The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is a vast ecosystem, created when the waters of the Okavango River flow into the Kalahari Desert. The waters of the delta are seasonal and are formed after the rains in January and February in the Angolan highlands. The water spreads out through the delta area over the next four months, with peak floodwaters between June and August.
As part of our 21 day safari through Namibia and Botswana with Sunway Safaris, we spent two days camping in the Okavango Delta.
Before going out into the Delta, we stayed in Maun, where we had the opportunity to take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.
The photo above shows the route we took for the 21 day safari.
From Maun we bumped along the unmade tracks by 4WD to the edge of the delta, where our polers were waiting to load up the mekoro.
The mokoro (plural is mekoro) is traditionally made by carving out an old, straight sausage tree, which due to the increase in tourism in the Delta, are now in short supply. Sunway guests are able to make contributions to help the polers buy fibreglass canoes. If the poler can raise 50% of the cost, then Sunway will contribute the remaining 50%.
Waiting on the edge of the water, looking around, hearing the sounds of the African bush, wondering what the mokoro experience would be like, wondering if I might accidentally tip in, wondering if we would see hippos – there was some trepidation, but mostly expectant excitement!
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As we silently pushed off the side and into the channels, we got comfortable and settled in for the hour or so poling through the delta to our campsite. The sun was warm on our backs, even though it was winter, and shining on the water. The channels are created partly by the water flowing through, but also largely by hippos as they walk through, searching for deep pools to wallow in and keep cool.
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It was peaceful poling through the channels. The wind rustled through the reeds, there was occasional splashing in the water, and sometimes in the distance we could hear a hippo call.
This short video gives a sense of what it felt like:
On arrival at the campsite, we were shown around, but weren’t immediately able to see the outdoor camp shower, as there were a couple of elephants checking it out!
I’m not really into camping, but this was a very comfortable camp. We had twin share tents, with two camp beds with mattresses and duvets (!) Each tent even had its own separate toilet section, with a potty for overnight use, as it wasn’t considered safe to visit the toilet tent after dark.
Just as on the rest of the trip, our guides Jeff and Twanda cooked dinner, this time over an open wood fire, with the rest of the group pitching-in on prep and clean-up.
After settling into camp, we headed out for an evening game walk. We soon saw evidence of elephants! We had no idea what we might see, and it was a little disconcerting walking through the brush and small trees, wondering what might be around the corner.
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We were woken before sunrise the next morning to go on a game walk. The animal possibilities are almost endless, and we were fortunate to have some great sightings of elephants, giraffes and zebras. At one point, we had accidentally got ourselves between two groups of elephants! It was difficult for our guides to decide the best way to continue, without spooking either group. In the end, we sort of edged our way round one group, and managed to keep a safe distance from them all. Game walks are always interesting, and sometimes extra exciting!
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In the late afternoon, we headed back out onto the water for sunset. So beautiful and peaceful. Birds, breeze in the rushes, and hippos raising their heads and grunting!
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After dinner that evening, our polers entertained us and themselves by dancing and singing. Lots of fun was had by all!
Makgadikgadi Pans:
After leaving the Delta, we drove east to the Makgadikgadi Pans. Massive, flat, water-filled expanse. We wandered around the edges of the water, watching the birds, enjoying the peace, and waiting for the mist to the rise, and the sun to set. What a beautiful area!
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Chobe:
We stayed overnight in a permanent tent site near the Makgadikgadi Pans, and then drove north the next morning to Chobe National Park. Chobe is another stunning wildlife area, known for large groups of elephants, buffalo and hippos. We settled into our comfortable lodge, and then set out for a wildlife cruise on the Chobe River.
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Chobe did not disappoint us! Buffalo, crocodiles, hippos, a family group of elephants, more elephants in the water. Botswana has such a richness of wildlife, so much beauty. Although we were all a little sad because we were aware this was our last day before heading back to Livingstone, we really enjoyed the wildlife viewing.
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With many thanks to our fantastic guides, Jeff and Twanda, from Sunway Safaris. As always, we paid the full and fair market price for this tour.
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Looks amazing! One day I’ll get there!
Alison
it really is a stunning place, highly recommended!