The Okavango Delta is one of the most spectacular places on the planet, so why not build a lodge that combines the splendor of the region with the grandeur that is Atzaró Okavango Camp to create something truly magnificent.
When Atzaró Group and African Bush Camps (ABC) joined forces on this ambitious project, the collective genius of an international hospitality brand and a safari stalwart resulted in a property that is not only sustainable, it underpins every single meaning of the word luxury. Luxury in the best sense of the word, not the grotesque over-the-top-doesn’t-belong-here definition; it’s the type of lodge that renders you speechless because of its location, the accommodation, and the warmth of the people. Is it rehearsed – the song and dance, pomp and ceremony when you arrive? I should hope so – it’s like a well-thought-out choreographed, rhythmic motion and some ululation thrown in for good measure. I can still hear it – ‘welcome to Atzaró, welcome home’.
Let me start at the beginning. When I hear the term ‘only accessible by helicopter’, I’m immediately excited as this mode of private transfer allows for an uninterrupted view over the landscape thanks to the bubble-type wrap-around windows. Flying low at only 500 ft, Helicopter Horizons senior pilot James is firmly in control of the Robinson R44, and spotting a herd of elephants en route to the lodge surely adds to the enchantment of being at an elevated vantage point. And yes, talk about making a grand entrance!
“Be careful of the blades,” James cautions me as I slide out of the seat next to his after he lands the helicopter with smooth precision. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a shape hurriedly coming towards me, and she abruptly throws her arms around me. Surprised by this sudden show of unexpected affection, I go with the moment and hug her back. Beaming from ear to ear, she ushers me over to the Atzaró Okavango game drive vehicle to get away from the noise and dust that the helicopter will be expelling upon take-off. Turning away to shield my eyes, she is now standing next to the driver’s door, and introduces herself as Bae, my guide for the duration of my stay.
With the rollout of the ABC Foundation’s female ranger program in 2021, Baemule, affectionately known as Bae, applied for this life-changing career in the bush. “I had very limited knowledge of anything wildlife-related,” she tells me as she drives me to the lodge, which is only three minutes away. “A different idea came to mind – instead of learning about the birds, the bees, the flowers, and the trees, I studied as much as I possibly could about ABC as a company.” During her interview, she admitted that her comprehension of what a guide should be able to perceive in the bush was almost non-existent, but when she presented her rhetoric about ABC, they were agasp with amazement. Returning home to Francistown in the northeastern part of Botswana, she received news the following day that she was one of the chosen ones; in fact, she became the very first qualified female guide at African Bush Camps. She is like a fresh breeze, and being in her company makes me appreciate that she is every bit as capable as her male counterparts. Bae does everything that a guide is supposed to do with great flair and panache!
Bae is speaking with such vigor and inspiration that I hardly notice we have arrived at Atzaró Okavango Camp. ‘Welcome to Atzaró’ echoes melodiously as I disembark the game drive vehicle, and another person rushes over to take my hand and join the exuberant dance. Shimmying my way past the cheery crowd of staff, host Eunice pulls out a chair for me and softly says ‘welcome home’ and presents Executive Chef Olly, the spa therapist, the paramedic, and my waiters. She joins me for brunch, which consists of mango and avocado salad for starter, a variety of salads, and sticky ribs for the main course, with dessert being delectable melt-in-your-mouth chocolate mousse. Each course is paired with award-winning South African wines, perfectly complementing the taste of the delicious farm-to-table fare.
The time has come to view my suite, and I simply cannot wait! Having taken a peek at the images on the internet, the anticipation of viewing this sublime refuge in real life has me giddy with excitement. A raised wooden walkway leads to suite number 3, and you might feel like Jane of the Jungle or Tarzan as the tree canopy on each side of the path yields some interesting bush creatures, with tree squirrels running amok as they chase one another across the top of the banister. Eunice unlocks the door to the splendiferous space, and I note the name on the keyring is starling, a medium-sized bird found in and around the lodge. Relieved that I’m a few steps behind Eunice, as I’d be mortified if she could see the expression on my face – total and utter disbelief of the magnificence that will be mine to luxuriate in for the next three nights.
The vision for Atzaró Okavango was to establish a lodge that seamlessly merges refined luxury with immersive wilderness, celebrating both the natural marvel of the Okavango Delta and Africa’s rich cultural heritage. Co-created by the Atzaró Group and Beks Ndlovu from African Bush Camps, the brief for the property centered on building a sanctuary that speaks to both opulence and conservation, but at the same time feels deeply rooted in its setting while offering guests a truly exalted safari experience. Drawing inspiration from the Delta’s landscapes and traditional African design, the architectural style encapsulates expansive open-plan spaces, natural materials like canvas, leather, and termite-resistant wood, and thatched roofing that all contribute to a structure that blends flawlessly into the environment.
Focusing on soft integration, the design approach allows spaces to flow effortlessly into the outdoors, and the use of earthy greens, tranquil blues, and touches of gold tones reflect the hues of the surrounding Delta. The colors were selected to fashion an impression of serenity and immersion, allowing the lodge to feel like an extension of the natural world. Rather than distract, the palette harmonizes with the landscape, reinforcing a design philosophy that values the tranquility found here, together with subtle elegance. This methodology is grounded in sustainability principles, with interiors that respect and respond to the site and do not overwhelm it.
Taking in the extraordinary surroundings while sitting on my private verandah, I saw a number of elephants wading through the reeds in front of my suite. This is one of the Delta’s tributaries, and they seem to be enjoying feeding on the papyrus, a wetland sedge with its edible pitch. In my fascination with these pachyderms so close-by, I nearly forget that High Tea is being served, with delectable treats and homemade iced coffees, teas, and lemonade, which is the ideal precursor to the afternoon safari.
She has a penchant for birding, Bae discloses, and she asks if there’s any wildlife in particular that I’m drawn to. Without hesitation, I blurt it out – ‘leopard’ as they really are the most gorgeous animals to see in the wild. She raises an eyebrow, and I know full well that this is a big ask – these rosetted big cats are elusive and not easy to find. Heading out on safari, a storm is brewing, and we happen upon a very large herd of buffalo, all looking in one direction. Something has attracted their attention, and then we catch a glimpse of the outline – one, no wait – two leopards, a male and a female! They appear to be very interested in the buffalo, and we leave them as the heavens have opened, with thunder and lightning creating a dramatic backdrop to the sound of buffalo grunting.
Coming back to the lodge, I opt to have my dinner right away as the prospect of being cocooned in my luxury suite is a wonderful foresight. The three-course meal consists of salad for starters, tasty Botswana beef fillet for the main course, and yummy chocolate delight for dessert. Bae walks me to my suite as the lodge is unfenced, meaning wildlife can come and go as they please. Approaching the door to my suite, the mosquito net has been dropped, and I indulge in a cleansing shower with the fragrant Healing Earth products. Sleep beckons, and I feel invigorated the next morning as I make my way to pre-game drive breakfast. We find lions close to the buffalo fence, and they are relaxing in the sun after a busy night feeding.
Today, I am joined on safari by a lovely couple from South Africa who are celebrating a milestone anniversary. Spending three decades as husband and wife has clearly stood them in good stead – they are interesting, engaging, and the epitome of what happily ever after should look like. Setting off on our game drive, big herds of zebra and impala are out on the plains. The big cats elude us, but we admire the majesty of the birds perched against the blue sky. A highlight is seeing two giraffe calves, almost identical in size, huddled together.
Since the only way to access Atzaró Okavango Camp is by helicopter, it’s also the only way to leave the lodge. Now comes the difficult part – the goodbyes. Trying to skirt the issue, I sneak into the game drive vehicle, hoping to leave unnoticed. But not here, not at Atzaró Okavango Camp. Because you see, it’s like attempting to disappear from a family gathering ‘under the radar’. It’s just not done. I hear the sound of blades overhead, and off we go to the helipad, and Helicopter Horizons senior pilot Torfi is already there. Hailing from Iceland, he chats en route to Maun International Airport about his love for Botswana and the magic that abounds in the country. Gathering my thoughts and emotions at the airport as I sit in the departure lounge waiting for my Airlink flight to Cape Town International, my stay at Atzaró Okavango Camp has had such a profound effect on me, that I’m already making plans to return one day, if they’ll have me, of course!
How to Book | Heléne’s journey was hosted by African Bush Camps. Founded in 2006 by Zimbabwean-born safari guide Beks Ndlovu, African Bush Camps offers 17 unique safari experiences across Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia – from remote, luxury camps in the heart of the African bush to wildly luxurious lodges. What truly sets them apart is their exceptional guiding team, with nearly 600 years of combined guiding experience, ensuring you’re always led by the best in the business.
As one of the few Black-owned safari companies, African Bush Camps is proudly redefining African tourism. Every stay directly supports local communities through education, conservation, and entrepreneurship initiatives, because tourism should empower the places and people that make these experiences possible.
Whether you’re exploring Victoria Falls, witnessing the wildlife of Hwange National Park, or gliding through the Okavango Delta, African Bush Camps offers front-row seats to Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes and authentic African Experiences.
Join the journey of “Sharing and Conserving Africa Together.”
Plan your African adventure at africanbushcamps.com, email contact@africanbushcamps.com, or call +27 21 701 0270.
