Showing posts with label Maun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maun. Show all posts

Thursday, 29 August 2024

Botswana 2024 general updates

Botswana 2024 general updates

Botswana Weather

During the cold fronts that came through recently, we had guests who were seemingly unaware of the potential severity of how cold it can get on safari – and not just in Botswana*. Some guests arrived with very light jackets and no alternative attire, meaning they had to purchase items from the curio shops in camp. This can sometimes prove difficult when it comes to availability and sizes.

• We recommended that guests pack allowing for layers for all activities. In winter a warm layer is essential for the early mornings and evenings. Long-sleeved shirts with roll-up tabs, and zip-off trousers allow one to adapt to local weather conditions as temperatures rise (breathable items are recommended as these can adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day/night). Dressing for ease and comfort is key. Please refer to our suggested packing list to ensure guests carry appropriate clothing.

* In Central and East Africa, the temperature variation is generally less marked in the summer months when it can be quite hot and/or humid; the winters usually do not become as cold. Requirements for a visit to Rwanda are very specific so please contact your Travel Designer for further details.

Mokete Direct Helicopter Transfers

As of 11 June 2024, in order to provide a more seamless experience for our guests, please note the change in operational logistics: all Wilderness Mokete arrivals and departures are flown directly by helicopter transfer with Helicopter Horizons.

• Applicable routes include from Maun International Airport as well as certain Wilderness and third-party camps within the Delta and Linyanti.

• All above transfers are direct with no stops en-route.

• The estimated flight duration is 40 minutes from Maun International Airport to Mokete, and provides an exceptional aerial safari, adding a unique touch to the overall Wilderness Mokete experience.

• The no-stops exception is to/from Kasane Airport, from where there will be a number of stops en-route with Wilderness Air Botswana per fixed wing to Santawani Airstrip. From Santawani Airstrip, the onward helicopter transfer to Wilderness Mokete is direct with no stops along the way.

• The vehicle transfer from Mokete Helicopter pad to camp is approximately four minutes.

Water Level — Update

Based on the information provided by Botswana Operations on 18 July, here is a summary of the water activities available:

• Qorokwe - Mokoro activities on offer

• Vumbura and Little Vumbura — Boating and mokoro activities 

• DumaTau and Little DumaTau — Boating and barge activities 

• King’s Pool — Barge activity is currently not operational

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Tuesday, 21 May 2024

Botswana: Introducing Ker & Downey's Grays Eden Boutique Hotel

Ker & Downey Botswana

INTRODUCING GRAYS EDEN - A NEW LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN MAUN, BOTSWANA

Ker & Downey Botswana is thrilled to announce the development of a new luxury boutique hotel in the safari outpost town of Maun, gateway to the Okavango Delta and Ker & Downey Botswana’s well-known circuit of luxury tented camps. Personally built to exacting standards and owned by flamboyant long term Maun residents Sandrine and Sam Morris, Ker & Downey Botswana is proud to partner with Grays Eden, a first of its kind on an idyllic stretch of the seasonal Thamalakane River and will open doors on the 15th of July 2024.

A place of quiet, impeccable service, fine food and wine, the intimate and secluded Grays Eden space offers the weary, yet discerning traveller from afar a place to relax and acclimatize before embarking on their safari or before departing Botswana.

ABOUT GRAYS  EDEN

Featuring thatched, high ceilings and tall archways, the hotel welcomes light and infuses a sense of tranquility and space. Modern, minimalist interiors with a light blue, white and natural palette are accentuated by large, generous verandas overlooking grassy lawns with dappled shade from leadwood and raintrees. The lounge and restaurant terrace flows effortlessly out onto the lawns overlooking the Thamalakane River, where guests may choose to enjoy a seasonal picnic basket with artisanal delights.

Boasting one of finest chefs in Botswana with an emphasis on local produce, The Eden Kitchen and Restaurant presents a varied a la carte menu, tempting the palate with both local and international favourites, inviting conviviality.

Comprised of just 12 individually decored rooms (5 sumptuous Villas and 7 youthful and spirited Cottages), Grays Eden’s rooms all feature generous verandas and light, airy living spaces. A ceiling fan and fireplace assure coolness and warmth, when needed.

Just 10 minutes from Maun Airport, Grays Eden provides a complimentary meet and greet service with vehicle transfers to and from the hotel.

Whether you choose to unwind on a lounger at the high embankment pool overlooking the Thamalakane River, indulge with an in-villa spa treatment after long distance travel or revel in a private culinary and wine experience in the Cliff Wine Cellar, Grays Eden is the perfect addition on the doorstep of the Northern Botswana safari circuit which allows travellers a restful, then seamless transition into or out of their wilderness adventure.

Mailing address: Ker & Downey, PO Box 27, Maun, Botswana

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Monday, 13 May 2024

Botswana: Ker & Downey Botswana completes refurbishment of Okuti Camp

Okuti Refurbishment Launch

Ker & Downey Botswana completes refurbishment of Okuti Camp

Ker & Downey Botswana has completed the full refurbishment of Okuti accentuating its unique architecture of curved arches and doorways which pay homage to aspects of Botswana's parliament building, where the arches represent unity, strength and harmony.

Okuti Camp YouTube video:

Okuti enjoys a prime location overlooking the enormous Xakanaxa lagoon boasting uninterrupted views of the Maunachira channel. A wide variety of Okavango wildlife wander along the riverbanks in front of the camp with the Xakanaxa region remaining one of Moremi Game Reserve's best year-round wildlife hotspots.

Okuti's extensive structural renovations and innovative improvements have retained its understated luxury and rustic charm. With the interior design expertise of Maun based Lien Smith (Interior Designer) of Thakadu Treasures and Nardia Cronje (Interior Architect) of Nomvula Design, the reimagined full sorts and decor replacements assure comfort, enhance guest experience and elevate the camp to a new level of luxury.

Always forging new ways, Ker & Downey Botswana are proud that the majority of the new interiors were manufactured in Maun, thus supporting the local industry and its talented artisans.

The complete transformation of Okuti's look and feel is modern and the camp is truly a one-of-a-kind, with a design that seamlessly blends into the natural surroundings. The room's new layout and amenities have been rearranged to enhance the breathtaking views out over the lagoon and river, allowing guests to enjoy nature to the horizon from the comfort of their room. Other new room fixtures, such as the flooring and lighting, have transformed the rooms into a more stylish and brighter space.

The overall ambience exudes luxury and sophistication, ensuring that every guest enjoys a truly unforgettable experience at Okuti. We invite you to come and experience the newly refurbished camp for yourself. Whether you are a first-timer or a returning guest, we are confident that you will appreciate the improvements that have been made to this stunning camp.

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Wednesday, 22 June 2022

Botswana: Thamo Telele Lodge & World Giraffe Day

Natural Selection

IT'S WORLD GIRAFFE DAY AND WE'RE CELEBRATING AT THAMO TELELE!

That's because our new Botswana lodge, Thamo Telele, is ALL about giraffe. Perfectly situated in a 250-hectare private game reserve within the “village” of Maun on the outskirts of the Okavango Delta, Thamo Telele (meaning “tall neck”) harbors a large variety of game but is known for its successfully breeding herd of giraffe. In fact, the newest member of the herd, aptly named Telele, was born during the refurb of the lodge at the end of 2021.

At Thamo Telele, our focus is on giraffe education & research. 

The giraffe at Thamo Telele have all been brought here from hunting areas over the last decade and have done exceptionally well in this safe haven. It is an idyllic spot to hang out with giraffe that are approachable on horseback and relaxed near the hide, while learning about giraffe conservation. The program is led by our rather brilliant giraffe scientists Katie and Emma, who joined Natural Selection from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) in Namibia. GCF are our conservation partners at Hoanib Valley Camp, Namibia and more importantly, are the foremost experts on giraffe. They are the only organization in the world focused entirely on the conservation and management of all giraffe species in the wild. In fact, they established and launched World Giraffe Day!

A portion of each guest’s stay supports Giraffe DNA Research through GCF… which helps governments make informed decisions about giraffe population management and conservation. The advancement of DNA sequencing has enabled GCF and fellow researchers to differentiate between the populations of giraffe across Africa, finding that there are in fact 4 separate species. In addition to enabling this work to expand into Botswana, our long-term vision at Thamo Telele is to set up a Giraffe Education Centre to provide an impactful conservation experience for both tourists and locals that also informs visitors about the plight of giraffe across Africa.

So today, being World Giraffe Day, we couldn’t be prouder to tell you about the work we are undertaking and planning at Thamo Telele, and how through our giraffe experience, guests can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for giraffe conservation and why it is so important to protect these magnificent creatures.

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Saturday, 12 March 2022

Machaba Safaris: Botswana Kiri Camp Opening Special | Кири Кемп Ботсвана

Machaba Safaris Botswana

Kiri Camp Opening Special

Our Kiri Camp Opens in June!

Kiri Camp

Okavango Delta, Kiri River

Kiri Camp offers a combination of both game drives and water activities. Based on a private concession, these activities will take you to some of the more remote areas in the delta, previously inaccessible. A motorboat ride during peak flood times promises to enthrall you and captivate you, with the chance of seeing iconic wildlife from the river.

Glide on quiet mokoro’s through the water lilies and view wildlife from below as you sail along at water level height. The wildlife in the Kiri area is diverse and plentiful, renown for its lion and buffalo interactions and rare wild dog numbers. As Kiri Camp is in a private concession, off road and night driving are allowed, as are armed nature walks through the surrounding islands with knowledgeable guides.

Capturing the spirit of Africa in one of her most untamed wildernesses and offering life-changing safari experiences is at the heart of what we do. With this in mind, the opening of Kiri Camp is another opportunity for us to share more unforgettable safaris with you. 

To celebrate the start of another exciting adventure in Botswana, we are offering an  Opening Special at Kiri Camp!

Our newest treasure is situated on a private concession which allows our guests to experience night drives and walking safaris. Our proximity to the floodplain means that you can also enjoy a relaxing meander down the river in a mokoro or motorboat. Consisting of two family tents, and eight double tents raised on elevated, wooden decks, feel the openness with vast sweeping views of the Okavango Delta and the calm tranquility of the African bush.

Kiri Camp Opening Special

(OPENING 01 JUNE 2022)

6 NIGHTS | FLY FREE GOMOTI PLAINS & KIRI CAMP

3 NIGHTS GOMOTI PLAINS | 3 NIGHTS KIRI CAMP | FREE HELICOPTER FLIGHTS INCLUDED.

HELICOPTER FLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Maun Airport to Gomoti Plains

• Gomoti Plains to Kiri Camp

• Kiri Camp to Maun Airport

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Saturday, 25 December 2021

Natural Selection: Government travel policies summary

Natural Selection

A QUICK SUMMARY OF BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA & SOUTH AFRICA'S GOVERNMENT POLICIES AROUND TRAVEL

For inbound travellers the following COVID-19 travel regulations are in place as of 14 December 2021.

Botswana is open for travel. All in-coming travellers (including ones that have been vaccinated) are required to produce a negative COVID-19 test that was obtained not more than 72 hours before the time of departure in the country of origin to Botswana.

At the arrival port of entry all travellers will undergo a cost-free Rapid COVID-19 test to gain entry. No official statement on the implementation of a vaccination certificate requirement for entry has been made yet.

Namibia is open for travel. All in-coming travellers (including ones that have been vaccinated) are required to produce a negative COVID-19 test that was obtained not more than 72 hours before the time of departure in the country of origin to Namibia. Namibia has also implemented the Trusted Travel System, where guests will need to have their test results checked and approved online by the Trusted Travel System prior to arrival.

South Africa is open for travel. All travellers (including ones that have been vaccinated) are required to produce a negative COVID-19 test that was done not more than 72 hours before the time of departure in the country of origin to South Africa.

GETTING A PCR TEST IN EACH COUNTRY BEFORE DEPARTING HOME 

All the major centres of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa now offer very efficient PCR testing facilities for travellers requiring a test before flying home. Given the turnaround times of a PCR test this usually means having to overnight in a major centre before flying out.

We are pleased to be able to offer an in-camp PCR testing service for guests staying in any of our Botswana camps or at Kwessi Dunes in Namibia. The in-camp testing service costs $310 per person in Botswana and NAD 5,950 per person at Kwessi Dunes for a minimum of 2 people in a group. The cost per person decreases for larger groups requiring in-camp testing as a significant portion of the cost is to cover a charter flight or transfer for a nurse. Allow a 24-hour turnaround time to receive results with the PCR certificates waiting for guests on arrival at Maun or Windhoek airports.

Please contact us for more information around pricing and testing facilities.

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Monday, 20 December 2021

Desert & Delta Safaris: Top 10 Reasons To Visit Botswana

TOP 10 REASONS WHY BOTSWANA – WITH US – IS THE ULTIMATE POST-PANDEMIC TRAVEL DESTINATION

The global vaccine rollout is helping boost consumer confidence. Airline schedules around the world are ramping up and the road to recovery has begun in earnest. 

We’ve heard of new terms like “Revenge Travel” pop up. The idea that after over a year in lockdown there is a massive pent up demand for international travel and rather than postponing, people are opting for that dream destination they always wanted to visit…now! Spending more and making up for lost vacation time.

Either way, we believe a boom is inevitable and are already seeing more and more guests arrive by the day. Travellers are sensible in their decision making and we believe Botswana should be considered as one of the best places for a post-pandemic travel destination.

In choosing where to go abroad, guests will want safe destinations where they will spend plenty of time in the outdoors, reconnect with nature and be away from people as much as possible. Botswana is all that – and more!

We’ve put together a guide to help you understand why coming on a trip with Desert & Delta Safaris is the best travel choice.

#1 SAFETY FIRST  – EXTREMELY HIGH STANDARD OF HYGIENE & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Botswana is considered one of the world’s most exclusive international travel destinations. Attracting travellers from around the world to enjoy the highest standard of accommodation, service and of course safari experience.

We’ve ensured that our COVID safety protocols go above and beyond the expected standards for our international visitors.

Not only are the camps ensuring that hygiene standards are at the absolute maximum but travelling in Botswana is a safe way to minimize exposure. The camps and lodges we operate are effectively COVID free bubbles with all staff tested before arriving into camp and movement in and out of camp can only happen with negative test results.

Every international traveller arriving into Botswana needs to present a negative PCR test valid no more than 72 hours from time of test and as an extra precaution the airports of Maun and Kasane (the main gateways to the safari regions) perform a complimentary RAPID Antigen test on arrival at the airport.

#2 BOTSWANA IS CONSIDERED ONE OF AFRICA’S MOST EXCLUSIVE, UNCROWDED SAFARI DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA

National parks, game-reserves and private concessions are all stringently controlled so you can expect to enjoy huge, remote wilderness areas with minimal numbers of other travellers. Try a stay at the private Xugana Island Lodge in the Okavango Delta with thousands of hectares of islands, waterways and open floodplains to explore with a maximum of 16-guests.

#3 NATURAL SOCIAL DISTANCING WHILE ON SAFARI

All our safari activities are already designed to maximise space and privacy. Every game drive vehicle is designed with a guaranteed window seat with ample space, both for photographic purposes and social distancing. All boat activities will ensure the middle seat remains unoccupied. Mokoro activities are designed for a maximum of two-guests at a time or if you’re travelling as a single, just you. While on a walking safari at Camp Okavango or Xugana Island Lodge, each group is split into maximum six guests and you’ll have all the space you will ever need.

#4 WORK WITH OPERATORS WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD & ESTABLISHED OPERATION IN THE COUNTRY

Desert & Delta Safaris is the longest standing luxury safari group in Botswana. We’ve been through it all over the years and will come out of every crises wiser and stronger.

Our style of doing business over the years is what has kept us going all this time. You will be looked after like a part of our family from the moment you join us.

#5 ALL YOUR SAFARI PLANS UNDER ONE SOLID OPERATOR

Keep your logistics simple. By working with an operator like us you can keep your whole safari under one company. We have our own charter flight company called Safari Air and own eight different safari lodges around the country. From the Chobe River, home to the highest concentration of elephants, to the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, islands in Okavango Delta and the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Desert & Delta Safaris covers all the key-ecosystems in Botswana.

#6 THE BEST ADVENTURES IN REMOTE AFRICA AWAIT YOU IN BOTSWANA


During the lockdown we’ve refined two of our most epic sleep-out experiences to appeal to the post-pandemic traveller. We know the lockdown has increased our desire to reconnect with the true remote wilds of the world. Our sleep-out experience on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans does just that. A maximum of six-people and your specialist guide will venture out into the middle of the world’s largest salt flats to sleep under the stars. Something our guests have called life-changing!

Or if you want a more luxurious adventure try our romantic sleep-out deck at Camp Okavango. Just you and your loved one under the vast Botswana sky on a raised deck, with a large double bed, on a private corner of the island.

#7 CONTINGENCY PLANS IN PLACE FOR THE NW WAY OF TRAVEL

We know there is a certain amount of apprehension with travelling post-pandemic but rest-assured we have considered every eventuality and have a contingency plan for everything. We also have a strong relationship with the government, local authorities and our partners in providing COVID tests. We’ve got it covered.

We want you to feel completely relaxed while knowing all the ground arrangements are taken care of.

#8 A BUMPER YEAR FOR WILDLIFE & SAFARI THIS 2021

Rains were phenomenal in the season earlier this year. Around double the average in some places. This means that those looking to enjoy the water activities in the Chobe & Okavango will be treated to brimming levels of water and outstanding scenery. Perfect on the lush floodplains in a traditional mokoro (canoe).

Generous rainfall results in more grasses, more birds and herbivores and of course with the plethora of life comes an increase in predator activity.

So this year promises to be a remarkable Botswana safari year!

#9 RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IS AT THE HEART OF THE DESTINATION

The pandemic has made us realise we need to be responsible in the way we travel. Too many destinations have become overcrowded and unsustainable. Botswana, on the other hand, has had a strict low-volume and high-revenue model since independence in the late 60’s. Putting conservation at the heart of the way we run our business.

It’s also critical that responsible tourism empowers the citizens of Africa as well as protect the wildlife. At Desert & Delta Safaris empowerment of the local community is the pillar of our success. One of the first premier safari circuits in the country to be full run and managed by Botswana citizens.

We’ve retained and supported all our staff throughout the pandemic.

Your safari with us goes a really long way in making a lasting positive impact on the people and protection of the environment.

#10 CHOOSE THE PERFECT DESTINATION – NOT THE BEST DEAL

At Desert & Delta Safaris we are proud of our exceptional value. Offering a world-class safari in Botswana for an affordable rate. Coming to our country will leave you feeling enriched and energised. Pure, unadulterated African wilderness delivered at a time, after a year of lockdown, when you need that connection to nature again!

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Saturday, 27 November 2021

Botswana: Natural Selection - Exploring Botswana's Diversity with 10 days safari

Natural Selection - Exploring Botswana's Diversity...

IF YOU’VE EVER WANTED TO DISCOVER ALL THE HIDDEN GEMS THAT BOTSWANA HAS ON OFFER, THEN OUR 10 DAY BOTSWANA EXPLORER TRIP IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.

It will take you deep into the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi National Park, where you will spend 10 glorious days exploring the abundant landscape, birdlife and wildlife in each area, gaining a deeper understanding for Botswana, its beauty and its people.

From game drives, houseboat adventures, bushman walks, hidden hides, scenic flights over the Okavango, ancient rock art, mokoro meanderings, nocturnal night drives, game viewing on horse back and community visits - this 10 day Botswana exploration will give you a wide and diverse variety of activities to experience and enjoy. 

DAY 1 - 2: OKAVANGO SPIRIT, OKAVANGO DELTA. 

Your trip will start in the tranquil 'Panhandle' area of the Okavango Delta in Northern Botswana, on the Okavango Spirit Houseboat. With serene waterways and phenomenal bird-watching, here you’ll enjoy peace and quiet, as you float along blissfully, spotting birds and wildlife from the comfort of your own bedroom. Enjoy a trip to Tsodilo Hils, to see one of the most significant rock art sites in Africa.

DAY 3 – 4: EXPEDITIONS CAMP, OKAVANGO DELTA.

Next, you’ll head by road to our mobile-tented camp set up in a private game concession in the Okavango Delta. This area offers some of the most incredible game viewing opportunities and is one of the best areas to see big cats and wild dog. You'll find yourself in a world of dry lands rising between vast wetlands and crystal clear water channels on the edge of mopane and apple-leaf woodlands. Perfect to weave your way around on mokoro or game viewing vehicle.

DAY 5 – 6: HYENA PAN, KHWAI PRIVATE RESERVE.

From here you’ll head to a remote airstrip and charter a small plane to Hyena Pan in the Khwai Private Reserve, 200 000-hectares of pristine wilderness. This cosy and comfortable tented camp overlooks a magnificent forest of cathedral mopane trees and a watery lagoon. One of the highlights of your trip will be hiding out in the ground-level hide near the waterhole. A favourite amongst guests and photographers and the perfect opportunity to get up-close-and-very-personal with all the wildlife.

DAY 7-8: MENO A KWENA, KALAHARI / BOTETI RIVER / MAKGADIKGADI NATIONAL PARK.

After this incredible experience, you will fly back to Maun and then take a short drive to Meno A Kwena, a refreshingly stylish tented camp, perched on a rocky clifftop above the Boteti River, overlooking the Makgadikgadi National Park. This offers spectacular scenery and unforgettable sunsets. Take a guided walk & cultural safari with the San Bushmen, discovering the natural world through their ancient eyes. 

DAY 9 – 10: ROYAL TREE LODGE, MAUN.

Your last day and evening will be spent at Royal Tree Lodge, only a 20-minute drive from Maun Airport, perfectly situated to get your COVID-19 testing done before flying home. Set in a private nature reserve on the banks of the Thamalakane River, you’ll discover an abundance of wildlife and activities to enjoy, while taking in the peace and tranquility of this beautiful reserve. 

10 days on safari in beautiful Botswana will leave you exhilarated, enriched by every experience and ready to come back for more! You'll discover that here the journey matters just as much as the destination and we guarantee you'll find happiness in both. 

For all enquiries & to find out more contact info@traveltonamibia.com

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Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Botswana: Nxamaseri Island Lodge joins Desert & Delta Safaris | Нксамасери Лодж Ботсвана

Nxamaseri Island Lodge Joins the Desert & Delta Safaris

To celebrate nearly 40-years of operation in our home, Botswana, we are delighted to announce the acquisition of Nxamaseri Island Lodge. This takes the Desert & Delta Safaris portfolio to a total of nine camps & lodges,  making the group one of the most comprehensive safari circuits in Botswana.

Perfectly situated between the Tsodilo Hills and the Okavango Delta, it is one of very few places in the entire world where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet.

Our aim is to make this incredible destination more accessible to international travellers through our flight network with Safari Air and our exciting new Botswana package itineraries that will feature Nxamaseri.

What has Nxamaseri Island Lodge got to offer? 

Culture

Located in the stunning Okavango Delta panhandle region, Nxamaseri is the closest lodge from which to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Tsodilo Hills – a remarkable cluster of huge rocky hills and home to one of Africa’s most impressive collections of ancient rock art.

There are over 4,500 paintings located around 400 different sites around the hills. Travellers can also hike to the top of Botswana while taking in the impressive history of the area.

Tsodilo Hills is a hugely significant cultural attraction and a wonderful addition to any Botswana itinerary.

Fishing

Nxamaseri and the Okavango Panhandle is Botswana’s tiger fishing mecca. Throughout the year (January – February season closed), the Okavango Delta panhandle is home to epic Tiger and Bream fishing.

Around September – November every year the “Barble Run” attracts predatory fish in their thousands and the chance to land several Tiger Fish is exceptionally high. A beautiful yet ferocious fighting fish found in the northern part of the Okavango Delta and Chobe/Zambezi river systems.

The Nxamaseri guides are expert fisherman from the local region with decades of experience who will help you get into exactly the right place to land that dream fish!

Water & Walking Activities

Mokoro and boating activities are offered all year round. This is owing to the vast amounts of water around the panhandle area. The Nxamaseri Channel is a stunning ecosystem of floodplains and unique vegetation and the combination of the large “panhandle channel” with its big papyrus thickets makes for an Okavango boating paradise.

Guides will invite guests to stop on many of the stunning secluded islands for guided walks exploring the area.

Birdwatching & Other Activities

Nxamaseri is a birdwatcher’s heaven. Around two-thirds of all Botswana’s bird species can be found around this region with frequent sightings of the rare Pels Fishing Owl and opportunities to see White-backed Night Heron and the graceful African Skimmer.

During the nesting season from August – November, a trip to the Carmine Bee-eater colony is a sight to behold. Thousands of these striking birds make their way in and out of the nest holes forming a seemingly pink mirage along red-cliffs in the southern area near Nxamaseri.

How to get to Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Charter flight

Nxamaseri Airstrip is accessible with Safari Air as well as other charter companies. Safari Air will provide access to Nxamaseri Airstrip from all airstrips around Botswana (provided they are permitted to land there).

Self-Drive Access

Self-drive access is a big portion of the Nxamaseri client base. Guests may park at a secure plot near the main road and will be transferred to Nxamaseri by the lodge (distance varies depending on time of year/water-level. 30 – 60 minutes)

From Mohembo Border (access to the Zambezi Region/Caprivi in Namibia) to Nxamaseri turn off: 45-minutes

From Maun to Nxamaseri turn off: 4 – 5 hours

Self-drive access information is available on the Desert & Delta Safaris Quick Links document.

Booking Nxamaseri Island Lodge 

Nightly Rates

Standalone rates are broken into 1-2 night rates or 3+ night rates.

Green Season rates have been held and start at $350 pp per night sharing for 1-2nights stays and $330 pp per night for 3-nights or more.

All guests on 2+ night stays will be invited to do the Tsodilo Hills cultural tour.

Packages

To make the region more accessible we have created a range of packages to combine with Desert & Delta Safaris camps and lodges.

One of the itineraries on the Cultural Exploration Packages connects Chobe Game Lodge with Nxamaseri Island Lodge, Camp Xakanaxa/Camp Moremi and Leroo La Tau on an 8-night itinerary (starting at $4,608pp including charter flights from Kasane to Maun or vice versa).

Travellers wanting a complete experience of the key ecosystems within the Okavango Delta should book the Traversing the Delta Package. A 6-night or 9-night itinerary with a chance to “follow the flood” including Nxamaseri Island Lodge (northern tip of the Okavango panhandle), Camp Okavango/Xugana Island Lodge (the core/central Okavango) and a 3-4 hour boat expedition transfer to the Moremi Game Reserve (wildlife rich eastern region of the Okavango).

The package starts at $3,881 including charter flights from Maun returning to Maun with the boat expedition transfer.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NXAMASERI ISLAND LODGE: info@traveltonamibia.com

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