Atzaró Okavango — Hotel in North-West District

The Lodge (5 stars) Accessible by a short helicopter ride, Atzaro is an oasis of elegance set against the rugged beauty of the Okavango delta. The lodge, adorned with tasteful African artwork, screams luxury without losing its intimate connection to nature. The suites are palatial, each equipped with a private plunge pool, air conditioning, and an outdoor bathing area. Picture yourself lounging in large breezy common areas, whether it's the dining area, the bar, or the wine tower. Maybe you’ll find calmness at the firepit, swimming pool, or the yoga deck. This lodge was the best of our trip—a haven of opulence amid the wild. The lagoon pictured in the brochures is not permanent. When we visited in mid-May, the floods hadn't reached the south-eastern parts of the delta. While we anticipated this from our research, others seemed surprised. A couple of additions could elevate the lodge even further. The guiding accompaniment was an unillustrated list of animals to tick off, devoid of engaging interest. Binoculars for each room would enhance the game viewing experience, especially considering that other lower-priced camps provide them. Even a telescope on the observation deck would allow guests to fully immerse in the breathtaking views.

The Service (4.5 stars) With only a few weeks of operation under its belt by mid-May, the camp was still finding its groove. Post-drive towels were sporadic, the turn-down service had its hiccups, and the cleaners left keys in our lodge door. Roles seemed fluid to the point of confusion. Other camps usually designate one or two main contacts, which we found more streamlined. The staff, though, were a delight—eager to learn our names and shower us with friendliness. The 30-minute massage at the spa was excellent. My masseuse, a true knot-buster, worked magic on my travel-weary back. Now, let's talk food. Generally exceptional, befitting the lodge's luxurious standards. Lunch was the standout—a generous spread of grains, pulses, salads, and locally-inspired protein dishes, each bite a satisfying delight. Dinner leaned towards fine dining: smaller portions, but exquisite, beautifully presented dishes that teased and pleased the palate. Breakfast, well, if you're actually hungry at 5:30 am, is limited and a bit repetitive. But there’s something charming about huddling around the firepit as the sun rises, sharing this early meal as a group. Dietary requirements? They’ve got it covered, down to the tea and cake. Drinks? Premium, with a lovely selection of South African wines and an array of diverse spirits to keep things interesting.

The Game (5 stars) Our first game drive in Botswana set a high standard. Nestled in concession NG32, between Maun and the Moremi game reserve, this camp sits in a fertile part of the delta, rich in diverse landscapes of dry grasslands, vast floodplains, reed-lined hippo channels, mopane shrub and shady acacia woods. The mid-May visit meant the floods hadn’t yet reached this part of the delta, but some permanent lagoons ensured a thriving ecosystem. We witnessed an impressive array of wildlife— kudu, impala, wildebeest, zebra, jackals, warthogs, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, ostrich and many types of birdlife. For elephant enthusiasts, this area is nirvana. The plains around the camp, teeming with elephants, offered breathtaking scenes of these gentle giants from your plunge pool. Predator sightings were more elusive. The newness of the camp made big cats more wary of vehicles. Across three days, we tracked down a hyena, a mating lion pair, the resident pride lounging in the shade, and a roaming male lion near the camp, plus a cheetah. Most action unfolded on our final drive, a thrilling chase through the bush that tested our guides tracking skills. Max, our guide, deserves special mention. His relentless pursuit of big cat sightings at points felt futile but ultimately was highly rewarding versus the almost dull ease of the national parks. His ability to interpret tracks, attune to the environment, and predict animal movements was nothing short of...

Note: Review is based on a stay with a group of 13 in May 2024

I’ve stayed at other camps run by African Bush Camps, places that stand near the top of what this wild land can offer. But Atzaró Okavango, as new as it is, has some growing to do. Even with the shine of a freshly built lodge, there’s more to expect. Yet, beneath it all, the potential is there, waiting to rise.

The Okavango Delta itself—there’s no place like it. The wildlife here seems to bask in its granduer. I don’t recall a moment when there wasn’t something worth seeing, something worth framing through the lens. Mornings and evenings, the light pours over the plains, casting everything in a kind of magic. Rhinos seemed to be the only thing missing, but every other beast wandered through, the safari starting the moment you leave the lodge and never stopping until you return, often not even then.

The guides, they were truly wonderful. The land was familiar to them, the creatures part of their blood, and they showed us what we came to experience. But the vehicles, they’d seen better days. A few breakdowns, a flat tire or two, and what was promised wasn’t what arrived. They say newer vehicles are coming, but that doesn’t help when you’re in the thick of it.

Atzaró itself is beautiful, that much is certain. The rooms are as fine as you could hope for, and the bones of the place suggest it’ll be something great in time. But they’re still ironing out the creases. (our room was effectively uninhabitable the first two nights of our stay with an explanation of "we've been having troubles") Meals were good, but communication faltered, and changes happened without warning. The staff, great people as they were, seemed to struggle with some of the issues that arose. Rather than facing them head-on, they tried to skirt around them, and it left us wanting. Still, there were moments of brilliance—like the wine tasting, a memory to hold onto.

But again, those guides—they knew their craft. They knew the land, knew the animals, and gave us a safari worth remembering. On the first night, we watched a small pride of lions stalking prey, their hunt ending in failure, but the thrill of it lingered.

Atzaró will find its place among the luxurious greats—Lolebezi, Londolozi, etc.. I believe that. Maybe they just needed a few more weeks, a little more time to settle into the skin of the land. It'll come, though. You...

My family had the most amazing experience at Atzaro! From the minute we arrived on the helicopter, we felt at peace and we were incredibly well taken care of. The staff went above and beyond for us, and in particular, for my 6 year old son. Eunice, one of the assistant managers, was just the sweetest with him! Several other staff members, Big Joe, Gregory, took Connor and played with him several evenings so I could eat in peace. Our guide Max was fantastic! He was so good at listening to the nature sounds and identifying where animals would be. He found a leopard that I have no idea how he found! And he was able to track hyenas across several miles, amazing! With my son he taught him how to read the tracks on the ground and taught him all about different types of poop.

The family villa rooms were incredible! The only downside of the safari was that we spent so much time in the amazing concession that we didn't get enough time to spend in the rooms. The bath tub (inside and out) was amazing, and the back deck is what I want in my dream home.

The rest of the lodge is beautiful. The gym and the communal pool are amazing. The lobby area is very nice, and I like the stargazing / wine tasting area. The executive chef was so attentive to my son, always asking what he would like for dinner and how he could make him more comfortable. The communal bbq space is beautiful and I loved that evening. It was nice to see the local customs and traditions of the staff.

During a 14 day trip, it felt like the only place where I could relax a bit. So thankful to the staff for making it feel like home! I wish we...