Kaie Tours
Botswana Safari 2 - Spirit of Botswana - Kaie Tours

SAFARI 2 - Spirit of Botswana

Section 2: 4days/3nights, canoe (mokoro) trip into the Okavango Delta and village visit

See also:

• Section 1: Into the Kalahari with Bushman guides and Botswana Safari
• Section 3: 6 Days Moremi and Chobe cultural safari

Introduction

The gateway to the Okavango Delta is Maun or ‘place of reeds’ and we are based for this four day itinerary on the bank of the Thamalekane River at Audi Camp. This well run camp has a good restaurant and bar, a swimming pool and amazing ablutions combining the best of traditional Tswana architecture and modern technology.

The people who carry us in their mekoros through the Delta are the Bayei. Bayei people came to the Okavango Delta hundreds of years ago, bringing with them, their traditional mode of transport, the mokoro. This is a dug-out canoe made from a large straight tree such as a sausage tree or an ebony tree. The mokoro is ideally suited as transport in the delta as in can move quietly through shallow water, being pushed by the boatman using a long pole, moving along the narrow channels or cutting through the long grasses or papyrus.

Mekoro (plural for mokoro) started to be used by tourists in the early 1980’s and has since than become an almost mandatory activity if one is visiting the Okavango - the two almost becoming synonymous.

Audi Camp has collaborated with a number of communities in and around the delta to provide mekoro tours into different parts of the Okavango.

Day 1

Departure for the delta is from Audi Camp at around 7:30 a.m. You climb on a 4 x 4 vehicle and bash around on dirt tracks for about one and half hours (the actual time depends on the season and conditions of the road) and you'll be dropped at the mekoro station in the southern part of the delta. A mokoro poler will be introduced to you and will be your boatman and guide throughout the trip. Depending on the length of the trip, you can expect to spend a few hours poling on the mokoro, having lunch along the way, and doing game walks into the bush.

The poler will find a nice campsite and help you collect some firewood for cooking. While you are on the trip, remember to listen to your guide - he has grown up and lived in this area most of his life. He will not only show you many fascinating things, he will also keep you out of trouble and safe while you’re in the bush.

Day 2

The activities are partially open-ended depending on how far you like to walk and how high the water is. The day will be made up from a mixture of boating, walking, game and bird viewing and the experience of being in this pristine environment. Evenings are typically spent around the camp fire, star gazing, identifying night sounds and comparing notes on the day’s events.

Day 3

We make our way back to the mekoro station and transfer back to Audi Camp for lunch. The evening is spent relaxing in the pleasant grounds of Audi Camp, perhaps do some curio shopping and prepare for onward travels the next day. There may be the opportunity to visit a local village.

Day 4

After a full breakfast you will either transfer to Maun international airport or start the safari ‘into the Northern Parks’, (‘Spirit of Botswana’ section 3)

PRICES:

Rates per person sharing (minimum 2 people)

• 2 people $465
• 4 people $351
• 6 people $313

Singles supplement US$52

A 10% discount is available when all three sections of the seventeen day package are booked. Also free accommodation is provided for the night in Maun before travelling to Moremi game reserve.

Includes: 4wd support vehicle, camping equipment, guides, mokoro polers, local guides, activities, all meals and entrance fees. Bottled water.

Not included: sleeping bags (can be hired), fizzy and alcoholic drinks.

All that you need should fit into a medium-sized soft bag and a small day pack to keep inside the vehicle.

The specifications for all equipment can be found on the facts page. Those requiring more comfort can choose the ‘Motlopi’ level camping with the following: camp beds, walk-in tents, a dining tent and minimal assistance from guests in camp. For ‘Motlopi’ level camping add US$18 per person sharing per night to the above rates.

Children aged 5 to 12 travel half-price.

See also:

• Section 1: Into the Kalahari with Bushman guides and Botswana Safari
• Section 3: 6 Days Moremi and Chobe cultural safari