What is the Okavango Delta?

The Okavango Delta is the biggest inland delta in the world. It is found in northern Botswana.

How much water fills the Okavango Delta each year?

The Okavango River deposits about 11 cubic kilometres of water over this inland delta every year.

When is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?

All year round depending on what region and wildlife you’d like to see.

What should I wear on safari in Botswana, Okavango Delta?

The general rule when packing for a safari is, less is more. There may be space and weight restrictions when travelling on light aircraft. What you pack also depends on the time of the year. We recommend you pack clothing in neutral colours, and items you can layer, as well as rain jackets, swimsuit, a hat, comfortable shoes and sunblock.

Botswana

Pelo

A Secluded Paradise

Tucked onto an island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Wilderness Pelo is the perfect setting for a water-based safari.

Home Africa Botswana Okavango Delta Pelo Camp

DESTINATIONS

Wilderness Pelo

Nestled in the heart of the Delta.

Remote, pristine and utterly charming. Pelo means heart in Setswana – a fitting name for this light-footprint camp, which sits on a heart-shaped island in the deepest part of the Okavango Delta. A birder’s paradise, explore the myriad channels on a traditional mokoro, spotting a Pel’s fishing-owl, African jacanas and ‘umbrella fishing’ black herons - with elephants and other African wildlife seen feeding in the distance on the floodplains.

BOTSWANA

Wilderness Pelo Botswana Wildlife Elephant At Sunset

Pelo moments

Wilderness Pelo is an Okavango Delta treasure. Spend sunny days gliding through the peaceful waters by boat or mokoro, getting to know the residents: hippos, crocs, tiny reed frogs, and elephants, and (if you’re lucky) a beautiful aquatic sitatunga. Not to mention hundreds of bright and beautiful birds - jewelled malachite kingfishers, a Pel’s fishing-owl, and stately saddle-billed storks.

Wilderness Pelo Botswana Guest Tent Exterior

Wilderness Pelo Botswana Wildlife Pels Fishing Owl

Wilderness Pelo Botswana Gallery Wildlife Reed Frog

Pelo moments

Wilderness Pelo is an Okavango Delta treasure. Spend sunny days gliding through the peaceful waters by boat or mokoro, getting to know the residents: hippos, crocs, tiny reed frogs, and elephants, and (if you’re lucky) a beautiful aquatic sitatunga. Not to mention hundreds of bright and beautiful birds - jewelled malachite kingfishers, a Pel’s fishing-owl, and stately saddle-billed storks.

Accommodation

The camp’s five spacious and elegant canvas tents are comfortable and rustic. Each en-suite tent has a covered front veranda with spectacular views over the Delta and are completely private. The camp’s sheltered outdoor boma and raised lookout deck, as well as the pool, offer front-row seats to a magnificent water wonderland.

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Cuisine

Even though Pelo is located in a secluded paradise, there is a wonderful selection of delicious food. Start your day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, homemade muesli or a muffin. Enjoy a nutritious salad and pie for lunch, and a feast of local dishes served under the African night sky.

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THE DETAILS

Wilderness Pelo

Pelo is the perfect complement to your land-based Botswana safari. Five elegant tents sit close to the waterway, amplifying the sense of being in the heart of the Delta. Birdlife is exceptional here, with the largest concentration of endangered wattled cranes, and rare antelope species such as the sitatunga and red lechwe.

Purpose

Facilities

Wildlife

Area

Activities

Wilderness Pelo Botswana Purpose Impact Sustainability

Follow the flow of nature

As you wake to melodious birdsong and the stirrings of wildlife, you’ll soon feel the beating pulse of Africa’s wild. And understand why we are passionate about conserving the wildlife at Pelo. We do this by using only natural materials in our camp, and offering low-impact, carbon neutral activities and using 100% solar power.

Pool

Cool off in our inviting plunge pool with views over the Delta.

Solar Power

Passionate about conservation, Pelo is 100% solar powered.

Wilderness Pelo Botswana Lechwe running through water

Explore the Jao Reserve

Pelo sits in the Jao Reserve, which encompasses 60,000 hectares and sits at the very heart of the wetlands of the Okavango Delta. In the east, the Jao Flats boast water channels that cut their way through the papyrus and reed beds, creating the perfect environment for wildlife. Further west, the land gets drier and Hunda Island is the largest area of dry land in the area.

Purpose

Follow the flow of nature

As you wake to melodious birdsong and the stirrings of wildlife, you’ll soon feel the beating pulse of Africa’s wild. And understand why we are passionate about conserving the wildlife at Pelo. We do this by using only natural materials in our camp, and offering low-impact, carbon neutral activities and using 100% solar power.

Facilities

Pool

Cool off in our inviting plunge pool with views over the Delta.

Solar Power

Passionate about conservation, Pelo is 100% solar powered.

Wildlife

Area

Explore the Jao Reserve

Pelo sits in the Jao Reserve, which encompasses 60,000 hectares and sits at the very heart of the wetlands of the Okavango Delta. In the east, the Jao Flats boast water channels that cut their way through the papyrus and reed beds, creating the perfect environment for wildlife. Further west, the land gets drier and Hunda Island is the largest area of dry land in the area.

Activities

Experiences

Pelo experiences

Situated on a tiny island in permanent water, Pelo is the perfect setting for an unrivalled water-based safari. Glide through the water on a mokoro spotting reed frogs, dazzling kingfishers, and hopefully, an elusive sitatunga. Stretch your legs on a guided nature walk and try your hand at catch-and-release fishing. Kick back at the camp’s swimming pool as the sun sets over the glistening Delta.

Explore all Experiences

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Birding

Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide is spectacular across all our regions, with 930 different species for twitchers to tick.

Birding

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Helicopter safari

Soar above the lush and wildlife-rich Linyanti and Okavango Delta on a breath-taking helicopter safari.

Helicopter Safari

Botswana

Fishing

Cast your line into Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe’s iconic rivers, for exceptional catch-and-release fishing on safari.

Fishing

Botswana, Zambia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe

Mokoro

Explore Botswana’s Okavango Delta on a mokoro, gliding along peacefully, revealing the wild secrets of the channels.

Mokoro

Botswana

Guided walking safaris

Slow down and pay attention to the smaller details of the safari experience on a walking safari with our professional guides.

Guided Walking Safaris

Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Map

Explore camps in the Okavango Delta

Pelo is located in the Jao Reserve bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. Pelo lies in the deepest part of the Okavango Delta and embodies all the magic and mystique of this wondrous wetland. Think glittering lagoons, crystal-clear channels, floodplains and palm islands.

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TRAVEL WITH US

Journey with Wilderness

Let us help you plan your journey across the vast Okavango Delta, exploring the sinuous waterways at a choice of camps. Or combine the Delta with the contrasting light and space of the Namib Desert. Wherever you decide to go with Wilderness, you’re guaranteed unforgettable encounters.

See all journeys

GUEST EXPERIENCES

Testimonials from fellow safari-goers

With a perfect 5 star rating from 75 reviews, guests consistently praise Pelo's exceptional wildlife viewing, dedicated guides, and luxurious accommodations. Read what fellow safari-goers have to say about their unforgettable experiences at Wilderness Pelo. Read more reviews on TripAdvisor.

A little bit of paradise

"Arriving in Pelo is a bit like finding paradise. The location, on an island in the Delta makes it feel particularly secluded and special. It really is the most beautiful camp and the tents are luxurious. The food was excellent and the staff so very attentive and friendly (special mention for Manila). Our guide, Jonny, was a star; so knowledgeable and a wonderful sense of humour; his bird impersonations were endlessly entertaining and amazingly accurate. You may not see the sheer volume of mammals you will see in other parts of Botswana but what we did see was breathtaking and the birdlife is abundant and varied. I only hope we get to go back someday."

Phil M | UK

★★★★★

Pelo is a Birder's Paradise

"From being greeted by our guide, Chops, to entering our camp via boat to the friendly waves of staff…this was our first camp of three in Beautiful Botswana…and what a way to start!!! Pelo is a birder’s paradise, and our group of six learned so much! Our rooms were comfortable and outfitted with everything we needed during our 2 day stay. We enjoyed having a demonstration from Betty, who showed us how the beautiful trivets were made using river reeds and botanical dyes (make sure to purchase a few to bring back home as mementos and gifts!) and of course the good conversations with staff. Food was always fresh and plentiful and so tasty. This was the perfect introduction to our stay in Botswana, and we enjoyed every moment. Thank you to the staff for making our time there so special!"

Paige C

★★★★★

A safari camp with heart

"Wilderness has several lovely properties in the Jao area, and while Pelo is on the more modest side, it was hands down the most charming and authentic camp we visited. The tents are well kept and super comfortable, all meals were wonderful and the staff truly felt like family. Our guide, Johnnie was so knowledgeable and pleasant to be around. And more than anything, being in the heart of the Okavango Delta with stunning landscapes in every direction really made this feel like a one-of-a-kind experience. I'd confidently recommend Pelo Camp to anyone visiting the area."

Jonathan G

★★★★★

Similar Camps

Similar camps we think you'll love

Looking for more intimate encounters in the wild? We think these three camps in Botswana and Zimbabwe may be just the ticket. Small and private, each camp is set in pristine, wildlife-rich areas, accessible to just a handful of people.

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Linyanti Tented Camp

A truly off-the-beaten-track safari ideal for families and small groups in Botswana’s pristine Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.

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Jacana

A superb water-based camp ideally situated for an intimate and authentic Okavango Delta safari.

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Davison's

An homage to a bygone safari era, this classic camp’s setting in Hwange National Park delivers exceptional wildlife viewing.

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Little Vumbura

Set on its own island, Little Vumbura in Botswana epitomises the classic Okavango Delta safari experience.

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A camp fire is what safaris are made for

Namibia

Kulala Desert Lodge

Explore Sossusvlei and discover the unique desert-adapted creatures of the ancient Namib Desert from Kulala Desert Lodge.

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FAQs

General

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Journal

Pelo featured stories

Scroll through our collection of stories and beautiful images of the resident wildlife. View our camp gallery and get updates from our team on the ground about the latest conservation efforts in the area.

See all stories

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