North Island Okavango is about as intimate as safari camps get in Botswana, with just four suites on a private island in the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta. It's run by Natural Selection, the same outfit behind Jack's Camp in the Kalahari, and shares that same commitment to high-end safari experiences with a bit of character. The camp sits in a community-owned concession that's northwest of the famous Vumbura and Duba Plains areas, and the setting is classic Okavango – a mosaic of lagoons, palm-studded islands, grasslands and channels that shift and change with the seasons. What's interesting about this particular concession is that it's known for having some of the highest lion densities anywhere in the delta.
The wildlife viewing here is exceptional across the board. Lions are definitely the stars, often seen hunting the large buffalo herds that move through the area, but you'll also find healthy populations of leopards, wild dogs, and cheetahs. The area sees around 40,000 elephants transiting through annually, which gives you an idea of just how game-rich this part of the delta is. The mix of habitats means you get both big predator action and a huge variety of other species, from the more common antelope to elusive animals like caracal and serval.
Activities cover all the bases for exploring the delta – game drives, walking safaris, motorboat trips, and traditional mokoro rides through the channels. Because of the permanent water in this area, water-based activities are available pretty much year-round, which isn't always the case elsewhere in the delta. The camp also supports a youth development trust that creates opportunities for people in nearby villages, so there's a meaningful community connection beyond just the safari experience.
