Wilderness Unveils the all-new Tubu Tree and Little Tubu in Botswana’s Jao Reserve

"The redesign of Tubu Tree stands as a testament to our passion; a proud endeavour that embodies our vision for these camps, noted Jao Reserve Co-owner, Cathy Kays. “The new camps are wilderness sanctuaries that celebrate the untamed beauty of Hunda Island and the Delta's abundant biodiversity. The design, architecture and overall guest experience is truly rooted in sustainability and the deep respect we have for this pristine wilderness”.

Offering eight tented suites and a family unit, all with horizon wide views of the iconic floodplains, Tubu Tree features upgraded amenities, including the replacement of canvas walls with insulated panels and new saligna hardwood flooring for improved insulation and added comfort. The camp also boasts the Delta’s most exquisitely positioned bar, offering panoramic views and an unrivalled setting for evening sundowners.

Connected to its sister camp by elevated boardwalks, Little Tubu seemingly floats in the tree canopy, providing a more intimate, three-tented retreat. Ideal for families and small groups travelling together, this exclusive setting boasts its own facilities and expansive suites complete with private decks and outdoor showers; the perfect private backdrop to witness nature’s many wonders. 

“The interiors evoke a sense of tranquillity and connection to the surrounding wilderness, inspired by the earthy tones of Hunda Island’s game-studded plains and reflected in the main areas of both camps’ colour palette of beiges, browns and splashes of green”, continued Cathy. Curated by Cathy herself, elements of live-edge wood, textured baskets and organic wooden shapes carefully merge, bringing the outdoors in at every turn.

Perched in a grove of jackalberry and marula trees, and shaded by real fan palms, the aptly-named Tubu Tree and Little Tubu epitomise the essence of a tree-canopy sanctuary. The camps, originally crafted to blend harmoniously with their natural surroundings, have been reimagined with a more contemporary aesthetic, all the while preserving their authentic, core charm. Both camps offer breathtaking vistas of floodplains teeming with water-loving wildlife. Guests can enjoy direct access to exhilarating game-viewing during the day, exploring the Delta’s labyrinth of waterways by mokoro, boat or vehicle. At night, adventure-seekers can choose to sleep under the expansive African sky in a Star Bed, entranced by its celestial beauty, or indulge in the luxurious comfort of the newly renovated suites.

Sustainability is integral to the design ethos, reflecting Wilderness' dedication to reducing environmental impact at all its camps while preserving the natural landscape. Both camps operate solely using solar power, and repurposed furniture has been used to enrich staff areas, extending their lifecycle within the camp. Recycled building materials from the construction have been donated to the Tubu Village Development Committee. 

Tubu’s commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in its embrace of the circular design approach, and this ethos extends beyond the camps themselves, as both actively engage in local conservation initiatives and community support programmes, including partnerships with nearby schools.

Safari-lovers can immerse themselves in the diverse habitats of the Okavango Delta, experiencing a birder’s paradise with over 450 species in the area, including unique finds like the Pel’s fishing-owl. The Delta’s dynamic ecosystem supports an abundance of wildlife year-round, adapting to seasonal changes from lush floodplains in summer to intricate channels and islands in winter.

"We are proud of our dedicated teams for creating such an unforgettable experience for our guests. The stunning transformation of these iconic camps is rooted in our passion for impact and our deep respect for the Delta's abundant biodiversity. We’ve ensured that they retain their original spirit and look forward to welcoming guests to the reimagined Tubu Tree and Little Tubu soon”, concluded Cathy.