Atzaro Okavango Reviews: First-Hand Insights from Our Safari Stay (2025)
- Craig Howes
- May 2
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
By Craig Howes, Editor – African Safari Mag
Wondering if Atzaro Okavango lives up to the hype? On our most recent trip, which we shared with actor Luke Evans, the experience was nothing short of cinematic. I’ve stayed there twice. From the surreal helicopter arrival over shimmering floodplains to sipping morning coffee while elephants stroll past your private plunge pool, this lodge delivers something rare: deep stillness, world-class design, and raw wilderness in one seamless experience.
I even recorded a podcast on-site with Lasty, one of their senior guides. His reflections on the land, the wildlife, and what it means to live and guide in this ecosystem brought the place to life in ways only locals can.
In this review, you’ll find my personal experiences alongside verified guest testimonials — so you can decide for yourself whether Atzaró Okavango is the right safari lodge for you.
Atzaró Okavango isn’t just another luxury safari lodge. It’s the soul of Botswana, expressed through design, stillness, and a sense of wonder.
Atzaro Okavango Reviews Summary
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-Star Guest Ratings (across service, setting, food, and experience)
Best for: Couples, families, photographers, and wellness travelers
Highlight Features: Private plunge pools, helicopter transfers, mokoro rides, The Palm Bar, wildlife-rich concession, new in 2024
"From the moment our helicopter landed in the heart of the Okavango Delta, I knew this was going to be special. Atzaro Okavango exceeded every expectation. The staff were warm and attentive, the tea room was a tranquil oasis, and the ancestral boma under the stars felt like stepping back in time. This wasn’t just a safari—it was a soul-stirring adventure that I’ll never forget. Craig Howes- Editor African Safari Mag
What Makes Atzaró Okavango Unique?
There are many remarkable safari camps in Africa. But Atzaró Okavango is something rarer: a true sanctuary of style and soul, set in one of the most pristine parts of the Okavango Delta.
1. Private, Untouched Location
1100km² private concession between Moremi Game Reserve and Gomoti Plains
Year-round water access is ideal for mokoro rides and birding
No crowds — just raw, immersive wilderness
2. Helicopter Arrival & On-Site Scenic Flights
Guests arrive directly at camp by scenic helicopter flight
A helicopter is based at camp for aerial safaris — few camps offer this level of access
Helicopter Flight to Atzaro Okavango. Photo Craig Howes
3. Soulful, Design-Led Luxury
Parquet floors, outdoor brass bathtubs, curated antiques, and stargazing decks
Each suite has a plunge pool and sweeping lagoon views
Two exclusive-use villas with private guides, vehicles, and chefs
4. Cultural and Culinary Depth
Fireside boma dinners and ancestral storytelling evenings
The Palm Bar: infused cocktails and a social hub with Delta views
Locally inspired cuisine and sommelier-led wine tastings
5. Deep Sustainability Safari (Not Greenwashing)
100% solar-powered
Sustainable water systems, no single-use plastics
Conservation partnerships and local community employment
Community Village Visit
6. Newly Opened: The Delta’s Most Refined 2024 Lodge
Opened in March 2024, Atzaró Okavango is the newest addition to the Delta’s luxury scene
Suites That Let the Outside In
Atzaro Okavango’s eight suites and two private villas are sanctuaries in themselves:
Plunge pools and large private terraces with uninterrupted Delta views
Indoor/outdoor showers, soaking tubs, and stargazing beds
Climate control, high-speed Wi-Fi, and bespoke interiors
Villas offer full privacy, personal staff, and exclusive use of safari vehicles
Atzaro is Luxury Redefined
"Atzaro Okavango is a masterpiece of luxury in the wild. Waking up to elephants just outside my suite, followed by a delicious breakfast with a view of the delta, felt surreal. The camp blends comfort with nature seamlessly, offering world-class service without losing the essence of the wilderness. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience." Atzaro Guest
Immersive Safari Experiences
One of the most remarkable aspects of our stay was the sheer abundance of wildlife. In just a few days, we witnessed three African Wild Dog kills — a rarity anywhere in Africa. We encountered lions on multiple drives, buffalo herds at golden hour, a cheetah lounging in the tall grass, and elephants almost constantly in view, from game drives to coffee on our private deck.
The concession felt truly alive — pulsing with predators, movement, and magic.
Each day brings a new lens on Botswana's wild beauty:
Private Game Drives – With expert guides and trackers from African Bush Camps
Mokoro Rides – Glide silently through lily-dotted channels in a dugout canoe
Walking Safaris – Explore on foot and learn the hidden language of the bush
Helicopter Safaris – See the Okavango from the sky, camera ready
Helicopter Safari Birding – Spot kingfishers, herons, bee-eaters, and over 400 other species
Community Visits: Connect with the nearby community through a visit filled with vibrant singing, dancing, and heartfelt hospitality — a moving glimpse into local culture and daily life
Wine Tasting: Embark on a journey through a thoughtfully curated selection of wines, enhancing your culinary experience.
A Photographer’s Paradise
"As an wildlife photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a better setting than Atzaro Okavango. The guided safaris were incredible, with close encounters with lions, leopards, and even wild dogs! The lodge itself was picture-perfect, from the design of the suites to the way it harmonizes with the surroundings. Every moment felt like a postcard waiting to be captured."
Dining That Tells a Story
Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients infused with African flair
Fine dining in the main lodge, private terraces, or under the stars
The Palm Bar: bespoke cocktails using local botanicals
Wellness in the Wilderness
Whether you’re unwinding after safari or simply savoring the stillness, the wellness offerings are as restorative as the setting:
African-inspired spa treatments
Yoga shala suspended over the water
20-meter swimming pool surrounded by wilderness
Fully equipped gym with panoramic views
Guest Impressions
"One of the most extraordinary places I've ever stayed. Atzaró Okavango is everything you dream a safari could be — and more."— Luke Evans, Actor & Safari Guest, 2024 Trip with African Safari Mag
More Atzaro Okavango Reviews.
“From the moment our helicopter landed, I knew this was going to be special. Atzaró exceeded every expectation.”— Craig Howes, Editor, African Safari Mag
“As a wildlife photographer, I couldn’t ask for a better setting. I saw lions, wild dogs, leopards — every moment was a postcard.”— Guest, July 2024
“Waking up to elephants just outside my suite, then enjoying breakfast with a view of the Delta… it was like living in a dream.”— Guest, June 2024
Moremi Game Reserve: Legendary Neighbor
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana’s first community-declared reserve, is just beyond Atzaró’s boundaries. It spans over 3,900 km² of floodplains and savannah and is home to all of the Big Five, with especially strong predator sightings.
Planning your stay at Atzaro Okavango is straightforward. Below is a breakdown of the rates for 2025:
Season | Dates | Rate per Person per Night (USD) |
Emerald Season | January - March | $690 |
Mid Season | April - May | $1,225 |
Peak Season | June - October | $1,850 |
Shoulder Season | November | $1,225 |
EmeraldSeason | December | $690 |
Please note that rates are per person per night and are subject to change. It's advisable to confirm current pricing and availability directly with Atzaró Okavango.
Atzaro Okavango
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Atzaró Okavango different from other Delta lodges?
It combines barefoot luxury, modern design, and deep sustainability — all in a private concession far from the crowds.
June to October is peak game-viewing season, but the green season (Dec–March) offers excellent value and stunning birdlife.
How do I get there?
Guests arrive by scenic helicopter directly at camp, one of the few lodges in the Delta that offers this experience.
Final Verdict: Is Atzaró Okavango Worth It?
Absolutely — if you value exclusivity, design, wellness, and close-up wildlife encounters without sacrificing comfort. This isn’t just a lodge; it’s an experience that stays with you.
Escape to Atzaró Okavango — where design, nature, and soul meet in one of Africa’s last true wildernesses.
Ready to Experience the Wild Soul of Africa?
Escape to Atzaró Okavango — where design, nature, and soul meet in one of Africa’s last true wildernesses.
Enquire about your stay here!
About African Safari Mag
African Safari Mag is the go-to online destination for safari dreamers and doers. We connect luxury travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, conservation supporters, and adventure seekers with the very best that Africa has to offer.
Through authentic storytelling, expert guides, and curated lodge features, we inspire meaningful journeys into the wild.
Whether you’re planning your first safari or your tenth, our mission is to help you experience Africa more deeply — with care, wonder, and connection.
Explore more guides, destination reviews, conservation insights, and once-in-a-lifetime safari ideas at www.africansafarimag.com.
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Article By Craig Howes, Editor African Safari Magazine
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