Botswana - 9-day Luxury Explorer Safari - Private Fly-in

After breakfast the drive will leave from Muchenje and drive to the Jetty on the Eastern side of the park. Our small private boat will depart at approximately 11.30 and spend 2,5 hours exploring the river. The guides know where the elephants prefer to congregate, drink and cross to Sedudu island, so they are making their way to those areas, but on the way they will explore the banks, trees and pools to show the guests the other wonderful wildlife that frequent the Chobe River. Once the boat finds a suitable crossing or drinking area, the boat rests and the guests enjoy a delicious picnic whilst witnessing the elephants gathering on the banks. Watching these magnificent animals drinking as the boat gently drifts in the currents is something awe inspiring.

The activity returns to the vehicles later and enjoys a slow drive through the park along the river back to the quieter western banks.

Although the full day out is long and dusty, the guests have an amazing opportunity to break the usual safari cycle and get to enjoy a more holistic experience within this amazing region.

Muchenje is a 5 minutes drive from the Ngoma Gate of the Chobe National Park. Game Drives use this gate to enter and explore the Western side of the Chobe River. The drives explore the river road and woodland areas that are adjacent to the river, which host a myriad of species. The Chobe flood plains provide an important food source for thousands of animals during the winter (June - November) and witnessing this prolific wildlife is a safari goers dream!

Along with the immense diversity of species of plains game, is an impressive number of predators that also rely on this prolific game activity. Game Drives along the Chobe are rarely uneventful, and during our winter months is a wildlife extravaganza!

Even if you have witnessed a thousand elephants, there is nothing like seeing them on foot. Morning walks within the Forest Reserve is wonderfully rewarding. in the early mornings, before the African heat arrives, the guides explore the river frontage and open pans within easy reach of the lodge.

An opportunity to be totally aware of what is around you and the great African outdoors.

As we have to leave the Chobe National Park at sunset, we therefore offer fascinating drives after dinner each night. Leaving the lodge at about 9pm the drives venture onto the river road in front of the lodge. Without fences between the park and forest reserve, there is the full array of species to find. But for the hour or so that the night drive is out, the smaller nocturnal animals are often enjoyed - such as porcupine, genet, civet etc.

On a 3 night stay we are able to invite our guests to visit the local village of Muchenje. Here they are introduced to Esther a local granny, who looks after her grandchildren at her homestead. A wonderful opportunity to be introduced to the real heart of Botswana, the rural community that support this peaceful and beautiful country. Esther like many women, look after the children, whilst her children work away from home. Her humble home is an authentically Motswanan, where you are welcome to see what duties are being seen to on the day you visit. Maybe the clay bricks for the new room are drying in the sun, or the older girls are doing the laundry.

The drive then stops off at the local Mabele Primary School (at break time) to visit the inaugural Pack for a Purpose project. Supporting 160 children is a big job, but Muchenje has been proud of its association and important role that it has been dedicated to for the decades that we have been operational.

Available when the flood waters arrive on the Western Floodplains - usually April - December. The mokoro trips depart from infront of Muchenje and explore the shallow channels and plains. A wonderful Botswana expereience, especially if only visiting the Chobe Region and not continuing onto the Okavango

A private and excluisive activity that is vailable for guests during their stay - particularly wonderful if you are staying a many nights and want to arrange the pace of your stay to for a slightly leisurely day - or if you arrive later at Muchenje and still want to explore the area before dinner.

High Tea is served at 16:00 in our open-plan dining area, offering stunning views of the Savuti and the bustling activity around the waterhole below. Here, you'll meet your personal guide and fellow travelers while indulging in a selection of our home-baked cakes and treats. Your guide will take note of your preferred refreshments for the afternoon Sundowner drive, which departs around 16:30. This drive will traverse our private network of roads, with a maximum of six guests per vehicle to ensure a comfortable viewing experience.

During the drive, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy your chosen drinks at either our private hide overlooking the waterhole or at our special Baobab site, renowned for its magnificent sunset views. This unique landscape offers a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

In this area, you may encounter herds of elephants, buffalo, impala, kudu, giraffe, zebra, roan antelope, as well as spotted and brown hyenas. The Ghoha pride of lions and leopards are also among the possible sightings. Not to mention the numerous bird species and the spectacular Baobab trees that adorn the landscape.

You'll return to camp around 18:30 to freshen up before dinner. Your guide will meet you at a pre-arranged time at your room and accompany you to the main area for a pre-dinner drink around the bonfire in the Boma, where you can share stories with other guests. Dinner is served in the dining area starting at 19:30.

This highlight game experience is tailored to seasonal activities and guest preferences, ensuring a unique adventure each day. The day begins early with a 5:00 AM wake-up call. Your guide will pick you up from your room at 5:30 AM for a delightful continental breakfast and coffee, followed by departure around 6:00 AM for your day excursion.

The journey includes several stops, such as tea, coffee, and rusk breaks at various stretching points en route to the Savuti Marsh. Your professional guide will lead you through magnificent ancient landscapes and wildlife areas, including Harvey’s Pan, where numerous animals roam daily, Kudu Hills, Quarry Hill with Bushmen Rock Paintings, the Theatre of Twelve Baobabs, Pimple Hills, and Twin Hills.

As the drive continues, you'll experience the wonders of the Savuti Marsh, home to majestic herds of buffalo and elephant, the renowned Savuti Pride of Lions, and an array of other game species and birdlife.

You have a choice of sleeping late, having a hot breakfast and then departing to the airstrip depending on time of flight, a short game circuit en-route can be done to revisit sights and pans closer to the airstrip.

OR

Getting up early for a drive to the hide for Coffee & rusks and then returning for a hot breakfast and then departing to the airstrip – depending on flight time

You can pre-book a scenic helicopter flight (quote available on request).

Early morning/ or afternoon departure from Ghoha Hills to just outside the Ghoha gate where your helicopter adventure awaits you.

Our scenic/ photography flights are a not to miss opportunity. We take the doors off for an even better photographic experience while flying.

Moments after departing you will enjoy the breath-taking views seen only from a helicopter - flying in the direction of the Linyanti Swamps.

This is a 30 minute flight where you will then land and enjoy delights from a special picnic basket packed for you – 30 minutes later you will then return back to the Ghoha gate – total excursion time 90 minutes.

Our professionally trained therapists will ensure you walk away from your soothing spa
treatments feeling pampered and relaxed. Our therapists understand that this is YOUR
experience and will do their utmost to ensure a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Our treatments are done in a room with sweeping views of the wilderness below. While our therapists use their natural rhythm and specific techniques to ensure a calm mind and de-stressed body, the wilderness beyond will take care of the harmony between you and nature.

Feeling a bit stiif after spending a lot of time travelling and on safari - spend some time in the gym with a view.

This is a dug out canoe poled by an experienced poler in the shallower waters of the Okavango. It is a great way to see the waterways and is tranquil and quiet. These excursions take place in the mornings or longer day trips can be arranged. Explore the islands around camp and come back rested and rejuvenated.

Game drives are conducted in the mornings and afternoon/evenings at camp. They usually last about three hours each and are conducted along the river systems and flood plains around the camp. The wildlife in the area is prolific and chances are good to see some of the larger predators, herds of elephant and buffalo and all the plains animals that occur here. Night drives are conducted in the early evening offering one a chance to see the smaller more nocturnal animals with spotlights.

Walking safaris are also conducted generally in the morning with armed guides. The walks are leisurely and time is taken to observe the smaller things in the bush that one normally misses when driving. Walking is weather dependent, or dependent on the condition of the terrain.

Camp Okavango is a true celebration of nature and, to deepen this connection further, a Sleep-Out Deck experience awaits—an opportunity to fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars and start the morning with a warm greeting from the African sunrise, thanks to its east-facing position. The sky becomes a live big screen, offering consistently stunning backdrops for the wildlife that frequently roams or soars by. Staying true to Desert & Delta Safaris' commitment to blending nature and comfort, this experience offers a seamless connection to the wilderness and thoughtful touches of luxury. Enjoy morning tea or coffee served in bed, a private bathroom, and mosquito nets. The Sleep-Out Deck experience is inclusive for guests staying three nights or more and can be booked between 1 April and 31 October.

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Step aboard a hard-bottom aluminum motorboat to explore the deeper channels of the iconic Okavango Delta. Cruise through this pristine landscape and be treated to a stunning array of birdlife, plant species, and larger game such as elephants, with expert guides to uncover Delta gems along the way. The boats are equipped with comfortable seating, a foldaway canvas roof for shade, and life jackets for safety and comfort.

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Drift through the Okavango Delta's serene, wildlife-rich channels in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), expertly navigated by seasoned guides. Immerse yourself in the vibrant diversity of birds, plants, and reptiles that thrive here, and savour the leisurely pace which enhances detail-orientated viewing.

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Guided walking safaris, led by qualified experts on the surrounding islands, provide an opportunity to track the region's larger wildlife while also immersing in the smaller marvels that make up its intricate ecosystems. These excursions are conducted in small groups, each accompanied by two knowledgeable guides.

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Seeing the Okavango Delta from a helicopter is a truly magnificent experience. Desert & Delta’s partners at Helicopter Horizons will remove the doors providing uninterrupted views and close up angles of the majestic Delta and its wildlife. A scenic flight is not just a must for keen photographers but an exciting opportunity to witness this remarkable network of land and water from above.

The flights are operated with the utmost respect and caution for the natural environment, the wildlife and travellers. Routes have been carefully marked out ensuring guests on other activities and in camp are not disturbed. The flight routes and take off areas are designed specifically to make use of pristine areas within the concession.

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

The Okavango Delta provides one of the most diverse and rewarding birdwatching experiences, offering the chance to observe both resident and migratory species in one of the planet’s most pristine and ecologically vital landscapes.

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

The Okavango Delta, brimming life beneath the surface, delivers the thrill of the chase. Seasoned and novice anglers alike are invited to cast their lines on a guided adventure. All fishing equipment is available at the lodge.

Camp Okavango | Fishing Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango | Fishing Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango | Fishing Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris

Camp Okavango | Fishing Credit: Desert & Delta Safaris