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Departure: Tailor Made/ Private departure
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Highlights: Shinde concession, northern Okavango Delta
Safari Style: The walks are simply about ‘following one’s nose!’ An interesting smell, the distant roar of the lion or the alarm call of a wary francolin dictate the direction the walk takes.
Transfers not included
Footsteps Across the Delta Itinerary
Day 1: Okavango Delta
- Your two guides who will be hosting you during your stay meet you at the end of a 25-minute flight from Maun. Following a short drive, you transfer to mokoro (depending on water levels) for a short ride into camp, where the rest of the staff awaits your arrival. Over a cold drink and light lunch, you are briefed on activities and safety during your stay, and then it is time to relax as the day cools, letting the tranquility of the Okavango wash over you.
- Later in the afternoon, it is time to begin your first lesson in bush craft and some basic pointers regarding animal behaviour and respect for all the inhabitants of the wilderness. Following this introduction over tea and cake, it is time to set out on a short walk, allowing you to become accustomed to some of the sights, sounds and smells that make up the language of the African bush.
- On return to camp is time for a piping hot, bucket shower under the stars, followed by aperitifs around the fire. During a sumptuous dinner, we discuss the lessons of the day, and learn more about Botswana, the history and its people. Day 2: Okavango Delta
- The day begins before sunrise with coffee around the fire, and a light breakfast before heading out to see what the bush has in store for us. Following the water’s edge gives us stunning views of curious hippos and the multitude of water birds including many migratory visitors.
Plains game abounds giraffe, zebra, tsessebe, impala, wildebeest and herds of lechwe graze on the open flood plains. On return to camp walking along the forests edge you will often find bachelor elephants dozing in the shade, or bathing in the lagoons as the day heats up.
- Following another delicious lunch prepared on the coals by our talented chef, and a lazy afternoon napping or reading while sitting on the termite mound viewing platform, overlooking the papyrus swamps and palm islands, it is time to venture out again, this time in the mokoro and the species being stalked is the sitatunga, one of the world’s most unusual and secretive species. A water based antelope related to the bushbuck and kudu, it is mainly found in the Okavango Delta and the mokoro provides one of the best opportunities to view this wonderful animal, while discovering some of the multitude of plants and animals that make up this diverse ecosystem.
- In the evening visit the bush kitchen and be astounded as you learn how the mouth-watering fare is produced on the fire and fresh bread and cakes in the amazing bush oven. Day 3: Okavango Delta
- Woken early by the roars of the lion, we head out after breakfast to track down this regal beast and the mightiest of Africa’s predators. This is exciting though often slow and the clients will learn much about tracking skills over the thick Kalahari sands. Lions are often found sleeping peacefully on a termite mound, sunning themselves after an exhausting nights hunting. Other species of large mammals seen on walks include buffalo, wild dog, and cheetah, all can be viewed safely on foot from a respectable distance and these are encounters that you will never forget and will dominate the conversation for the rest of the afternoon.
- The afternoon is time to take it easy after the long morning walk! Perhaps trying a spot of fishing, Okavango style, either along the banks of lagoons and channels or, for the more adventurous from the mokoro! Tangle with the voracious African Pike, wrestle with the mighty Sharp-toothed Catfish, or try and outwit the beautiful nembwe or the red-breasted bream and sample some of the finest tasting fish in the world.
- The final dinner is cause for much celebration as the safari draws to an end, toasting new friends, reminiscing over unique experiences and lifelong memories, finally drifting off to sleep with the ever-present chorus of the hippos and the tinkle of the reed frogs. Day 4: Maun
- Another clear fresh morning in Africa, as we arise with the sun, leisurely sipping coffee and laughing over breakfast. The morning is spent according to your departure time, and if time allows, a final activity. Perhaps a short ride in the mokoro exploring one of the many palm islands, discovering crocodiles lying on their eggs, or simply finding a comfortable spot near a water hole and letting nature unfold around you.
- A final short drive back to the airstrip and it is time for farewells to your guides, before taking off to your next destination, leaving you pondering a final thought…How long will it be before you can return? Included in safari:
Your stay will be on a fully inclusive basis, this means that the nightly rate covers:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Selected (local brand) beverages
- Game activities and associated park/concession fees led by Professional Guides
- Laundry service
- Botswana VAT
- Emergency evacuation insurance (to nearest medical facility)
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