Chief’s Camp

Palatial pavilions

The twelve gorgeous thatch and gauze pavilions at Chief’s Camp are airy islands of serenity. Each vaunts an ample king-size bedroom that leads to a separate lounge area. The bathrooms have both inside and outside showers and the private decks afford beautiful vistas from the shade of giant sausage trees where you might while away the midday from the comfort of an inviting armchair – a herd of elephants browsing below.

The main dining, sitting, pool and boma areas are set in the shade of giant trees and raised on expansive decking that extends onto the Piajio floodplain. From the comfort of the leather sofas, wicker chairs and dark wood chaise longue next to the pool, you can sip your favourite cocktail or read a tome of Africa, looking up every-so-often to watch the miracle of life unfolding in the floodplain below.

Chief’s Camp takes pride in creating gastronomic delights to compliment the scenic wonder of the venue you choose. You might opt for private dining on your deck to the symphony of a million frogs or you perhaps dine out on the floodplain under a billion African stars.

The Piajio Floodplain

In summer (November to April), the Piajio is dryer and there will be huge herds of plains game like lechwe, impala and zebra grazing as they watch for predators. In winter (May to August), the floodplain is inundated and you will delight in the antics of the frogs, birds and fish while elephant bulls feed on the fringes or cross from one side to the other.

In the evening, there is no better way to experience the coming of the African night than around the open boma fire, your favourite nightcap in hand.

Exploring Chief’s Island

Perhaps the current highlight of Chief’s Island is the rhino re-introduction programme. Seeing one of these prehistoric giants retuned to this phenomenal area is tear-jerking experience. If you are not looking for rhino, you might be watching cheetah stalking one of the many herds of red lechwe on the fringes of the plain. In the misty morning, you could follow large pride of lions on the fresh tracks of a herd of buffalo and in the dimming gold of the afternoon, you could be fortunate enough to encounter one of the many leopards of the island – completely unfazed by your presence.

When the floodwaters are up, discovering the wonders of the channels from a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) is another-worldly experience as you float among the reeds, the frogs and the inexhaustible birdlife while a surfeit of mammals feed at the water’s edge.

Travelling to Chief’s Camp

Your Chief’s Camp adventure begins in Maun which is serviced daily from Johannesburg, Windhoek and Kasane. Chief’s Island is reached at the end of a spectacular light aircraft flight over the Kalahari emerald that is the Okavango Delta. From the airstrip it is a short and scenic game drive to the pleasures and hospitality of Chief’s Camp.

One jewel in a treasure trove

Whether you are a family on an adventure or a couple looking for romance, southern Africa has some incredible destinations. Iconic Africa recommends that you begin your African holiday in the Cape – either in Cape Town where the beaches, bars, mountain and restaurants will enthral you, or in the gorgeous wine lands of the Franschhoek Valley. From the Cape, Chief’s Island is the next destination and then it’s on to the majesty, mystery and adventure of the Victoria Falls in Zambia or Zimbabwe. A luxury Kruger Park safari in the world-famous Sabi Sands is the perfect ending to the African adventure of a life time.