Daunara Safari Camp

YOUR STAY

The first thing you notice at Daunara is how close everything feels to the landscape. The suites sit among old trees, with raised wooden walkways leading you from one part of the camp to another.

Three of the suites stand on their own, so you have somewhere private to retreat to when you want some peace. The family suite brings two en-suite bedrooms together around a shared sitting area, which makes it useful when travelling with children or as part of a larger group.

Inside your suite, the look is warm and relaxed. Timber, woven details and large glass openings keep the rooms connected to the bush without making them feel overly rustic.

You also have plenty of space in the bathrooms. Deep tubs, double vanities and outdoor showers give you a few different ways to freshen up after a day outside.

At night, listen to the sounds coming from the wetlands before settling into bed. In the morning, step outside and see what has changed while you were asleep.

THE OKAVANGO & WILDLIFE

You come to the Okavango to spend time outside, and Daunara gives you plenty of ways to do that.

Take a mokoro through the narrow channels and let your guide steer you between the reeds. The pace is slow, which gives you time to look around and take in the smaller details of the delta.

For a different view, climb aboard a private boat and explore the lagoon. Keep an eye out for hippos in the water and wildlife along the banks as you move through the wetlands.

Game drives take you further into the surrounding wilderness. Your guides can plan the day around what you want to see, whether you're hoping to spend more time watching wildlife or simply want to explore.

Then there is the helicopter. Fly above the delta and you'll see the waterways winding between islands and open areas of wilderness. It is a very different way to understand the landscape.

Back at camp, you don't have to do anything at all. Sit near the water, have something cold to drink and watch the afternoon pass.

POOL & WELLNESS

The pool gives you an easy place to cool down between safari outings. It sits on a raised deck overlooking the wetlands, with shaded areas nearby where you can stretch out afterwards.

Perhaps you want a massage instead. The spa pavilion is set aside for treatments, giving you somewhere quiet to spend an hour or two after a busy morning.

Yoga takes place on an elevated wooden deck, where you can look out towards the lagoon while you practise. Early morning is a particularly peaceful time to be here.

There is a gym as well, complete with views towards the water. If keeping active is part of your routine, you can fit in a workout before breakfast or later in the afternoon.

Of course, nobody says you have to use any of it. Find a comfortable chair, take a swim or simply enjoy the view.

FOOD & EVENINGS

Your meals are prepared around the way you like to eat. The main lodge has an open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs at work while you sit nearby with a drink.

Fresh produce comes from the camp's community farm, with the menu changing according to what is available. Breakfast could be a relaxed affair before heading out, while lunch might be served back at camp or during a bush outing.

Come evening, everyone can sit down together for dinner. The private wine cellar gives you a good selection to choose from when you want something to go with the meal.

Later, make your way outside to the firepit. The lights fade, the sky opens up and the sounds of the delta become much easier to hear.

Some nights might carry on around the bar. Others may end early because you have another safari planned for the morning.

PRIVACY & SERVICE

With five suites and space for up to 12 guests, Daunara works particularly well when you take the camp exclusively. Your group gets to settle into its own rhythm without having to share the main spaces with other guests.

A lodge manager, chefs, butlers and housekeepers take care of the day-to-day details. You can leave the practical side to them and concentrate on what you came here to do.

Your guides are another important part of the stay. Tell them what interests you and they can shape your days around game drives, walking safaris, mokoro trips, boating or fishing.

Getting around is straightforward too. A private helicopter transfer brings you from Maun to camp, while further helicopter flights could give you a chance to see more of the Okavango from above.

Maybe you want an early start and a full day in the bush. Perhaps you'd rather have a slow breakfast and spend the afternoon by the pool. Either way, the day is yours.