Tubu Tree Camp Review | Authentic Okavango Safari

By Walter Smith, Director, Think Africa Travel

Discover Tubu Tree Camp in Botswana's Private Jao Reserve

Some safari camps impress with luxury. Others captivate through wildlife. Tubu Tree Camp manages to deliver both, while preserving something increasingly rare in modern travel: a genuine sense of place.

During a recent visit to Botswana’s iconic Okavango Delta, I had the opportunity to experience Tubu Tree Camp firsthand. Located within the private Jao Reserve, one of the Delta’s most wildlife-rich and diverse safari regions, Tubu offers an authentic wilderness experience complemented by exceptional guiding, warm hospitality, and elevated comfort.

For travellers seeking a luxury safari in Botswana that balances adventure, wildlife and understated elegance, Tubu Tree Camp deserves a place near the top of the list.

A Classic Okavango Safari Camp with a Unique Character

Positioned on the edge of a seasonal floodplain in the western reaches of the Jao Reserve, Tubu Tree Camp enjoys a location that perfectly captures the spirit of the Okavango Delta.

The camp consists of eight elevated tented suites, raised above the surrounding wilderness on wooden platforms. Each suite features an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower and private viewing deck overlooking the floodplain and surrounding woodlands.

Tubu’s design reflects a classic safari aesthetic while incorporating all the comforts expected by modern luxury travellers. What immediately stood out during my stay was how effortlessly the camp blends comfort with authenticity.

“Tubu has all the key elements most safari travellers are looking for,” I reflected after my visit, “but it also has its own distinctive personality. There is a character and finesse here that makes it uniquely Tubu.”

The result is a camp that feels welcoming, intimate and genuinely connected to its environment.

A Warm Botswana Welcome

The safari experience began before reaching camp.

Arriving in the late afternoon, I was met by my guide, Gomo, whose enthusiasm and knowledge immediately set the tone for the stay. The drive towards camp provided an introduction to the abundance of wildlife found throughout this area of the Delta.

Along the way we encountered zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala, warthog and an impressive variety of birdlife, all against a backdrop of grasslands, floodplains and scattered woodland.

Upon arrival, I received one of the warmest welcomes imaginable.

A staff choir greeted guests with infectious energy and genuine smiles, creating an atmosphere that immediately made Tubu feel like home. The camp itself was immaculate and beautifully maintained, while the elevated guest rooms were elegant, comfortable and inviting.

Following a briefing from General Manager Honey Badger and his team, I was introduced to my suite before preparing for my first game drive into the surrounding wilderness.

Sundowners on the Floodplain and an Unforgettable African Moonrise

Few safari rituals rival the experience of sundowners in the African bush.

That evening, our game drive concluded at the edge of a stunning floodplain where we paused to watch the sun sink behind distant palm trees. As golden light washed across the landscape, African Snipe activity provided an unexpected wildlife highlight.

Yet it was what followed that made the evening truly memorable.

As darkness fell, an enormous full moon rose above the floodplain, illuminating the palms and surrounding grasslands with its deep red light. It was one of the most spectacular moonrises I can recall witnessing in Botswana and perfectly captured the magic for which the Okavango Delta is famous.

The drive back to camp continued the excitement, with sightings of an African Wild Cat and a magnificent Giant Eagle Owl providing a fitting conclusion to an exceptional first evening.

Why Wildlife Viewing at Tubu Tree Camp Is So Rewarding

One of Tubu’s greatest strengths is its position between multiple habitats.

The camp borders seasonal floodplains, dry savannah and woodland ecosystems, creating excellent opportunities for diverse wildlife encounters throughout the year.

This habitat diversity supports:

Elephants
Leopards
Lions
Herds of plains game
Rich birdlife
Seasonal wetland species
Predators and nocturnal animals

For photographers, birders and wildlife enthusiasts alike, the variety of species and habitats makes every safari activity engaging and unpredictable.

Little Tubu: An Exclusive Safari Retreat for Families and Small Groups

The following morning I visited Little Tubu, the camp’s exclusive private retreat.

Featuring just three beautifully appointed tented suites, Little Tubu offers a more intimate safari experience that is particularly well suited to families, groups of friends and private safari parties.

Its smaller scale creates a strong sense of exclusivity without compromising access to the exceptional wildlife and landscapes that define the Jao Reserve.

Timing, as often happens in the Delta, played a role in creating another unforgettable moment.

While standing on the deck overlooking the floodplain, I watched a breeding herd of elephants emerge from the woodland and quietly cross directly in front of camp.

There was no rush, no expectation and no audience.

It was simply nature unfolding on its own terms, exactly the kind of authentic encounter that makes the Okavango Delta one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations.

Exceptional Hospitality at Every Level

Outstanding wildlife may draw travellers to a safari camp, but exceptional people are often what make them return.

Throughout my stay, the Tubu team consistently delivered warm, attentive and genuine hospitality.

Gomo, my guide, combined expert knowledge with an intuitive understanding of the landscape and its wildlife. His passion for the Delta was evident in every drive.

General Manager Honey Badger and his team created a relaxed yet highly professional atmosphere throughout the camp, while Assistant Manager KB ensured every detail operated seamlessly behind the scenes.

Another memorable highlight was the cuisine. Chef Demo and the kitchen team delivered consistently excellent meals, combining fresh ingredients, thoughtful presentation and flavours that exceeded expectations.

Dining at Tubu follows the natural rhythm of safari life, from early breakfasts before morning drives to fireside dinners under Botswana’s spectacular night sky.

Safari Activities at Tubu Tree Camp

One of the reasons Tubu Tree Camp appeals to such a broad range of travellers is the variety of activities available.

Depending on seasonal water levels, guests can enjoy:

Day game drives
Night game drives
Mokoro excursions
Guided walking safaris
Boating experiences
Exceptional birdwatching
Seasonal fishing
Scenic helicopter flights over the Okavango Delta

This diverse activity offering allows guests to experience the Delta from multiple perspectives, making Tubu an excellent choice for first-time visitors as well as seasoned safari enthusiasts.

A Leopard Farewell

My departure from Tubu Tree Camp was every bit as memorable as my arrival.

The journey onward towards Kwetsani became a leisurely game-viewing drive, providing one final reminder of the reserve’s remarkable wildlife.

Our last sighting was a beautiful leopardess resting high within the branches of a sausage tree, surveying the surrounding landscape from her elevated perch.

It was a fitting farewell from a camp that had already delivered extraordinary wildlife encounters, beautiful scenery and exceptional hospitality.

Why Choose Tubu Tree Camp for Your Botswana Safari?

Tubu Tree Camp offers everything many discerning safari travellers seek:

A prime location in the private Jao Reserve
Excellent wildlife viewing
Diverse safari activities
Elevated luxury accommodation
Family-friendly safari options
Exceptional guiding
Warm Botswana hospitality
Authentic wilderness experiences

Most importantly, Tubu never loses sight of what makes the Okavango Delta so special. While comfort and service are outstanding, the wilderness always remains the star of the show.

For travellers seeking an intimate luxury safari in Botswana that combines adventure, comfort and authentic Delta experiences, Tubu Tree Camp remains one of the Okavango’s most rewarding destinations.

Plan Your Tubu Tree Camp Safari with Think Africa Travel

At Think Africa Travel, we specialise in creating tailor-made luxury safaris throughout Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Southern Africa.

Whether you’re planning your first safari, a family holiday, a photographic adventure or a multi-camp Okavango itinerary, our team can help you design a journey perfectly suited to your interests.

Contact Think Africa Travel today and discover why Tubu Tree Camp continues to be one of the Okavango Delta’s most treasured safari experiences.