Hyena Pan
- Khwai Private Reserve, BotswanaThe reserve borders some of Botswana’s finest game viewing areas, with Moremi National Park to the south and Chobe National Park to the east.
touch the soul of africa
The word Pelo in Setswana means ‘heart’ – a fitting name inspired by the distinct heart-shaped island on which the camp is built in the heart of the Jao Concession. This is the Delta as it is meant to be enjoyed – remote, genuine, and wild.
Pelo Camp’s main area comprises a tented dining area and lounge situated under impressive wild date palms, jackalberry and Natal mahogany trees while the inviting plunge pool allows for refreshing dips in the midday heat. There is also an outdoor boma area and a raised lookout deck perfect for sundowners. The five intimate guest tents, complete with a covered front veranda, have en-suite bathrooms with both an indoor and outdoor shower. The camp’s footprint is light allowing unobtrusive wildlife viewing and a sense of being at one with nature.
Note: Pelo is open annually from 1 March to 30 November.
Given Pelo Camp’s situation on an island surrounded by permanent water, activities focus on water activities as well as walking.
Glide seamlessly along the waterways of Pelo in a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) and take in the abundance of water-loving wildlife and birds.
Trips in a 12-seater boat allow for good wildlife viewing in the channels of the Delta further away. Lookout for red lechwe and elephant and maybe even catch a glimpse of spotted-necked otter.
Take a walk on one of a number of low sandy islands and learn about the River Bushman way of life in this area.
Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment (spinner rods and a small range of lures) is on offer seasonally on a catch-and-release basis.
Pelo Camp lies in a true wetland area of the Okavango Delta, an ideal habitat for the elusive sitatunga antelope and common red lechwe. Hippo and crocodile are also regularly sighted. In the dry season lechwe, impala, elephant are prevalent, with lion, leopard and buffalo sighted occasionally. Birdlife is exceptional with the largest concentrations of Endangered wattled crane found here as well as slaty egrets, rosy-throated longclaws, African skimmer and Pel's fishing-owl.
