Okavango Wilderness Trail
CHIEF'S ISLAND, OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA
5 Nights / 6 Days
Maximum 8 people
Personally guided by Alan McSmith
2024 SCHEDULED DEPARTURE DATES:
* 26th June - 1st July
* 2nd - 7th July
* 18th - 23rd August
Please note that private and personally crafted trails throughout the year can be arranged for your party or group. Connect with us.
Backstory
The trail is completely non-motorised and unplugged. The timeless wild-land of the Okavango is the largest inland delta in the world, and one of the most pristine wilderness areas on the planet. A vast tapestry of waterways, lagoons, floodplains and islands support an astonishing array of game. This is the backdrop; and our area of operation is set deep within a secluded enclave of Chief’s Island and the Moremi Game Reserve. Here, far beyond the last vehicle or motor-boat, is where our adventures begin. Access is only by traditional dugout canoe and on foot. Walks on the islands are in search of elephant, lion, buffalo, wild dog, leopard, giraffe and a vast cast of characters. Tracking and stalking is part of the fare, ensuring stirring and exciting encounters along the way.
In short
DAY 1: Arrive in Maun and charter flight to Oddballs Camp, Okavango. Overnight.
DAYS 2-4: Wilderness trail on Chief’s Island, Moremi Game Reserve.
DAY 5: Pole to Oddballs and overnight.
DAY 6: Charter flight back to Maun.
DAYS 2-4: Wilderness trail on Chief’s Island, Moremi Game Reserve.
DAY 5: Pole to Oddballs and overnight.
DAY 6: Charter flight back to Maun.
Our keystones of a wilderness trail
* We track and stalk big game on foot.
* In small, intimate and exclusive trail groups, maximum of 8 people.
* All our activities, in keeping with our AMS philosophy are unplugged with walking and use of traditional canoes only.
* We camp wild from a basic tented fly-camp, completely mobile, remote and off the grid.
* We travel light, deep and meaningfully.
* We introduce you to our walking culture on trail, the solitude, silence and value of situational awareness.
* We introduce you to un-armed walks and big game encounters.
* We cross the comfort boundary together in safety; a vital component to a wilderness experience.
* We explore our impact on the environment and the need for ecological humility.
* We explore our enduring trail lore, and wildlife encounter safety procedures when encountering big game.
* In small, intimate and exclusive trail groups, maximum of 8 people.
* All our activities, in keeping with our AMS philosophy are unplugged with walking and use of traditional canoes only.
* We camp wild from a basic tented fly-camp, completely mobile, remote and off the grid.
* We travel light, deep and meaningfully.
* We introduce you to our walking culture on trail, the solitude, silence and value of situational awareness.
* We introduce you to un-armed walks and big game encounters.
* We cross the comfort boundary together in safety; a vital component to a wilderness experience.
* We explore our impact on the environment and the need for ecological humility.
* We explore our enduring trail lore, and wildlife encounter safety procedures when encountering big game.
Itinerary
DAY 1: MAUN TO ODDBALLS CAMP
Our trail together begins on arrival in Maun. There is a feeling that becomes evident as you glide into the dusty safari town and see the landscape below, it is a feeling worth paying attention to. This is the address of life, being here and now!
We all hop into a small plane, known locally as the delta taxis and head towards Oddballs. The short flight is a wonderful bird’s-eye introduction to this remarkable wilderness which stretches from horizon to horizon. From our vantage point we may spot elephant, hippo, giraffe and so much more. The fan palms stand tall and the islands and waterways draw us in ... this is wilderness, and it’s our destination. We land on the dirt bush airstrip on a remote island.
Time to check in, unwind, and find our swamp feet. All activities are private and flexible, we go, literally, with the Okavango flow. The camp is welcoming and authentic, a great trail beginning, and an iced beverage on the deck as we plan for the next few nights is literally, unbeatable.
We all hop into a small plane, known locally as the delta taxis and head towards Oddballs. The short flight is a wonderful bird’s-eye introduction to this remarkable wilderness which stretches from horizon to horizon. From our vantage point we may spot elephant, hippo, giraffe and so much more. The fan palms stand tall and the islands and waterways draw us in ... this is wilderness, and it’s our destination. We land on the dirt bush airstrip on a remote island.
Time to check in, unwind, and find our swamp feet. All activities are private and flexible, we go, literally, with the Okavango flow. The camp is welcoming and authentic, a great trail beginning, and an iced beverage on the deck as we plan for the next few nights is literally, unbeatable.
DAYS 2 - 4; FLY-CAMPING ON CHIEF'S ISLAND, MOREMI GAME RESERVE
Beyond the reaches of motorized transport, the Okavango’s most hidden-away places can be accessed by traditional dugout canoes or mekoro. These silent vessels have been used by fishermen and hunters for over 500 years and this is our mode of transport. We pack everything we will need for three nights and set out. There is an intentional simplicity to this, uncluttering our needs to humbler yet hearty meals, basic equipment and a minimal impact on our environment. This may have a profound effect on our lives. Leaving us wanting more of this thing called less!
All game viewing, tracking and stalking for the duration of the trail is done on foot.
When we are deep within the Moremi, we select a campsite to call home. The dome tents are 2.2m x 2.2m with sewn-in groundsheets and include a bedroll, linen, duvet and pillow as well as towels and all amenities. A bucket shower and long drop thunderbox will be erected.
A set up that is pure bush luxury. The luxury of time, of space and of belonging. The essence is on mobility and traveling light, this gives us the space to focus on the important things, like ourselves. Being on foot brings a level of consciousness incomparable to being in a vehicle. Not only are we directly connected to the earth, but our senses are heightened and our awareness of ourselves is intensified. With each footfall the smells, sounds, and colours intensify;, this is a significant wilderness encounter. All meals are prepared on an open fire, the same flames that gather our uninhibited attention. This is back to clean living at its best.
With absolute flexibility, we explore the region and surrounding smaller islands. Early starts are recommended, and long walks are possible in cooler weather. Meals are prepped at camp, and picnic snacks whilst on walks is all a part of the fare. It is also possible to combine walks with mekoro activities to neighbouring islands.
Here we are in the hands of the delta and movement will be determined by the flood levels. This is another example of going with the flow, the things we cannot control are shown through the lens of wild places, firmly putting us in our place. One of acceptance. Chief’s Island being the largest of the islands in the delta supports a rich diversity of game. Elephant are normally prolific, and some meaningful sightings are predicted! Buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope as well as predators such as lion and wild dog are often sighted on our trails.
A wilderness trail allows the rhythm of the bush to dictate. We have no set routes, and the walks depends on the signs, sounds and tracks of game, as well as our group dynamics and intentions. Walks are largely spontaneous with early starts with the sunrise following up the sounds or signs of animals … it is possible to have lion calling close by in the night and we set off on their tracks. This is where the tracking experience becomes magical.
This, and stalking of wild animals is fundamental to the trail experience, and therefore the safety of all participants is of paramount importance. Walking procedures, safety protocols and do’s & don’ts are thoroughly explained, and soon become second nature. Our intentions are to never push the boundaries of wilderness and wild animals, but only those of our own.
Meals and overnight at our tented fly-camp.
All game viewing, tracking and stalking for the duration of the trail is done on foot.
When we are deep within the Moremi, we select a campsite to call home. The dome tents are 2.2m x 2.2m with sewn-in groundsheets and include a bedroll, linen, duvet and pillow as well as towels and all amenities. A bucket shower and long drop thunderbox will be erected.
A set up that is pure bush luxury. The luxury of time, of space and of belonging. The essence is on mobility and traveling light, this gives us the space to focus on the important things, like ourselves. Being on foot brings a level of consciousness incomparable to being in a vehicle. Not only are we directly connected to the earth, but our senses are heightened and our awareness of ourselves is intensified. With each footfall the smells, sounds, and colours intensify;, this is a significant wilderness encounter. All meals are prepared on an open fire, the same flames that gather our uninhibited attention. This is back to clean living at its best.
With absolute flexibility, we explore the region and surrounding smaller islands. Early starts are recommended, and long walks are possible in cooler weather. Meals are prepped at camp, and picnic snacks whilst on walks is all a part of the fare. It is also possible to combine walks with mekoro activities to neighbouring islands.
Here we are in the hands of the delta and movement will be determined by the flood levels. This is another example of going with the flow, the things we cannot control are shown through the lens of wild places, firmly putting us in our place. One of acceptance. Chief’s Island being the largest of the islands in the delta supports a rich diversity of game. Elephant are normally prolific, and some meaningful sightings are predicted! Buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope as well as predators such as lion and wild dog are often sighted on our trails.
A wilderness trail allows the rhythm of the bush to dictate. We have no set routes, and the walks depends on the signs, sounds and tracks of game, as well as our group dynamics and intentions. Walks are largely spontaneous with early starts with the sunrise following up the sounds or signs of animals … it is possible to have lion calling close by in the night and we set off on their tracks. This is where the tracking experience becomes magical.
This, and stalking of wild animals is fundamental to the trail experience, and therefore the safety of all participants is of paramount importance. Walking procedures, safety protocols and do’s & don’ts are thoroughly explained, and soon become second nature. Our intentions are to never push the boundaries of wilderness and wild animals, but only those of our own.
Meals and overnight at our tented fly-camp.
DAY 5: POLE BACK TO ODDBALLS
After a final morning walk we pack up and return to base to enjoy the facilities and cold drinks. A chance to unwind and soak in the sunset from the viewing platform. Dinner and overnight at camp.
DAY 6: DEPART
After a morning activity and breakfast we depart with a light aircraft charter from the airstrip and fly back to Maun to connect with on-going flights or arrangements.
Rates
FROM USD3985 per person
Maun to Maun
Min 6 Max 8 people
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| 2024_okavango_wilderness_trail.pdf |
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