Shinde sits on a lush palm island in the northern Okavango Delta, right on the edge of Shinde Lagoon, and it's one of those camps with real history behind it – it was one of the very first established in Botswana. The whole place was completely rebuilt in 2020, but they've kept that authentic classic safari feel while upgrading everything to modern luxury standards. The main area has this wonderful treehouse vibe with multi-tiered dining and lounge spaces nestled under the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees, all looking out over the permanent lagoon that's absolutely teeming with wildlife and birds.
What makes Shinde special is its location in a private concession that offers the best of both worlds. You've got permanent water on one side and large dry areas on the other, which means the camp can offer both water-based and land-based activities year-round. You can do game drives, mokoro trips through the channels, motorboat excursions, guided bush walks, night drives, and even fishing. The variety is genuinely impressive, and it's rare to find a camp that doesn't have to choose between being a water camp or a land camp depending on the season.
The camp accommodates guests in eight classic safari tents plus one family tent, keeping things intimate with a maximum of around eighteen people. The area is known for its healthy leopard population and the rare sitatunga antelope, which is a web-footed, semi-aquatic antelope that's incredibly elusive. The name "Shinde" actually means tree squirrel in the local language, and you'll probably spot a few darting around in the canopy above. It's run by Ker & Downey Botswana, who are known for excellent service and knowledgeable guides.
