There are trips you enjoy, and then there are trips that quietly rewire your brain — in the best way. The kind that makes you feel more awake in your own life, more present in your body, more grateful for the sheer fact that the world is still capable of surprising you. That was me, somewhere between Cape Town’s cotton-candy sunsets and Botswana’s Okavango Delta mornings — coffee in hand, heart full, completely undone by beauty.
I went to South Africa and Botswana as part of the “Atzaró African Ultimate Experience: Cape to Delta Escape” — a special itinerary designed to combine an immersive Cape Town city break with an award-winning safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The structure is genius: three nights at Atzaró Cape Town, followed by four nights at Atzaró Okavango Camp, with a final one-night return to Cape Town to exhale before heading home.
And if you’re wondering why this pairing works so well, it’s because Cape Town and the Okavango are two very different versions of “pinch-me” travel — one is all Mediterranean-vibe city energy under the watch of Table Mountain, and the other is a wild, watery dreamscape so otherworldly it feels like you’ve stepped into a nature documentary you used to watch as a child (and yes, I genuinely put on The Lion King at night because the real-life parallels were making my inner child gleam).
GRAZIA’s Cape Town & the Okavango Delta Travel Guide:
What follows is a journey through two worlds — one filled with vibrant culture and coastal beauty, the other defined by stillness, wildlife, and wonder — from the first sunrise in Cape Town to the final goodbye in the Okavango Delta.
WHY CAPE TOWN AND THE OKAVANGO DELTA ARE THE LUXURY TRAVEL POWER COUPLE RIGHT NOW
Cape Town is frequently described as a global favorite for good reason: it’s vibrant, trendy, and layered — Cape Dutch architecture, a thriving art community, world-class restaurants, and iconic natural landmarks all coexisting in a way that feels both glamorous and grounded. The city’s identity is shaped by centuries of cultural convergence, from the ancient San and Khoikhoi peoples to Dutch, Portuguese, French, British, and Cape Malay influence — one of many reasons it feels so rich, textural, and alive.
Then there is Botswana’s Okavango Delta: a place that doesn’t just live up to the hype, it invents its own category of wonder. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the world’s largest intact inland delta, exceptionally rich in wildlife, with papyrus-lined water channels opening into lagoons and islands, then into seasonal floodplains where animals gather in spectacular fashion.
This is also why luxury safaris have become one of the most sought-after travel experiences in the world today. Travelers are no longer chasing only beautiful hotels — they are chasing stories, nature, once-in-a-lifetime access, and experiences that feel personal and meaningful rather than performative. The modern luxury traveler wants immersion, authenticity, and memory-making, and the Cape to Delta Escape delivers all three in one perfectly curated journey.
WHY ATZARÓ IS THE NAME TO TRUST
Atzaró is not new to luxury. The brand has been creating “natural luxury” experiences for decades, rooted in nature and authenticity, originally from its flagship Atzaró Agroturismo in Ibiza and expanding into some of the world’s most unique destinations with a signature concept designed for the experience-seeking luxury traveler.
What makes Atzaró stand out — and what I felt deeply in both Cape Town and Botswana — is that the brand understands something many luxury hotels still miss: luxury is not just design and amenities. It is how cared for you feel. It is the difference between service and true hospitality. It is having someone anticipate what you need before you ask. It is feeling like you are welcomed into a beautiful home that just happens to be set against the most breathtaking backdrops in the world. Because, after all, true luxury is not just something you see, but something you feel.
PART I: CAPE TOWN
Where the Journey Begins
Cape Town was the first chapter of my African journey, and it felt like falling in love with the world all over again. Between the ocean, the mountains, and the vibrant energy of the city, every moment carried a sense of wonder and possibility. It was the perfect place to ease into the rhythm of this experience — where culture, cuisine, nature, and design come together in a way that feels both exhilarating and grounding. Before heading into the deep stillness of the Okavango Delta, Cape Town offered color, movement, and inspiration, setting the tone for everything that was about to unfold.
Atzaró Cape Town: Falling in Love With the World (From the Best Seat in the House)
Atzaró Cape Town is set at the foot of Table Mountain, seamlessly integrated into the surrounding national park and framed by sweeping views of Devil’s Peak, Lion’s Head, and the City Bowl. Designed as a mid-century-inspired small luxury hotel, the property feels both intimate and expansive — an architectural blend of modern elegance and natural serenity.
With just six beautifully appointed suites, the hotel offers a sense of privacy and exclusivity that feels rare in a major city. Every space is designed to slow you down: open-air terraces, sun-drenched lounge areas, and quiet corners that invite reflection while still placing you moments from Cape Town’s vibrant cultural heart.
My stay in the Marula Superior Suite reflected Atzaró’s philosophy of natural luxury: neutral tones, organic materials, a spacious soaking tub, and outdoor space that made the room feel like a private retreat. Thoughtful inclusions such as daily breakfast, a stocked minibar and snacks, tea and coffee, personal laundry service, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour staff and concierge support made the experience feel effortless and deeply considered.
The property features multiple indoor and outdoor dining areas, a wellness suite with a gym and sauna, and a panoramic terrace with a braai-style barbecue overlooking the city and surrounding mountains. From sunrise to sunset, the views feel cinematic — Table Mountain rising behind you, the sea stretching out in front, and the city glowing softly below.
What truly sets Atzaró Cape Town apart is its atmosphere. It feels less like a hotel and more like a beautifully curated home — one where every detail, from the design to the service, encourages you to pause, breathe, and experience Cape Town in a way that feels both elevated and authentic.
The Cape Peninsula in One Day: Penguins and Views I Will Never Forget
One of the highlights of the itinerary is the full-day Cape Peninsula tour, which includes Boulders Beach (home to the African penguins), Cape Point, and Chapman’s Peak.
We drove along the coastline where the water shifted from deep blue to teal to white sand beaches — so scenic it almost looked unreal. Actually, it did look unreal. Visiting Boulders Beach and seeing the African penguins waddle, swim, and nap was pure inner-child joy. Watching them live their lives with no sense of urgency felt oddly healing and was a highlight of my Cape Town adventure.
At Cape Point, we hiked up to the lighthouse and visited the Cape of Good Hope, which is considered the most south-western point of the African continent. Along the way, we saw baboons and ostriches and were surrounded by misty cliffs that made everything feel cinematic.
But Chapman’s Peak was the moment that truly stayed with me. Our driver, Ash, pulled the car off to a lookout point, allowing us to get out and take a moment to soak up the scenery. I stood there thinking, “This is a view I will remember for the rest of my life.” A view that pictures do not do justice. It felt like Mother Nature embracing me in a hug, and it was one where I never wanted to let go.
Dinner at Kloof Street House, Cape Town’s Coolest Living Room, and a Heartfelt Farewell
Dinner at Kloof Street House felt like stepping into your most aesthetic friend’s home. The grand Victorian house is layered with antique mirrors, patterned rugs, fireplaces, fringe lamps, and lush greenery, creating a cozy yet elevated atmosphere that invites you to linger.
I still think about the dishes: beef with charred spring onion–miso butter, bone marrow and fries, grilled salmon with baby potatoes and dill mustard cream, and desserts that truly cannot be missed.
GRAZIA’s Favorite Aspects of Cape Town With Atzaró
Atzaró made Cape Town feel effortless while still deeply personalized:
- They set me up with a personal driver, Ash, born and raised in Cape Town, whose knowledge and warmth turned a full peninsula tour into an experience led by a local friend who knew everything.
- The hotel itself is a stunning, modern boutique property tucked away from the crowds yet close enough to feel fully connected to the city.
- I arrived late in the evening and was welcomed with a charcuterie board delivered straight to my room, which instantly felt like the universe speaking my love language.
- My suite featured gorgeous neutral décor, natural materials, a large soaking tub, and outdoor space — truly the kind of room that makes you want to romanticize your entire life.
- Breakfast was served overlooking the Cape with Table Mountain behind me and the sea in front — an unreal spread brought directly to the table each morning.
- They provided a curated restaurant list that made planning seamless, with Upper Union and Kloof Street House as standout dinner recommendations.
- Sunrises and sunsets looked like cotton-candy painted skies.
Each and every part of our curated itinerary felt both personal and deeply integrated into Cape Town’s roots. The team at Atzaró ensures your visit is not only money well spent, but time well spent.
And just as quickly as I fell into the rhythm of Cape Town, it was time to trade city sparkle for wilderness.
PART II: BOTSWANA
The Okavango Delta and the Return to Stillness
The journey from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta includes a scenic helicopter transfer into the heart of Botswana’s wilderness.
Flying into the Okavango Delta felt like entering another realm — one defined by endless waterways, golden grasslands, and the steady rhythm of the wild. Here, the noise of everyday life dissolved, replaced by the sounds of birds, wind, and distant animal calls, and I found myself returning to a kind of stillness I didn’t know I had been missing.
A practical but important note: luggage rules are strict. Only soft bags are allowed on the helicopter — no hard suitcases or wheeled luggage. Oversized bags cannot be carried on your lap, and excess luggage may require an additional seat.
Atzaró Okavango Camp: Luxury in the Wild
Atzaró Okavango Camp is set deep within Botswana’s Okavango Delta and is accessible only by helicopter, creating an arrival that feels cinematic and otherworldly from the very first moment. Designed to integrate seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the camp is powered entirely by solar energy and reflects Atzaró’s commitment to sustainability and harmony with the land.
Its architecture and interiors draw directly from the landscape itself, using natural materials such as wood, leather, woven textures, and local craftsmanship in a palette of greens, blues, and golden earth tones — so that you feel completely immersed in the Delta rather than separate from it.
Central spaces include an elegant open-air lounge, bar, and dining area, along with an elevated viewing deck designed for watching wildlife and sunsets unfold across the wetlands. A main swimming pool, curated wine cellar with sommelier, specialist barista and mixologist, and a wellness spa with yoga deck and gym complete the experience, while the ancestral boma and gift shop add cultural depth and warmth to the camp’s atmosphere.
The camp offers an intimate collection of accommodations, including eight luxury tented suites with private plunge pools, one luxury family suite with plunge pools and a star bed, and one exclusive-use luxury villa complete with its own private lounge, sky bed, plunge pools, and a dedicated vehicle and guide.
And then there was my tented suite — though calling it a “tent” hardly feels accurate. This was true luxury in the wild, and in my opinion, the only way to experience an African safari. My suite was impossibly spacious, with a sleeping area wrapped in queen-like netting that was functional enough to keep out the bugs at night yet aesthetic enough to elevate the entire room. Glass sliding doors opened onto a private outdoor deck with sun loungers and a plunge pool, separated from the Delta by nothing more than rope and open air.
Inside, the space was layered with beauty and intention: beautifully patterned walls, stunning hand-drawn artwork of the African bush and its inhabited species (which I wished I could take home with me), coffee table books dedicated to Africa, a desk and minibar, and so much natural light that the entire tent glowed from morning until night. The bathroom experience alone felt like a dream — an indoor shower, a large soaking tub, and toilet, paired with an outdoor shower and a gold soaking tub under the open sky. Every detail made it feel like I was living life in 4D, completely surrounded by a spiritual-like nature setting while wrapped in comfort.
One afternoon, while soaking in the hot tub on my deck, I watched a herd of elephants — mothers and their babies — emerge quietly from the bush and walk right past my tent. There was no sound except the wind and their slow footsteps. It was a moment of stillness and pure natural beauty that left me in awe, sitting there with a giant smile and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It felt sacred. It felt surreal. And it is a memory I will carry with me forever.
This is not rustic luxury. This is true luxury — placed gently and intentionally inside one of the most extraordinary natural environments on earth.
A Camp Built on Care and Community
What makes Atzaró Okavango Camp even more meaningful is its commitment to giving back to the land and the people who make this region so extraordinary. Beyond its focus on sustainability and solar-powered operations, the camp actively supports local communities and conservation efforts, ensuring that tourism here is not extractive, but reciprocal. Many of the team members come from surrounding areas, and guests are invited to better understand the culture, traditions, and stories of the Okavango through shared meals, music, and moments of connection. It is a reminder that true luxury is not only about where you stay, but how you show respect for the place you are visiting — and how that place continues to thrive long after you leave.
The Safari Experience: Game Drives, Guides, and the Magic of the Delta
If the camp was the setting, then the game drives were the soul of my Okavango experience. Atzaró structures the safari days beautifully, with both morning and afternoon game drives that give you two chances each day to witness wildlife in its natural habitat, while still allowing time to rest and absorb everything in between. This rhythm made each day feel like two days in one — a gift, especially given how much there is to see and feel in the Delta.
A Guide Who Changed Everything
My safari guide, Kenny, truly made the experience what it was. He was friendly, funny, deeply personable, and extraordinarily knowledgeable about the Delta and the animals that call it home. He could pick up on the smallest changes in the environment: a faint sound that signaled movement, an unusual silence that meant danger was nearby, or fresh tracks in the sand that revealed which animals had passed through moments before. Watching him work felt like witnessing someone speak fluently in the language of the wild.
Together, we shared one collective mission that defines every safari: spotting the Big Five — elephant, lion, rhinoceros, leopard, and buffalo. I was lucky enough to see four of them, missing only the rhino. Kenny explained that the Okavango Delta currently has very few free-roaming rhinos, as the Botswana government evacuated them to protected sanctuaries beginning around 2020–2021 following a devastating surge in poaching during the pandemic. Knowing this added gravity to everything we witnessed and made each animal encounter feel even more precious.
My First Game Drive: Lions and Cub Moments I’ll Never Forget
My very first game drive is something I will remember forever. We saw lions up close, and then something even more extraordinary: baby lion cubs running out of the bush, cooing and playing together, before resting with their mothers. It was so raw, so beautiful, and so deeply moving that it brought me to tears. I had never witnessed anything like it in my life. It felt sacred, like being allowed into a private moment of the animal kingdom.
Seeing Wildlife the Way It’s Meant to Be Seen
As the days continued, certain animals began to imprint themselves on my heart. Giraffes became one of my favorite species — tall, elegant, with impossibly long eyelashes and a quiet grace that made them feel almost mythical. Zebras felt surreal, as if I were seeing make-believe creatures from another universe brought to life.
There is something transformative about seeing animals not in captivity, but in the African bush where they belong. Witnessing them up close, so peaceful and unthreatened by us, made me understand their true nature (in a way no zoo ever could). It was a deeply moving and life-changing experience — one that shifted something in me at my core. As dramatic as that may sound, there is no other way to describe it. If there is one thing to take from this journey, it is that you will truly be remiss not to experience this kind of magic at least once in your lifetime.
Sundowners, Sunsets, and the Sound of a Lion’s Roar
Each afternoon game drive included a stop at a scenic location — though in truth, everywhere in the Delta is scenic — for our sundowners. We parked the vehicle, enjoyed refreshments and small bites, and talked through everything we had seen that day. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we began the drive back to camp using a spotlight, searching for nocturnal animals emerging from the darkness.
On one drive, we heard a lion roar — a surreal sound that echoed across the Delta and sent chills through my entire body.
The Leopard: A Mission and a Miracle
As the days passed and we had already seen three of the Big Five, our focus turned to the final possible one: the leopard. Day after day, we searched with no luck. It became Kenny’s personal mission to make sure we saw one before our time in the Delta ended.
And then, on our very last game drive — just hours before our helicopter arrived — it happened.
The leopard appeared quietly, elegant and stealthy, moving through the bush with a low, smooth stride that almost went unnoticed. Its fur was a coat of saturated browns, beiges, and black, blending seamlessly into its surroundings, whether it walked along the ground or lay stretched across a tree branch. Seeing a leopard in real life felt like finding a needle in a haystack — or more fittingly, a diamond in the rough. It was the perfect ending to our safari story.
We also saw a number of almost-extinct species, which made me realize just how lucky I was to witness such rare animals in only a few days and on my very first safari. It truly felt like the Okavango Delta gods were on our side.
The Real-Life Lion King
As corny as it sounds, with Atzaró, you are witnessing the real-life Lion King. Every night as we drifted off to sleep, we put on The Lion King, filled with joy as we recognized our real-life versions of each character, from Mufasa and Scar to Timon and Pumbaa, from the day’s game drives. We created our own storylines for them with each new sighting, blending childlike wonder with deep gratitude for being able to experience Africa’s animal kingdom so intimately.
The People Who Made It All Real, and Saying Goodbye to the Delta
And then there were the people. The staff at Atzaró Okavango Camp went beyond hospitality and became family. They remembered our names, anticipated our needs, laughed with us, and created an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity that was impossible not to feel.
One of the most special moments of the entire journey was our final evening together, when guests and staff gathered under the stars for a shared dinner. The staff sang and danced, and we all sat together enjoying traditional food while learning more about the culture of the Okavango Delta. It was emotional, joyful, and deeply grounding.
Getting on the helicopter back to the airport was filled with emotion — gratitude for Africa, for Botswana, and for the Okavango Delta; sadness for leaving too soon; joy for having experienced something so rare and beautiful; and immense appreciation for Atzaró for building such a refuge. A place that allows people to witness even a fraction of the beauty of this incredible continent, while honoring its land, its animals, and its people.
Once you experience Africa like this — thoughtfully curated, deeply human, and beautifully executed — you understand how rare it is. The right company does not just book your rooms. They shape your memories. In every sense, this safari was not just a trip. It was a transformation.
GRAZIA’s Favorite Aspects of the Okavango Delta With Atzaró
Atzaró’s Okavango experience went far beyond what I ever imagined a safari could be. It wasn’t just about seeing animals — it was about how deeply immersed I felt in nature, culture, and human connection. These were the moments and details that made it unforgettable:
- Arriving by helicopter into the Okavango Delta felt cinematic and surreal — flying over winding waterways and untouched wilderness before landing in what felt like the middle of a dream.
- The camp itself is one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed: natural materials, earthy tones, and open-air design that made me feel completely connected to the landscape rather than separated from it.
- My luxury suite had its own private plunge pool and outdoor deck, where I could sit quietly and listen to the sounds of the Delta — birds, wind, distant animal calls — while feeling entirely at peace.
- Waking up each morning and stepping outside into pure wilderness was a grounding ritual I didn’t know I needed.
- The rhythm of safari life — morning game drives, long lunches, afternoon tea, sunset safaris, and dinners under the stars — reset my nervous system in the most beautiful way.
- Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat was profoundly moving: elephants crossing water with their babies, zebras that looked almost unreal, and hearing lions roar in the distance for the first time in my life.
- Spotting a leopard on our final game drive felt like a miracle and a perfect ending — an elegant, rare moment that none of us will ever forget.
- The food and wine were exceptional — every meal felt thoughtful, fresh, and beautifully prepared, enjoyed in open-air settings that made each dining experience feel intimate and special.
- The staff became family and created an atmosphere that felt warm, joyful, and deeply human.
- Our final evening together, when guests and staff gathered under the stars to sing, dance, share traditional food, and celebrate the culture of the Okavango Delta, was equal parts emotional, joyful, and unforgettable.
Saying goodbye felt like leaving a place that had quietly changed me — one that reminded me how powerful nature, kindness, and true hospitality can be when they come together.
GRAZIA’S INSIDER TRAVEL TIPS
Before you begin planning your own Cape to Delta Escape, here are GRAZIA’s insider tips to help you travel smoothly, pack smartly, and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is required and should cover medical emergencies, cancellation, curtailment, and baggage.
- Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond return with at least three blank visa pages (ideally four if visiting multiple countries).
- Check visa and yellow fever requirements based on nationality and route before travel.
- Luggage rules are strict for helicopter transfers: soft bags only; no hard suitcases; excess luggage may require an additional seat.
- Early mornings and evenings in the Okavango Delta can be cold, while mid-day warms up quickly. Pack neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive, light brown, or green), dress in layers, and bring thermal pieces for game drives, a lightweight waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. Avoid camouflage clothing, which is prohibited in Botswana.
A JOURNEY THAT STAYS WITH YOU
Some trips end when you unpack your suitcase. This one stayed with me long after I left Africa.
From the vibrant energy of Cape Town to the stillness of the Okavango Delta, Atzaró’s African Ultimate Experience felt like two worlds woven into one unforgettable story — culture and wilderness, movement and stillness, indulgence and introspection. Cape Town opened my heart with its beauty, creativity, and coastal rhythm. The Delta quieted my mind and reminded me what it feels like to truly be present.
What made this journey so extraordinary was not only where I went, but how deeply I was invited into each place. Atzaró did not simply curate an itinerary — they created an experience that honored the land, the animals, and the people who call these destinations home. Every detail felt intentional. Every moment felt meaningful. From the staff who became family, to the guide who made the bush feel like a living story, to the quiet luxury of waking up surrounded by nature, this was travel at its most human and its most profound.
In a world that often feels rushed and noisy, this journey offered something rare: perspective. It reminded me how powerful nature can be, how deeply connection matters, and how transformative travel becomes when it is rooted in respect, care, and curiosity.
If there is one thing I hope readers take from this experience, it is this: Africa is not just a destination — it is a feeling. And the right way to experience it is with a partner who understands its soul.
Atzaró’s Cape to Delta Escape is not about ticking boxes or collecting photos. It is about slowing down, opening your heart, and allowing yourself to be changed by what you see. It is about standing beneath Table Mountain at sunrise, floating through the Delta in silence, watching elephants cross water with their young, and realizing that these moments are gifts.
This was the kind of journey that redefined what luxury travel means to me. Not excess — but intention. Not spectacle — but connection. Not escape — but renewal.
If you are searching for a trip that will move you, ground you, and stay with you forever, this is it. Do Cape Town and the Okavango Delta together. Let the city awaken you. Let the wilderness humble you. And let Atzaró show you what it looks like when travel becomes something truly transformative.
Because in a world that can be flooded with negativity and hard times, the Atzaró experience offers a glimmer of positivity and hope — destinations of beauty, of nature, of peace. They care for their people as their own, and care for their guests as their own, while providing the highest standard of luxury hospitality.
If you’re choosing your next escape, there is only one choice to make.
Choose Atzaró.
