DAY
1 PM
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 mekoro (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 tranquillity 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
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
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 AM
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? |
