Journey to the remote northern outskirts of the legendary Okavango Delta, to an intimate forested island within the seasonal floodplains of the mysterious Selinda Spillway. Situated in an untamed private concession more than six times bigger than Miami, Mapula Lodge is a flamboyantly rustic safari outpost overlooking a glassy lagoon ruled by chortling hippos.

Enjoy an authentic safari experience in utter exclusivity, far away from the crowds. Float down the Delta’s secluded waterways on a mokoro (traditional canoe) and discover secret spots where few others have gone before. Go on game drives through a pristine wilderness, home to the largest concentration of lion in the Okavango Delta. Spot a breath-taking variety of animals like leopard, wild dog, cheetah and the rare sable antelope, as well as elusive and lesser-known predators like mongoose, serval and caracal. Buffalo gather en masse on the edges of the Selinda waterways, along with bathing elephants and a noteworthy medley of birdlife. Here, birders can tick off sightings like the slaty egret, Pel’s fishing owl, African skimmer, carmine bee-eater, African paradise flycatcher, jacana and the endangered wattled crane.

Mapula was designed by the eccentric creators of the legendary Jack’s Camp, known for combining an expressive character with complete comfort and safari-chic finishing touches. The lodge’s canvas-and-thatch suites are widely spaced apart and concealed among the island’s ancient trees.