Our story
Pel’s Island Camp takes its name from the Pel’s fishing owl — one of Africa’s rarest and most sought-after owl species, known for inhabiting remote wetland wilderness areas such as the Okavango Delta. On the founder’s very first night on the island, he experienced the extraordinary sight of a nesting pair in the very trees where the camp now stands.
Inspired by this rare encounter and the untouched beauty of the island, he chose to establish Pel’s Island Camp as a place where guests could experience the same sense of wonder, tranquillity, and connection to nature.
Today, Pel’s Island Camp remains a proudly family-run lodge, built on a passion for Botswana’s wilderness and authentic safari experiences
Location & Road
Pel’s Island Camp is situated 70 km outside of Maun, accessible via a 1 hour and 30-minute to 2 hour drive on both tar and sand roads.
The camp is located outside of the National Park, which means no park fees are to be paid.
To reach our camp from Maun, you will take the road to Moremi. At Mochaba Crossing (close to Shorobe), you will take the sand road towards the Delta.
The road is a sandy, two-track road. You will need a 4x4 vehicle to reach the camp.
The Owls at Pel’s Island Camp
One of the most special moments in the history of Pel’s Island Camp was witnessing a pair of rare Pel’s Fishing Owls choose the trees right at our campsite as their breeding home.
These magnificent owls are among Africa’s most elusive and sought-after birds, breeding only every second year in many cases, and usually raising just a single chick even when two eggs are laid. What made this sighting truly extraordinary was that both chicks survived and were successfully raised — something very seldom seen in the wild. For weeks, guests at camp were treated to the unforgettable sight and haunting calls of the owl family perched above the river, creating a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
Moments like these remind us how privileged we are to share this untouched wilderness with such remarkable creatures.
