Setari Camp
Setari Camp is an intimate and airy camp that offers the quintessential Okavango safari experience. Located within the 120,000-acre private Jakotsha Concession northwest of the world-renown Moremi Game Reserve on a palm fringed island in the central Okavango, there are few places in Northern Botswana that benefit from the same bountiful and consistent game sightings as Setari Camp. A total of 10 tented units, comprising standard, family and wheelchair accessible suites make up the total accommodation, with a maximum 20 guest capacity. There’s plenty to do, with a versatile range of land, water and air-based safari excursions for the whole family to enjoy, with guaranteed Big 5 game sightings and hundreds of exotic bird species for you to discover. All-inclusive rates ensure that you are free to indulge in a range of locally sourced food and beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Unnamed Road, Botswana
Setari Camp is situated within a private 120,000-acre concession of pristine wetland wilderness, sitting atop a palm fringed island in the central region of the Okavango – located northwest of the infamous Moremi Game Reserve where the main artery of the Okavango begins to fan out amidst the winding channels of the Delta. Wildlife viewings are consistent, with bountiful game sighting attributed to this prime and fertile location.
The closest international airport is Maun, Botswana. There are daily flights from Johannesburg International Airport and Cape Town International airport on either South African Airlink or Air Botswana. From Maun International Airport, it is another light aircraft flight to either Seronga or Old Jedibe Airstrip. Light aircraft can be organised directly with Setari Camp. From Seronga or Old Jedibe, a 30-minute scenic boat transfer will take you directly to Setari. Please note, Air Botswana only fly the Johannesburg-Maun route.
- Comfortable and airy 4-star accommodation
- All-inclusive rates, including food, beverages and all standard activities
- A total of 10 tented suites accommodate a maximum of 20 guests
- Various land, water and air-based safari game viewing excursions
- Fully accessible wheelchair facilitated camp with a specially designed accessible suite
- Readily available in-camp babysitting service
- In-camp facilities such as a bar, gym, library, communal dining area, battery charging facilities and barbeque station
- Children aged 6 years and older welcome
The title of Setari Camp is derived from the Setswana term for ‘tree’ and as such, the entire camp has been thoughtfully designed to integrate the giant riverine forest and palms trees which dominate the island. Winding boardwalks, high above the ground, interlink the tents, dining and sitting rooms, pool and gym, creating an expansive treehouse from which to gaze at panoramic vistas over the crystal-clear channels and papyrus fringed beds that lie beyond.
In September and October, temperatures can soar to the mid-40°Cs, reaching the driest period, with game keeping close to the remaining water. The rain begins in summer and runs from November to April and transforms Botswana into a prime birding destination. For unforgettable big game viewing, the winter months (June, July, August) are the best as the bush is thinner, making visibility better, and water is scarcer, meaning the permanent waterholes and lagoons are brimming with wildlife.
While complimentary WIFI is available throughout the main camp area, mobile connectivity is unavailable. Radio and communications equipment are present in-case of emergency. While children as old as 6 years old are welcome at Setari Camp, children younger than 12 years old are excluded from bushwalks and mokoro excursions for safety purposes. All of the aforementioned safari experiences are concluded within 2-3 days of your stay, making this the ideal duration with which to book at Setari Camp.
Three set meals are served throughout the day in a communal dining setting, either indoor or alfresco – with the opportunity to enjoy private meals on request at your own private deck. An elaborate range of in-camp facilities such as a bar, pool, gym and library serve to keep you occupied between activities. Children aged 6 years and older are welcome, however, they must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
A total of 8 light and airy tented suites stand elevated above the ground on timber stilts, each with wooden walkways and private decks that present scenic views over the surrounding wilderness. Each unit can be made into doubles or twins and have comfy sofas, a fan, mosquito net, armchairs, safes, desks and en-suite facilities. Each bathroom has a free-standing bath, shower, toilet and an outside shower-with-a-view. The beds are all extra length and when made into a double, are super king size.
Amenities Include:
- Balcony / deck
- Lounge area
- Veranda
- En-suite bathroom
- Bath
- Indoor and outdoor shower facilities
- Electrical outlets
- Fan
- Mosquito nets
- Pure Cotton Linen
- Safe
- Sala
- Tea / Coffee
- Complimentary internet access
- Complimentary laundry service
This spacious and airy family unit is comprised of two conjoined standard tents that share an elongated timber deck, raised above the ground on stilted platforms. Each tent contains an en-suite bathroom with an adjoining outside shower, free-standing bath, toilet, extra length beds, mosquito net, fan, desk, comfy sofa and inter-leading doors that connect the two units. There is also a private decking area in between the tents, ideal for private dining. For alfresco dining, there is a private deck which extends out over the Okavango.
Amenities Include:
- Balcony / deck
- Lounge area
- Veranda
- En-suite bathroom
- Bath
- Indoor and outdoor shower facilities
- Electrical outlets
- Fan
- Mosquito nets
- Pure Cotton Linen
- Safe
- Sala
- Tea / Coffee
- Complimentary internet access
- Complimentary laundry service
This accessible tent is specially designed to meet the needs of those requiring accessible facilities. The bathroom is fully accessible with lower sinks and space for easy mobility in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are available in-camp for guests with limited mobility. There are no steps anywhere in camp and the whole camp is built on level walkways.
Amenities Include:
- Balcony / deck
- Lounge area
- Veranda
- En-suite bathroom
- Bath
- Indoor and outdoor shower facilities
- Electrical outlets
- Fan
- Mosquito nets
- Pure Cotton Linen
- Safe
- Sala
- Tea / Coffee
- Complimentary internet access
- Complimentary laundry service
Setari Camp’s talented and dedicated array of catering staff work tirelessly to provide top-quality cuisine throughout the day to keep you satisfied between activities. Mealtimes are a sumptuous affair, with atmospheric communal dining and private veranda dinners on request. Three set meals are provided throughout the day, with a host of lite bites and snacks served in-between. Evening dinner is the most lavish, with three courses, comprising local flavours and western cuisine, freshly prepared for you to enjoy. All-inclusive rates mean you are free to indulge in a spectacular variety of locally sourced alcoholic and none-alcoholic beverages. Premium and imported products are charged at additional fees.
High tea presents the perfect opportunity to unwind amidst the junction of a day’s activities with a range of refreshing beverages and sumptuous snacks. Soak in the atmosphere with high tea alfresco for an atmospheric midday refreshment for a classy and memorable reprieve.
Venture out amidst the vibrant wilderness of the Okavango landscape and settle in for the picnic of a lifetime, surrounded by extravagant sights and sounds from all around. Feel free to choose from a sumptuous variety of lite bites and snacks while quenching the thirst of a hot day’s safari with a range of cooled alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, perfect for savouring the relaxed atmosphere of the open bush.
Set sail for open delta channels with Setari style motorised cruise excursions. This enthralling maritime safari adventure facilitates a host of inherent activities such as game viewing, birding and the chance to sample exotic barge cuisines while in the company of your private guide and friends. Observe the abundance of life around you as you calmly traverse delta channels and nearby lagoons in search of exotic sights and staple safari creatures while enjoying sundowners with friends. The largest boat can take a maximum of 10 guests and the other two can take 8 guests each. Boat safaris are offered inclusively and depart twice daily.
Little compares to the feeling of calmly gliding through delta channels in a traditional style African dug-out canoe – colloquially known as mokoro. Your experienced guide, seasoned in the art of mokoro polling will safely navigate you through papyrus grass filled waterways, revealing intricate waterlilies, aquatic game and the rich aroma of delta waterways.
Walking Safaris allow you to take in the sights and sounds of the Okavango at a more intimate and leisurely pace than is applicable with other modes of safari game viewing. Seasoned guides will lead you safely through the undisturbed delta flat and wetlands while brushing elbows with scores of exotic, thriving animals. Guided walks allow you to get up -close-and-personal with meandering elephants, frolicking zebra and all the big cats indigenous to the private concession, culminating in a unique and exciting safari experience.
Guided wildlife tours within the private concession allow you to take in the sights, sounds and scents of the harmonious ecological landscape that surrounds you. Seasoned guides will immerse you in the knowledge of the environment, pointing out indigenous flora and medicinal plants, presenting you with the facts and trivia of the land as you venture deeper into the heart of the wild.
Okavango birding is a unique and insightful experience that attracts wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike from all around the world. Over 450 species make for a unique and insightful viewing experience. Knowledgeable guides, familiar with the many indigenous birds and their beckoning calls will familiarise you by pointing out different species as you progress. Some of the rarer avian species include the illusive Pel’s fishing owl – one of only a handful of fish-eating owls in the world, endangered wattled crane and the majestic African fish eagle.
Experience the Okavango Delta like never before with this once in a lifetime Setari helicopter safari. View the breath-taking expanse of inaccessible lakes and islands – remote and otherwise unseen, as well as the abundance of roaming wildlife that can be seen passing beneath your feet. This experience will allow you to truly absorb the full magnitude and beauty of the Okavango Delta from high above the sky, covering a considerably larger expanse than what is possible with conventional land-based safari. Scenic helicopter safaris are accessible via external location and come at additional fees.
Cast your gaze upon the sprawling canvas of stars and galaxies that illuminate the night sky while submerged in the lap of luxury. Undisturbed delta lands, free from light pollution provide ample conditions for star gazing amidst the landscape of the open bush. Travel out from camp with your experienced guide for an evening game drive deep within the bush where your accommodation, a luxurious sky suite awaits. Such a suite ensues a deep sense of immersion with the surrounding environment while also providing cosy shelter and ample security.
Catch and release fishing is one of the many additional activities offered at Setari Camp. Situated within a private concession, the likes of tilapia and spotted and silver catfish are plentiful, allowing avid fishers to cast a line and unwind amidst the backdrop of the Okavango landscape. Avid fly-fishers are advised to supply their own equipment.
Setari offers you the chance to embark from camp for an enriching and culturally enlightening daytime excursion to the closely situated Jao Village, a small commune on an isolated island with approximately 400 inhabitants. Here, you will have the chance to engage with village locals and partake in cultural activities for a true insight into authentic Botswanan village life.
Setari Camp abides by a simple philosophy. To be at one with nature in the most remote and beautiful places on Earth, providing a first-class experience without compromising their commitment to the environment. It’s through this mantra that Setari Camp conducts operations, remaining ever vigilant and aware of the footprint of their interactions, and maintaining a harmonious relationship with the environment at large.
Setari Camp is constructed with the environment in mind. In-camp facilities and accommodation are erected on raised timber decks, with winding boardwalks that connect the different areas of the camp. By constructing the camp in such a way, the ecologically sensitive ground beneath is protected from the stress of the above fixtures and installations, negating the negative effect on the encompassing ecosystem and wildlife. Setari Camp is constructed from primarily sustainable, recyclable materials such as local timber, thatch and teak, allowing for the complete deconstruction of the camp and recovery of the land within 1 1/2 years, nullifying the footprint on the fragile grounds on which Setari Camp operates.
The electricity at Setari Camp is produced by a hybrid system which incorporates both solar energy and conventional generators. This enables consistent lighting throughout the day and night, as well as permanent hot running water. Initiatives such as these present greener prospects for the future, minimalising the camp’s carbon footprint while reducing the stress on the surrounding environment, habitats and ecosystems.
Setari Camp welcomes all families with children aged 6 years and older. However, due to the potentially hazardous and sometimes unpredictable nature of the environment, children must be always supervised by an adult. For safety reasons, children younger than 12 years old are not permitted to partake in bushwalks or mokoro excursions.