Okavango Safari

You are met at Maun airport by office staff to guide you through the transfer process. A 25 minute helicopter transfer brings you straight to camp; flying into the delta is a special experience and the view from the helicopter is the finest way to start you safari. Other options on transfers are available, light aircraft brings you to Pompom airstrip, from which it is approximately an hour drive by vehicle or boat to camp. Lunch is served while you are given an introduction talk on safety and game viewing from horseback. This is followed by an orientation ride lasting 1-2 hours.

Kujwana Camp: You’re woken up each day a half hour before dawn to ensure the best game viewing. After breakfast, take part in a game ride in the Xudum area, wading through lush green malapos that lead you from island to island. Surprise a timid reedbuck out of its dense cover on a heavily wooded island, or enjoy herds of lechwe and zebra moving through the open spaces. This area forms seasonal marshlands and hosts a variety of exceptional birdlife. Return to camp for lunch and a siesta followed by an afternoon outing by mokoro. Enjoy the tranquility of the Delta from the dugout canoes, watching the beautiful colors as the sun sinks behind the horizon.

A full day ride from Kujwana Camp, of approximately 30km heading northwest. The route moves through open floodplains and scattered islands towards the Matsebe river system, where you will see a wide variety of game. A picnic lunch is served on a shady island followed by siesta with camp beds, maybe a swim, and then a further 2 hours ride in the afternoon. Arrive at back at Kujwana Camp at sunset and enjoy a refreshing drink as you admire the stunning views over the floodplain.

After breakfast, a morning ride in the Xudum area, wading through lush green malapos that lead you from island to island. Back in time for lunch and an afternoon powerboat trip up the river to look for the allusive Pels fishing owl or throw in a line and catch a delicious bream for dinner.

To Mokolwane Camp: Today you’ll spend the morning on horseback, exploring the open plains to the south of the camp. After lunch and a siesta, you’ll game drive northwest to the sister camp, Mokolowane (Mok), and stay overnight in its beautiful stilted accommodation which is raised up to be above the highest water. The Mok experience specializes in predator viewing – lion and leopard are frequently seen and an afternoon game drive looking for these predators is often rewarded.

Mokolwane to Kujwana: Rising early, back in the game drive vehicle by dawn, ready to head out to look for lions and leopards in the area surrounding Mokolowane. After the thrill of watching predators in the wild, head back to Mok for lunch overlooking over the floodplains. After lunch return to Kujwana with a game drive, with time for a short siesta before getting back in the saddle to explore the immediate area around camp on horseback.

A morning ride east towards Beacon and Lion Island. These are two very large islands in the area, which are cut off from Kujwana by the Qwaapu River. The area is criss-crossed with game paths leading you through a chain of rain pans. This is a great contrast to the open flood plains. Mopane forests and acacia woodlands offer a good variety of food for elephant, kudu and giraffe. Breeding herds of elephant enjoy the security of the dense forest and should the pans be holding water, zebra, wildebeest and buffalo can also be found. In the afternoon, enjoy a bird walk with the opportunity to learn more about the traditional uses of the plants and trees of the area.

A morning ride around the East of Kujwana camp. Shady rain pans and thick riverine forest make this ride an ideal time to track a breeding herd of elephants. Break for a chocolate bar on the edge of a hippo pool, before riding on into more open areas with the chance of picking up a herd of buffalo moving through. In the evening, enjoy an early dinner in camp before heading out on a night drive to our platforms where you will spend a night sleeping under the stars. Fall asleep to the sound of the little pearl spotted owls who share the trees with you.

Awake in the trees on your platform and enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the Qwaapu area, with the game strolling through the floodplain below. After a bush breakfast you’ll make your way back to Kujwana Delta Camp with a game drive and walk. After a hearty lunch there will be a 2 hour evening ride followed by sunset drinks on one of the flood plains. A lovely way to end an active day.

An option of another full day ride exploring the Xudum area – picnic lunch along the way. The ride covers around 35 km, with 4 hours ridden in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. This ride moves through a variety of game areas fording the Xudum River through numerous hippo channels.

Early morning ride out of Kujwana Camp if flight times permit. Guests depart after breakfast. 20 minute helicopter ride or one hour’s game drive to the nearest airstrip for transfer by light aircraft into Maun.