Pelo Camp

Highlights

• Intimate, unpretentious safari camp set deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
• Connect with nature through low-impact, carbon-neutral activities in this aquatic wilderness, exploring the scenic waterways around Pelo.
• Serene mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions pay homage to the traditional mode of transport in this ancient wilderness.

Destination: Pelo means ‘heart’ in Setswana,a fitting name for this light-footprint camp which sits on a heart-shaped island. Surrounded by permanent water, in addition to mokoro activities in the open, shallow floodplains, guests can look forward to boating adventures and guided walks.

NOTE: Pelo is open annually from 01 March to 30 November.

Experience: A wonder in blue – the camp invites the exploration of its sinuous channels by boat or mokoro; watch for hippos, crocodiles, tiny reed frogs, and elephants feeding in the distance, and the rare and beautiful aquatic sitatunga antelope. Birders can tick off lifers like Pel’s fishing-owl, or look out for African jacanas and ‘umbrella fishing’ black herons, jewelled malachite kingfishers, and hundreds more. Catch-and-release fishing and guided walks round out a classic Delta safari at Pelo.

Purpose: The beauty of the untamed wilderness is everywhere, and those who visit quickly come to understand why we are so passionate about conserving the wildlife and reducing our carbon footprint. Pelo is an excellent example of a light-footprint camp. Built using natural materials, it operates on 100% solar power, and offers low-impact, carbon-neutral activities.

Wildlife: Pelo is nestled in a true wetland area of the Okavango Delta, the ideal habitat for the elusive sitatunga, and red lechwe. Hippos and crocodiles are often sighted, the latter seen sunning themselves on channel banks. In the dry season scan the floodplains for lechwe, impala and elephant. Birdlife is exceptional here – home to large concentrations of endangered wattled crane, as well as slaty egrets, rosy-throated longclaws and African skimmers, among many others.

Pelo: Shaded by a thick canopy of trees, just five en-suite tents make up this intimate Okavango Delta safari camp, surrounded by a fluid ‘garden’ of clear-blue channels.

The camp’s tented dining area and lounge is set in the cool shade of wild date palms, jackalberry, and magnificent Natal mahogany trees, with a plunge pool to offer invigorating relief from the midday heat.

The sheltered boma invites fireside conversations, and a raised viewing platform built onto an old anthill offers front-row seats to the water-filled wonderland.

Pelo Camp is set on a heart-shaped island deep within the Jao Reserve in the Okavango Delta. “Pelo” meaning heart in Setswana. Surrounded by crystal-clear channels, palm-dotted islands and seasonal floodplains, this intimate five-tent camp offers one of the Delta’s most authentic and immersive water-based safari experiences.

Each en-suite canvas tent features a private veranda overlooking the floodplains, allowing guests to remain closely connected to the rhythms of the wilderness. Pelo specialises in mokoro excursions, boating and seasonal fishing, providing a quiet, low-impact way to explore the Delta’s intricate waterways. During the dry season, year-round game drives in nearby areas complement the water activities, ensuring a well-rounded safari experience.

The area is renowned for exceptional birding, including Pel’s fishing owl, wattled cranes and slaty egrets, as well as red lechwe, hippo and the elusive sitatunga antelope.

INSIDER’S TIP: Pelo is ideal for guests seeking simplicity, seclusion and a pure Delta experience, where days are best spent drifting silently through lily-filled channels or enjoying sundowners from the raised lookout deck.