Great Plains, a renowned eco-tourism company, is thrilled to announce the opening of Sitatunga Private Island, a water-based Réserve-Collection Safari Camp located in the upper reaches of Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
Situated on a raised, wrap-around railway sleeper private deck, Sitatunga Private Island can accommodate a maximum of four adults in two separate and stunning private suites. The spacious double-bedroom Sitatunga Private Island Suite can host four adults or a family of two adults and up to three children, offering a total footprint of approximately 607m2. In total, Sitatunga Private Island can accommodate up to eight guests by sharing the two suites and the two-bedroom Sitatunga Private Island Suite.
One of the remarkable aspects of this new camp is its commitment to sustainability. It has been constructed almost entirely from recycled materials, giving new life to old treasures. This camp offers discerning explorers a ‘slow safari’ experience that combines luxury with sustainability. Each of the two guest suites, as well as the 2-bedroom Sitatunga Private Island Suite, includes an indoor lounge, beautifully appointed bathrooms with baths and separate showers, a private deck with outdoor lounging and seating areas, and a private pool with expansive views over the lagoon in front of the camp.
Sitatunga Private Island promises guests an authentic ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience in the Okavango Delta. As Dereck Joubert, CEO of Great Plains, explains:
“Sitatunga Private Island is unlike any other Great Plains property, pushing the eco-design boundary in a remote region in Botswana while also offering the highest level of hospitality and accommodation. It is also one of the few locations in the world where one can still see sitatunga, the rare aquatic antelope, from camp and by boat, which is the main activity here in addition to walking. It is deep 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 our guests will enjoy every moment of it, as I do.”
Design
The interior design of Sitatunga Private Island has been guided by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, who have infused a sense of place and authenticity into the camp. The giant bamboo fisherman basket structures of the suites pay tribute to the Bayei people, who historically inhabited the area.
“Sitatunga’s design tells the story of the Okavango, a camp surrounded by water, and one that has had indigenous fishermen in the region for over 200 years,” explains Dereck Joubert. “Those fishermen designed and used fishing baskets and traps made from reeds in a funnel shape, so I took this reference and designed the rooms as tents hanging inside of giant fishing baskets. The interiors draw on a color range that mirrors that of the Okavango – a blend of misty greens and light bleached woods.”
A True Labor of Love
Every material within the camp has been personally sourced by Dereck and Beverly over the years and used to create Sitatunga Private Island. The suites seamlessly blend into the natural landscape of the Okavango Delta, invoking a strong sense of its ancestral origins while respecting the local environment.
Activities
As a water-based camp, Sitatunga Private Island offers a range of ‘slow safari’ adventures, including boating safaris and mekoro rides, among others. For those who prefer more traditional safaris, walking safaris and game drives are also available. Guests seeking a luxurious experience can opt for a scenic private helicopter tour of the Okavango Delta, complete with champagne.
Flexibility is a key element of every Great Plains stay, allowing guests to create their own unique itinerary based on their interests, with guidance and recommendations from expert guides who have an intimate knowledge of the Delta.
Sitatunga Private Island also offers opportunities for relaxation, including yoga mats, an exercise bike, light weights, and in-room massages upon request. The camp features a unique wine cellar and boutique with D&B Explorer clothing for guests to explore. Each suite comes equipped with a complimentary professional camera and lens set, allowing guests to capture lifelong memories during their stay.
Rates for Sitatunga Private Island start from $1,848 per night on an all-inclusive basis, and children must be aged 6 and older. For more information or to book, visit the official website: Sitatunga Private Island.
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