Atzaró Okavango Camp, a new luxury lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, opened as a collaborative project between Atzaró Group and African Bush Camps (ABC).
The partnership brings together Atzaró’s experience in international hospitality and ABC’s established presence in the African safari industry.
The lodge was developed with a dual focus on sustainable design and high-end guest experiences, aiming to blend refined comfort with the remote wilderness of the Delta.
Accessible only by helicopter, the camp offers guests an aerial introduction to the region’s wildlife and landscape.
Flights operated by Helicopter Horizons allow for low-altitude views over the Delta, often revealing herds of elephants and other game en route to the lodge. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a choreographed reception, showcasing local hospitality and culture.
One of the camp’s distinguishing features is its integration of conservation and empowerment.
The ABC Foundation’s female ranger program, launched in 2021, is one example. Baemule, known as Bae, became the organization’s first qualified female guide after applying with limited wildlife knowledge but a deep interest in the company’s values.
“I studied as much as I possibly could about ABC as a company,” she said in an article by Upscale Living. Since then, she has taken on full guiding responsibilities, including leading wildlife safaris and interpreting the natural environment for guests.
Atzaró Okavango was designed to reflect the ecology and aesthetics of its setting. Architecture and interior choices—such as thatched roofs, natural materials, and a color palette drawn from the Delta—support the camp’s mission to minimize environmental impact while offering immersive experiences.
Suites are connected by raised wooden walkways and positioned to provide private views of the Delta, where wildlife, including elephants, is frequently observed from the verandahs.
The camp’s operations follow a sustainability-driven philosophy, with a focus on local sourcing, cultural celebration, and conservation efforts.
Dining at the lodge features farm-to-table meals, paired with South African wines and designed to showcase regional ingredients. Interior amenities include Healing Earth products and open-plan layouts that reinforce the lodge’s emphasis on harmony with nature.
In addition to luxury lodging, the guest experience includes daily game drives, birding opportunities, and close encounters with wildlife.
During one such drive, a pair of leopards was spotted near a buffalo herd, underscoring the area’s rich biodiversity. On another outing, guests witnessed lion activity and young giraffes in the open plains.
African Bush Camps, founded in 2006 by Zimbabwean safari guide Beks Ndlovu, now manages 17 safari experiences across Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana.
The company is one of the few Black-owned safari operations in Africa and supports local communities through initiatives in education, conservation, and entrepreneurship.
Each guest stay at Atzaró Okavango contributes directly to these efforts, aligning tourism with regional development.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, the Atzaró Okavango Camp represents a case study in how premium experiences can be delivered in remote locations while incorporating sustainability and community investment.
The project highlights the potential of partnerships between international brands and local operators to develop high-impact, culturally respectful properties that appeal to eco-conscious travelers.
The camp’s exclusive access model and high-touch service design also offer insights for developers in the glamping and luxury outdoor accommodation sectors, especially those targeting affluent markets seeking immersive, nature-based experiences without sacrificing comfort.