Recently nominated as the 1000th Unesco Heritage site, the Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas situated in the middle of the largest stretch of continuous sand in the world – the Kalahari basin. This oasis in the middle of the desert is a rich yet fragile ecosystem, providing a life source for an incredibly huge variety of wildlife.

This delta in north-west Botswana comprises permanent marshlands and seasonally flooded plains. It is one of the very few major interior delta systems that do not flow into a sea or ocean, with a wetland system that is almost intact. One of the unique characteristics of the Okavango delta is that the annual flooding from the River Okavango occurs during the dry season, with the result that the native plants and animals have synchronized their biological cycles with these seasonal rains and floods.

The wealth of species that inhabit the Okavango have adapted to the contrasting conditions created by living in the harsh Kalahari desert which is transformed annually with the arrival of the delta flood waters originating in Angola.

POM POM CAMP

GREAT VALUE

In the heart of the Okavango Delta and a short 20-25minutes scenic flight over Okavango Delta from Maun lies Pom Pom Camp.

The camp overlooks a scenic lagoon and is quietly nestled under grove shady trees. Here hippo grunt and frolic in front of camp’s permanent lagoon that is surrounded by miles of reeds. In a clear water oasis “mokoro” offer you a wonderful means of viewing wildlife as you glide between palm fringed islands In the main thatched building you will find a cozy bar, lounge and table settings for imaginative meals prepared by safari chefs. This is a camp for the safari traditionalist!

BAINE’S CAMP

MOST ROMANTIC

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is the smallest of Sanctuary Retreats camps with only five luxurious suites. With star baths and sky beds on your private deck, this is a romantic oasis.

Set in a grove of trees, and surrounded by papyrus beds, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is built on raised platforms high above the Boro River in a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve.

An eco-friendly property built using only commercially grown wood, with over 150,000 recycled aluminium cans incorporated within the walls to provide insulation. Baines’ also offers you the opportunity to walk with elephants.

YOUNG EXPLORERS

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The Young Explorers package is a specially designed safari which offers families the opportunity to discover the wonders of the African wilderness together. One of the special attractions of this safari is its exclusivity.

The Young Explorers family adventure safari is based at Ker & Downey’s adventure camp – Footsteps Camp.This comfortable, private camp accommodates six guests in three specially-designed twin-bedded Meru tents complete with sewn-in floors. One of the three tents can be converted into a family tent that sleeps three. Each tent has its own bucket shower and bush porcelain flush toilet, which is attached to the back of the tent and there is a daily laundry service. The ‘bush kitchen’ is run by our chef and prepares menus for all appetites.

A selection of activities are planned with the whole family in mind. Parents can enjoy some peace and quiet whilst expertly trained Young Explorers guide entertains the children with a multitude of activities to suite all ages.

Activities are designed to be both educational and inspiring, and the time spent at the Young Explorers camp is sure to leave a lasting impression and fond memories in the minds of all the family.

XIGERA

ENCHANTING

Nestled in riverine forest on the aptly-named Paradise Island, built with a clever mix of wood and canvas, Xigera is an all enchanting 10 roomed camp deep in the heart of the Okavango. All are built on wooden decks, offering views of a seasonal floodplain and small lagoon. Meals and evening drinks are enjoyed in the lounge and dining area overlooking the permanently flowing channel or under the stars in a traditional African boma. The camp is rounded off with a plunge pool and the camp “newspaper” (a sand pit built into the bridge to capture paw prints) which is “read” each morning, revealing last night’s unseen visitors.

The area’s semi-permanent water allows for the Delta’s most sublime experiences – poling on a mokoro and motorboat outings. This is complemented by game drives in the area depending on water levels. Xigera also offers some of the best birding opportunities in the Delta, with incredible ”specials” often seen, such as Pel’s fishing-owl. It is renowned for the highest density of the elusive sitatunga antelope in the Delta.

VUMBURA PLAINS

GO ALL OUT

Vumbura Plains is a luxury camp situated in the northern Okavango Delta, comprising two separate satellite camps, each with its own raised dining, lounge and bar area with a vista across the floodplains. The main area emphasises relaxation, furnished as it is with soft sofas and idiosyncratic objets d’art.

The 14 rooms, raised off the ground, are unique in contemporary design; the dimensions are square, with extensive use of light, wood and space. Each suite has a large, comfortable bedroom, sunken lounge with cushions, sala, en-suite facilities, an outdoor shower, private deck and plunge pool. Two family suites are also on offer with private decks linking the two separate rooms. Vumbura Plains offers both land and water activities, principally game viewing in varied habitats on open vehicles, mekoro and boats, providing an excellent all-round experience. The concession is leased from five villages through the Okavango Community Trust in a partnership that ensures that the benefits of ecotourism are shared with rural stakeholders.