OKAVANGO WILDERNESS TRAIL / BOTSWANA
5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS
MOREMI GAME RESERVE, OKAVANGO DELTA
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 1: Arrive in Maun and charter flight to Oddballs Enclave Camp, Okavango. Overnight.
DAYS 2-4: Wilderness trail on Chief’s Island, Moremi Game Reserve
DAY 5: Pole to Delta Camp and overnight.
DAY 6: Charter flight back to Maun and connect with ongoing travel plan
DAYS 2-4: Wilderness trail on Chief’s Island, Moremi Game Reserve
DAY 5: Pole to Delta Camp and overnight.
DAY 6: Charter flight back to Maun and connect with ongoing travel plan
DAY 1: MAUN TO ODDBALLS ENCLAVE
The trail begins on arrival in Maun, a small town located on the edge of the Okavango. There are daily flights from Johannesburg which would more than likely be the most convenient access. From Maun airport, we arrange a charter flight to our Okavango base, Oddballs Enclave Camp. The flight lasts about 25 minutes and is a wonderful bird’s-eye introduction to this remarkable wilderness which extends from horizon to horizon. Our destination is a dirt bush airstrip on a remote island!
DAY 2; 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. Completely silent, these vessels have been used by fishermen and hunters for over 500 years. All other game viewing, tracking and stalking for the duration of the trail is done on foot.
After breakfast we load our mekoro with all the supplies required for the following four days. We’ll be travelling light and any excess luggage is left behind at Enclave for the duration of the trail. All supplies and camping equipment are carried in the dugout canoes, and we do not have an opportunity to resupply during the trail. When we are deep within the Moremi, we select a campsite to be our home. The islands are vast and unspoilt wilderness.
Once we have located a suitable island, we stop and prepare the camp and lunch. The dugouts are offloaded and the camp prepared a short distance from the water beneath a shady canopy. The location is idyllic and there is often animals walking past, often at close range.
We take some time to set up camp. The two-man rip-stop dome tents with sewn-in groundsheets include a bedroll, linden, duvet and pillow. A bucket shower and long drop loo will be erected. The essence is on mobility and traveling light, which goes some way in reaping a rewarding and significant wilderness encounter. All meals are prepared on an open fire, and water is drawn from the delta. We will have exclusive use of this magical corner of the Okavango although we do have radio contact with our base.
Once settled, an afternoon walk on the island is highly recommended and is a fantastic orientation to the days ahead. We take some time to explore the island and tune into animal tracks, sounds or movements. It is incredibly beautiful and wild and the region is well known for its concentrations of elephant, lion, leopard, kudu, impala, giraffe and zebra. Stunning landscapes, palm trees and remarkable birdlife defines the Okavango.
The first walk is an ideal opportunity to delve into our walking culture, with an introduction to the value of situational awareness, trail lore and safety procedures when encountering big game.
We return to the campsite at sunset. Dinner is prepared and served around the campfire.
After breakfast we load our mekoro with all the supplies required for the following four days. We’ll be travelling light and any excess luggage is left behind at Enclave for the duration of the trail. All supplies and camping equipment are carried in the dugout canoes, and we do not have an opportunity to resupply during the trail. When we are deep within the Moremi, we select a campsite to be our home. The islands are vast and unspoilt wilderness.
Once we have located a suitable island, we stop and prepare the camp and lunch. The dugouts are offloaded and the camp prepared a short distance from the water beneath a shady canopy. The location is idyllic and there is often animals walking past, often at close range.
We take some time to set up camp. The two-man rip-stop dome tents with sewn-in groundsheets include a bedroll, linden, duvet and pillow. A bucket shower and long drop loo will be erected. The essence is on mobility and traveling light, which goes some way in reaping a rewarding and significant wilderness encounter. All meals are prepared on an open fire, and water is drawn from the delta. We will have exclusive use of this magical corner of the Okavango although we do have radio contact with our base.
Once settled, an afternoon walk on the island is highly recommended and is a fantastic orientation to the days ahead. We take some time to explore the island and tune into animal tracks, sounds or movements. It is incredibly beautiful and wild and the region is well known for its concentrations of elephant, lion, leopard, kudu, impala, giraffe and zebra. Stunning landscapes, palm trees and remarkable birdlife defines the Okavango.
The first walk is an ideal opportunity to delve into our walking culture, with an introduction to the value of situational awareness, trail lore and safety procedures when encountering big game.
We return to the campsite at sunset. Dinner is prepared and served around the campfire.
DAYS 3 +4: CAMPING, WALKING AND STALKING ON CHIEF'S ISLAND
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 prepared at camp, but picnic snacks are possible while on walks. It would also be possible to combine walks with mekoro activities to neighbouring islands.
Please note though, that movement will be determined by the flood levels. Chief’s Island being the largest of the islands in the delta supports a rich diversity of game. Elephant are normally encountered, and some close up contacts are predicted! Buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope as well as predators such as lion and wild dog are often sighted
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 or intentions. Walks are largely spontaneous, and early morning starts are recommended with coffee and biscuits at the fire. We set off 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 of 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 to the trail party.
Please note though, that movement will be determined by the flood levels. Chief’s Island being the largest of the islands in the delta supports a rich diversity of game. Elephant are normally encountered, and some close up contacts are predicted! Buffalo, giraffe, zebra, antelope as well as predators such as lion and wild dog are often sighted
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 or intentions. Walks are largely spontaneous, and early morning starts are recommended with coffee and biscuits at the fire. We set off 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 of 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 to the trail party.
DAY 5: POLE TO DELTA CAMP
After a final walk and breakfast we break camp and load our mekoro and commence poling back toward the Boro River, boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve. On route we we take the opportunity to explore any smaller islands for game movements along the way.
We arrive at Delta Camp, a stunning reed and thatch hideaway on the edge of Chiefs Island.
The camp maintains the charm, warmth and comfort of a classic Okavango destination. A thatched central lounge is perched on the edge of a floodplain with sweeping views across the delta. Hand built with local grass and reeds, and as there are no game drives, so we step back in time into traditional Botswana. We are completely off the grid here, with solar and paraffin installations.
The accommodation consists of delightful en-suite reed chalets each overlooking the edge of the island. Fittings and designs are all crafted from local materials and blend in beautifully. An ideal way to wind down an epic Okavango adventure. The target arrival time would be mid-afternoon in time to enjoy a hot shower, cold drinks and a hearty lunch.
An afternoon walk is available, with dinner and overnight at Delta 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.
PLEASE NOTE
There are many permutations from here. It is possible to fly directly to another camp in the Delta, or even in Linyanti, Chobe or Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
We can even tailor a trip to Victoria Falls from either Zimbabwe or Zambia.
Please CONTACT our office to discuss these add-on options or any requests in detail.
There are many permutations from here. It is possible to fly directly to another camp in the Delta, or even in Linyanti, Chobe or Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
We can even tailor a trip to Victoria Falls from either Zimbabwe or Zambia.
Please CONTACT our office to discuss these add-on options or any requests in detail.
THE OKAVANGO DELTA
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The timeless land of the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is set deep within the fabled Kalahari Desert. Recently proclaimed as a World Heritage Site, the Okavango is the largest inland delta in the world, and one of the most pristine wilderness areas on the planet.
With a catchment system in Angola to the north, the Okavango River traverses three countries before a fascinating mosaic of fault lines form the immense fan-shaped wonderland. In the middle of the dry season the delta floods, resulting in a vast tapestry of waterways, lagoons, floodplains and islands that support an astonishing array of wildlife. |
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WILDERNESS IS NOT A PLACE, IT'S A WAY OF LIFE. THEN THERE ARE ELEPHANTS.
Banner Wildlife Photography ©Jens Cullmann: instagram or www.jenscullmann.de
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ©Alan McSmith Safaris 2021
Design by OLD BULL
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ©Alan McSmith Safaris 2021
Design by OLD BULL