New Safari Lodge Set to Boost Okavango Delta Appeal  

Luxury Safari Operator Okavango Hidden Gems will open a third camp, Little Maru, in Botswana’s Okavango Delta this year. The new lodge, located in the pristine NG32 concession, promises extraordinary wildlife experiences in one of Africa’s most remarkable natural settings. Hidden Gems’ existing offering includes Camp Maru and Amber Camp, which opened shortly after the pandemic in 2022. Speaking about safari trends within the Delta, Hidden Gems spokesperson Bruce Deneys estimates the company’s camps will return to 2019 capacity by 2025. “While July, August, and September remain the high season, we’re also seeing peaks in October, April, and May,” Deneys said. “Since COVID, our capacity has been quite good. We’ve had to rely more on business from the SADC region, but we’re recovering well, and 2025 looks very promising,” he added. The camps, including the upcoming opening of Little Maru, take a sustainable approach to the safari experience, stated Deneys, “Aligning with Hidden Gem’s original idea of being a glamping-style camp, offering a 5-star tented experience that blends harmoniously with the environment rather than dominating it.”

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Prime NG32 Location and Exclusive Access

Named after the Ngamiland Game Reserve 32, NG32 has formed part of Botswana’s systematic wildlife management efforts. This area has been carefully preserved to maintain its ecological integrity, making it a unique setting for the new lodges that aim to balance luxury with sustainability. Situated in the southeastern part of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extensive ecosystem and biodiversity, this 100,000-hectare private concession offers exclusive access to various habitats, from floodplains and marshes to woodlands and grasslands. On a safari in Botswana, guests can look forward to spotting elephants, lions, leopards, and over 400 species of birds.

Eco-friendly Luxury

Lodge design emphasizes sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices such as solar power and locally sourced materials, according to Hidden Gems. Amber Camp, for example, is designed with environmental integrity​ to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, appealing to the eco-conscious traveler who seeks both comfort and conservation. “Our camp stands out to guests because it was built with the environment in mind. We’ve used decking and materials that allow the tents to blend seamlessly into the bushes. We have one simple pool, essential for the hot months. We don’t have private pools or air conditioning, keeping our environmental impact very low. If needed, we can easily move the camp and restore the vegetation to its original state,” said Deneys.

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Delta Wildlife Encounters

NG32’s varied landscapes offer guests unparalleled opportunities for game viewing. Whether tracking lions on a game drive, birdwatching along the Boro River, or exploring the Delta’s waterways by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), the new lodges provide intimate and immersive wildlife experiences. The concession’s secluded nature ensures that guests can enjoy these activities without the crowds, enhancing the sense of wilderness and adventure​.

Batswana Cultural Integration

Hidden Gems sees itself as a community-led eco-tourism venture, integrating the cultural values of the surrounding Batswana community into its offering through “eco-friendly business practices and investing in local talent.” The lodges prioritise sustainability by sourcing local produce and amenities. They look to offer more than a luxury wildlife safari, with authentic cultural experiences available on request. Guests can enjoy the warm hospitality of the Batswana people, with traditional touches integrated into the lodge’s design and operations. This cultural authenticity, combined with modern amenities, creates an enriching stay​​, stated Deneys.