Pelo Camp

Pelo Camp is one of Jao Concession’s newest lodge, opened just 4 years ago. It is surrounded by permanent, open floodplains, so focuses on water-based activities – and primarily excursions by mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe).

Pelo’s remote location, fine white sandy soil, shady palm trees and lush riverine vegetation combine to lend the camp a paradise island feel that one more often associates with a beach getaway. This impression is picked up by the cream and blue décor throughout the camp that is simple, bright and fresh. Little heart shaped decorations add a sweet touch too and are a reflection of the island’s Setswana name, which means heart-shaped island.

The raised main area of Pelo consists of two separate tents, just a short distance apart. In the dining tent you’ll find a tea and coffee station, and a long table where brunch and dinner are eaten communally. The lounge tent has a couple of leather sofas and some comfortable chairs arranged around an old chest that doubles as a coffee table. A small bookcase houses a few books on the flora and fauna of the Delta. Next to the lounge is a small semi-circular bar built around some trees, where there’s a water cooler for guests to fill up their complimentary water bottles before heading out on activities.

Connecting the dining room and lounge tents is a large wooden deck that has uninterrupted views of the surrounding waterways. In one corner is a beautiful breakfast bar facing the sunrise, and in the middle of the deck a huge sycamore fig tree provides much-needed shade in the heat of the day. There’s a spotting scope here to help you home in on the many water birds in this area, or even hippos and the occasional elephant crossing between the islands.

A short sandy path brings you to a raised platform built around an old anthill, where a central firepit is lit every evening for pre-dinner drinks. A few steps down from here towards the water’s edge is a small pool with fantastic views across the adjacent floodplain. This is a beautiful spot to relax, and to cool off in the hotter months.

More sandy paths lead to Pelo’s five spacious tents – four twins and one double – which are simple but comfortable in design. All are well spread out, and sheltered from each other by the thick palm foliage of the island. Each tent is raised on a low wooden deck and entered through a covered veranda at the front.

In the centre of the room, the bed faces out over the water, with small bedside lights attached to the freestanding wooden headboard. Although these provide enough light to read by in the evenings, we recommend that guests also bring a good-quality head torch. At the foot of the bed, a selection of reading material sits on a large wooden chest, which can also double as a handy space for storing luggage. Lamps made out of shells, or in the shape of water lilies, and towels folded into heart-shapes, add a sweet touch, while big mesh windows and a ceiling fan help to give a lovely light and airy feel.

Each tent also has a couple of cosy tub chairs and a writing table with a charging station for batteries and other equipment. A tea and coffee station includes a flask of hot water that is usually brought twice a day.

At the rear of each tent, the bathroom area has an en-suite flushing toilet to one side and a shower with plumbed hot and cold water to the other. Reed screens partially enclose both, but since the shower has no curtain it doesn’t afford much privacy. Directly behind the bed, set into a wooden table, is a single copper basin with cold running water. A selection of toiletries is provided including shower gel, shampoo, and body lotion. There’s also a free-standing wardrobe here which contains a small safe, insect repellent for both the room and the body, a kikoi (wrap) and dressing gowns. At the front of each tent is a deck overlooking the lagoon, with an outdoor table and chairs providing a peaceful spot to enjoy the views and birdlife.

*For a full list of available activities, the best time of the year to visit, and any other relevant enquiries, please contact a Sister Hippo Travel Consultant!