Affordable Botswana Safaris: Discover the Best of Botswana Without Breaking the Bank
Botswana Okavango Delta Boating safaris
This is a mobile boating safari from Maun takes you into the heart of the Okavango Delta to camp on and around Chiefs Island. It is for those looking for a bit of adventure, as we traverse the length of the flooded delta by safari boat, camping on remote islands, usually on an “expedition” style basis
Each itinerary is different and meticulously planned. One needs to book and plan well in advance as the “flood” that pulses through the delta annually, needs to be predicted for the boats to be able to pass through the full reaches of the river. Each year / flood is different, but typically we can do this between May and August. We do these trips annually (sometimes just for fun) and follow the dynamics of the flood passionately – ask us for advice on when to book.
Usually done over a six day period, this trip is not for the fainthearted and the memories you take with you will certainly never be forgotten. Hippos, crocs and problematic reed blockages can cause planned itineraries to vary somewhat on these expeditions.
The Okavango Boating Experience
-
Be prepared to see almost no one for several days – it is very wild out there!
-
Pack light – space is limited on the boats.
-
Walk on remote delta islands looking for big game and sought after birds.
-
Spot a Pel’s Fishing Owl.
-
Get “lost,” and find yourself!
-
Swim in crystal clear waters (only where it is safe, obviously)
Please note: For safety we provide life jackets and guides are equipped with a satellite phone. All guests are linked with a helicopter rescue service in the case of unlikely emergency.
A typical Boating safari to Chiefs Island
Boating safaris
Day 1:
Depart from Maun 9am on day one by motorboat, first on the Thamalakane river then up the Boro river. After the first 45 minutes passing through a rural area, we then cross the “Buffalo fence” and enter the wildlife area of Okavango Delta. The next few hours are spent game and bird watching while navigating the reed channels of the southern Okavango on our way up to Chief’s island. A light lunch of cold meats and salads will be served en-route. We arrive at our camp at Nxaraga lagoon at around 3pm, settle in and take a rest in the shade for a couple of hours. At around 5pm depart on foot with a guide for a short 1 hour game walk around Nxaraga island to stretch your legs. Arrive back before sunset which we enjoy with hippos from the boat on the middle of Nxaraga lagoon. Arrive back shortly before dark to a warmed bucket shower and a hearty campfire cooked dinner. Retire at your leisure to your tent to fall asleep to the sounds of the Okavango
Day 2:
Wakeup call at 5:30am for anyone wanting to go on an early morning walk. Coffee/tea and rusks will be served for a little sustenance before the walk. Depart on foot at 6am with a guide for a three-hour game walk. Other than plains game there is a very real chance to spot the elusive leopard and bushbuck in the forests on the fringes of Nxaraga island. Arrive back from your game walk to a full English breakfast. Depart from Nxaraga at around midday, stop for a quick splash in the shallows near a sandbank to cool off. Continue upstream for a couple of hours game viewing on the way. On this stretch of the river there is a good chance to find elephants playing in the river to ease the midday heat. A light snack lunch will be served en-route. Arrive at Xaxaba campsite at around 3pm, settle in and relax for a couple of hours. This campsite is one of the few places that Chiefs island actually borders on the mainstream of the Boro river even at high water, so the game walking possibilities are endless. At around 5 pm depart on foot for a one-and-a-half-hour game walk. Arrive back shortly before dark to a warmed bucket shower and a hearty campfire cooked dinner. Retire at your leisure to your tent to fall asleep to the sounds of the Okavango, most probably including lions on Chief’s island.
Day 3:
Wakeup call at 6:00am, coffee/tea and rusks will be served for anyone wanting something small before a walk while staff breaks up camp Arrive back at around 10am to a full cooked brunch. Leave at around 1 pm to go upstream past Jugu-jugu island to spend the afternoon game and bird viewing from the boat while the staff sets up camp at Xaxaba This is one of the most spectacular settings that the Okavango delta has to offer. The wide open plain of this area is home to a large number of red lechwe (a semi aquatic antelope), lots of Crocodiles and birds. Arrive back shortly before dark to a warmed bucket shower and a hearty campfire cooked dinner. Retire at your leisure to your tent.
Day 4 & 5:
Your next two days are spent exploring the Okavango by boat and walking safaris.
Day 6:
Wakeup call at 5:30am for anyone wanting to go on an early morning walk. Coffee/tea and rusks will be served for a little sustenance before the walk. 6am depart on foot with a guide for a two-hour game walk. Arrive back from your game walk to a full English breakfast. Depart at 10am for a leisurely 7-hour boat trip back to Maun with a light lunch served en-route. For part of the return trip, we will, where possible use alternative channels. Arrive back in Maun at around 5pm.
