care items during your stay. Our goal is to make your time at Atzaró Okavango Camp as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible, so you can focus on immersing yourself in the beauty of the surroundings and the incredible experiences we offer.

We’re delighted to offer you the opportunity to bring a piece of the Atzaró Okavango Camp experience home with you. The products used in our spa and provided in the rooms are available for purchase, allowing you to continue enjoying the delightful scents and benefits of these products even after your stay with us. Whether it’s the soothing after-sun lotion, the moisturising creams, or any of the other products that have enhanced your experience here, you can take them home to enjoy as part of your daily routine. These products can serve as wonderful reminders of the tranquil and rejuvenating time you spent at Atzaró Okavango Camp. Should you decide to purchase these products, our staff will be more than happy to assist you in selecting and obtaining the items you’d like to take home with you. It’s all part of our commitment to making your stay with us memorable and ensuring that your journey continues even after you leave our lodge.