Review: North Island Okavango

Why book?

A private island escape in a wildlife-rich corner of the Okavango Delta promises a thrilling safari from land, water and air.

Set the scene

Hundreds of islands make up the Okavango Delta, but few are surrounded by water throughout the year. North Island is an exception. Occupying its own floating patch of woodland and savannah in a lagoon at the edge of the world-famous wetland’s panhandle, this new member of the Natural Selection stable sets a trend for ‘micro-camps’ – smaller set-ups suited to exclusive-use buy-outs or guests seeking a more intimate safari experience. From the four-poster bed to the outdoor running machine and bubbling hot tub, there are uninterrupted lagoon views of wallowing hippos, wading elephants and swooping fish eagles. Extended walkways wind further into the water, providing an area for dining during the day and a fire pit at night.Built around termite mounds and a cluster of ebony, fig and jackal berry trees, the camp blends seamlessly into its surroundings and curious mammals and birds have already adopted it as their home.

The back story

The island is part of NG23a, a community-owned concession previously used for farming and cattle grazing but now dedicated to eco-tourism. It’s one of several game viewing areas outside national parks and reserves designed to benefit local people under new government initiatives. Remains of broken fences and a rusting tractor are a reminder of past practises, although the land has very quickly been commandeered by leopards, elephants and packs of denning wild dogs that have learned to hunt red lechwe – a new behavior filmed by the BBC.

The rooms

The camp opened last year with three rooms, but a fourth was added in March 2024. Extending either side of a communal area, suites fan around the lagoon on raised platforms and are connected by wooden boardwalks along sandy paths lit by lanterns at night. Shifting away from nostalgic colonial décor, North Island embraces a new style of safari while remaining rooted in the bush. Made from khaki canvas and wood, the design is elegant but earthy. On either side of the bedroom and dressing area is a bathroom with a vanity station and a lounge with a private bar to prepare coffee and cocktails. Canvas flaps can be unfurled for greater privacy. Bird watch from the bathtub, outdoor shower or private plunge pool. Or sit on the wooden decking and wait for elephants to pass by underneath.

Food and drink

Balancing indulgent treats with healthy salads and juices, lunches and dinners boost energy while keeping well-being in mind. Chef Lungile Mbangi takes great pride in his menu, which includes lamb koftas, buttermilk fried chicken and Ottolenghi-style salads. Fresh bread is also baked daily.

A marble-top bar has fridges stocked with drinks. An impressive range of sommelier-pleasing South African wines is also available.

The spa

Overlooking the water in a private screened-off area, a wooden barrel-top hot tub provides a novel option for relaxing while watching wildlife. An outdoor gym is kitted out with a running machine, yoga mats, and a weights system. In-room spa treatments can also be arranged.

The neighbourhood/area

Only a few camps are spread across NG23A and neighbouring community-owned concessions in this north-west section of the Delta, including Vumbura and Duba Plains. Guides from Duke’s and Duke’s East in NG12, both managed by Natural Selection, regularly communicate news of sightings and collaborate to minimise the number of vehicles in one place at a time. A mix of floodplains, savannah and woodland criss-crossed by channels, the terrain is very similar to the Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve but with the freedom to do early and evening drives and go off-road. Along with traditional game drives, wildlife can be observed from boats, mokoros, helicopters or hot air balloons.

The service

A smaller camp allows staff to spend more time with guests, and within less than a day, everyone is on first-name terms. Lead guide Diesel grew up in the Delta and has worked with several film and TV crews. His knowledge about the community, history of the location, and wildlife is excellent. Although the team can suggest a set programme for activities, they are extremely flexible and can quickly adapt plans.

For families

The size of the camp makes it an ideal option for exclusive buy-outs, safari with kids and multi-generational get-togethers. A central dining area and bar provide a meeting point for gatherings, while rooms are spread far enough apart to give everybody their space. Suites also have pull-out beds suitable for 6-12-year-olds. But if you plan to join other guests, it would be advisable to book a private vehicle for greater flexibility.

Eco effort

In keeping with Natural Selection’s commitments to sustainability, the camp runs on solar green energy. But the greatest strides have been made in supporting community projects, including the Elephant Express – a free bus service transporting school children in areas where accidents with wild animals are becoming increasingly common.

Accessibility for those with mobility impairments

Sandy pathways between rooms would present difficulties for wheelchair users.

Anything left to mention?

Water levels are typically at their highest from April to October, although it’s possible to do mokoro trips along the surrounding waterways all year long.