Concessions
A guide to the Okavango Delta concessions
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A scenic and mixed landscape with typical Okavango Delta floodplains and islands in the north and dry sandveld in the south west.
The Rann’s concession is now only used for photographic safaris and has experienced a considerable improvement in game viewing. Â This mixed landscape comprises typical Okavango Delta floodplains and islands in the north and dry sandveld in the south west. Â When not inundated this area should be combined with a permanently watered area for a complete Delta experience.
Animals – The game here is varied. Red lechwe, impala and tsessbe are all seen and in the drier areas zebra, kudu, impala and steenbok. In the second half of the year, very large breeding herds of elephant and large herds of buffalo will move through the concession towards the water and food in the central Delta. In the ‘green’ months, smaller groups and lone individuals will feed around the concession. Lion is a strong feature here and leopard are also in the area, although as always, they are elusive.
Birds – This is a very productive and varied area for birdlife. The vicinity of the Boro River is rich in terms of birds. Rufous-bellied heron, jacana and knob-billed ducks as well as storks will be seen here. Korhaans are found on the plains and raptors are numerous: bateleur, fish eagles and yellow billed kites to name just some.
Plantlife –This is an environment of wild sage which has taken over large swathes of land. There are also vast open grassy plains. There are areas of larger trees including leadwood and particularly knobthorn. Sausage tree, jackalberry and marula are found here, in common with much of the Delta, although areas of mature forest are much less common than the grassy plains or wild sage.
Access – Xudum airstrip is in the centre of NG 29. As NG 30 is a private concession, self-driving in is not allowed.
Best Months –Â The concession is on the periphery of the Delta and therefore dries out much more than the more central areas. Â Game viewing is better when the land is at its driest because this concentrates game around water holes and during the green season animals can disperse widely.
Camps –Â Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp | Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge |
Kujwana is the home of Okavango Horse Safaris, the first riding specialist in the Okavango who offer one of the finest riding safaris in Africa. Set in the beautiful western corner of the Okavango, Kujwana is the largest and most established of their camps, and where all their safaris begin. Days are usually spent exploring on horseback with other activities like game drives and boating offered to enrichen the Okavango safari experience.
Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp is a stunning camp set in an idyllic corner of the Okavango showcasing some of the most beautiful and quintessential landscapes of the Delta- with glistening waterways and lily covered lagoons during the annual flood, while tall palms peep over pretty floodplains. This luxurious lodge offers the opportunity to enjoy a slower pace of safari, a spoiling experience in a wonderful setting.
Oddballs’ Enclave is the smaller and more comfortable sister camp to neighbouring Oddballs. Offering one of the most authentic safari experiences in the Okavango, this is a very simple camp dedicated to slow safaris on foot or by mokoro. It has a pretty location overlooking Chief’s island, where most walks take place. Guest are allocated a private guide and days are completely flexible. Walking, mokoro and overnight fly camping offer the ultimate authentic adventure.
As well as training many of the top Okavango safari guides, The African Guide Academy runs a number of excellent field guide courses at Kwapa Camp for intrepid travellers looking for a deeper understanding of the wilderness. From the basic 7 day bush skills course to more detailed 28 day Nature Guide or Trails Guide Courses – all emphasise practical experience in the field with game drive, walking, boating and mokoro skills development.
Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge was destroyed in a fire in 2018. This luxury camp was situated on the private wilderness concession of 25 000 hectares to the south-east of the Moremi Game Reserve in the centre of the Okavango Delta.
For the most adventurous travellers the simple fly camp on the longer itineraries with Okavango Horse Safaris provides the ultimate authentic safari experience. Visited for a couple of nights as part of the 10 night riding safari, this is a very rustic but comfortable camp set up especially for your visit. Visited between stops at the permanent camps, this unique experience of sleeping under the stars is sure to leave you with memories for life.
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