Written by Alexandria Hilton
In April, Malaka and I had the chance to visit 5 camps across 8 nights in one of the world’s most iconic destinations: the Okavango Delta. Our partners in the region, Great Plains Conservation, are among the most accredited and well-known operators in Botswana and other parts of Africa. What follows is a short summary of my thoughts and feelings about what we saw of their portfolio!
Selinda Explorers Camp:
Our first stop, this was a great introduction to the Delta. What stuck out most to me here, having just arrived from “the real world,” what felt like an alternate reality, was the true and honest pace of life out there. The tallest termite mound I have ever seen stood at the center of the camp’s common area; spoiler alert: I’d see many more, much taller, termite mounds over the next 8 days.
In retrospect, I like the flow of moving from the outside deeper into the water experiences. Many times, the ecosystem of the delta was explained to me using the imagery of a hand. We would look at a map, and some knowledgeable guide would say something like, “these are the fingers of the hand and this is the palm,” and they would gesture from where we were at Selinda Explorers (the fingers) to where we would end up by the end of the week, (the hand).
Zarafa:
A lovely contrast to Selinda Explorers, personified as something like her older, well-traveled sister, Zarafa felt like a magical little haven of sophistication. I loved the gym the most and our view from the lunch table felt too good to be true. The accommodating team at Zarafa even let us commandeer the pizza oven for our one night stay.
*On the day that we moved to Okavango Explorer’s camp, the team from Selinda Explorers sent Mal’s favorite little breakfast bars to the airstrip – the day before, the kitchen was, at our last-minute request, unable to get them frozen and set in time for our departure. This extra effort was an incredible example of truly attentive, extra-mile hospitality.
Okavango Explorers Camp:
A lovely woman named Grace working here really made my stay special. She was warm and anticipated our needs by, for example, bringing in a new fan when she noticed we were struggling to get the one in our room to work properly. The wifi in our room was a bit spotty and (insert dramatic and obvious eye roll) MD made it a priority to help her.
Duba Explorers Camp:
Of the Explorers camps, this was a standout! To get on the water after 5 nights on a game drive vehicle proved a special reprieve from dust and spider webs. We especially loved the pool! So much! The Duba staff enjoyed a sundowner with us and made us feel like family.
Sitatunga Private Island:
TBK made my stay here – she was never rushed and her energy helped me slow down. I wanted to be friends with her. Peace was also an incredible addition to our journey. It goes without saying that the interiors were incredible – by far and away, one of the coolest guestrooms I have ever seen.
For Whom?
The clients I know would love this product are the ones who understand the bush and appreciate a wild and grounded experience. As much as GPC offers luxury, their approach never feels too flash or stuffy. They are experts at the common, golden thread of continuity and standardization across their camps; if you identify as “brand-loyal,” generally fond of a cohesive experience, I’d recommend you string together a line of GPC camps, gradually working your way from the fingertips to the palm of the Delta.
In-Field
The grasses were tall in April and with expectations for game-viewing high, we left with a better understanding of how important it is to keep up to speed on what is happening with the land, the rains, for example, on a regular basis so that I can manage the guests’ expectations. The temperature was lovely and the camps were uncrowded. There are serious benefits to traveling off-peak.
In-Camp
GPC, committed to their mission of conservation first and foremost, takes their food seriously! They are preparing your meals with the planet in mind, using local resources and reducing their carbon footprint whenever possible, setting their focus on plant-based meals, and limiting food waste with set menus and pre-arranged orders. Each member of each team has the opportunity to move from camp to camp – I see this as a strong strategy to limit burnout and retain employees. I love the idea that all of the camps could one day be sustained from the inside, by folks who have been with the company for 10+ years. Throughout my stay, there seemed to be a clear commitment to fair work which always trickles down to the guest in a positive way.
Overall, the highlights of the Great Plains product are the small size of the camps, the clear intentionality of the standardization across the region, and their laid-back, no-rush feel. I love the idea that conservation comes first and their mission fuels my desire to share this product with you all, our ATInsiders.
