Okavango Explorers Safari

An iconic Okavango safari for any time of year. Combine the permanent deep waters of the Okavango with the explosive game viewing of the famous Duba concession for a perfectly balanced itinerary. At Duba Explorers, in the northern Okavango, you will explore the same game rich lands featured in some of Nat Geo’s most dramatic wildlife films. Plains game abound and predators numbers impressive. At Setari Camp you will enjoy a quintessential Okavango water safari – where stunning landscapes are the backdrop to a slower peaceful safari experience. These are intimate, tasteful luxury camps with plenty of character and activities on offer.

This 5 night itinerary combines 3 nights at Duba Explorers Camp, on a private concession in the Okavango Delta with 2 nights at a classic water camp in the heart of the Okavango. Importantly, Setari can guarantee a water safari at any time of year- offering a perfect balance of exciting game viewing and a peaceful water safari in quintessential Okavango settings. Both camps have a great sense of place, a down to earth warm and welcoming atmosphere and plenty of character.

Duba is a beautiful and game rich area – famously captured in a series of stunning and award winning Nat Geo documentaries by the founders- Beverly and Derek Joubert. The camp perfectly captures the sense of adventure which is innate to safari and is styled to blend in perfectly with the surroundings. Being based on a private reserve allows greater flexibility on activities. As well as game drives and boating, walking safaris are possible and off-roading is also permitted, which allows for more effective tracking and close up sightings. Night drives are also permitted.

Duba is home to some of the Okavango’s best game viewing. This area is famous for the lion and buffalo interactions, beautifully captured in a series of Nat geo films – most notable ‘Relentless Enemies’ . Unusually, the lions here often hunt during the day, taking on the mighty buffalo herds delivering exciting game viewing. Over the years the dynamics of the pride have changed and these sightings are less frequent. This is no bad thing, the less dominating lion numbers have allowed other predators in and now leopard are frequently seen, and wild dog too. As the flood waters arrive and islands form across the concession it is not uncommon to see lions swimming between the higher grounds – a true Okavango safari sighting!

The itinerary ends at Setari camp – a quintessential Okavango water camp which allows for a change of gear. Picture perfect Okavango scenery with tall palm trees, lush waterways and open grass plains make a stunning backdrop to your last few days on safari.

This is a slower safari, where the boating, mokoro and walking activities on offer do not need a crack of dawn wake up call. This is a chance to reveal in the peaceful beauty of the Okavango for a final few days before returning home. Importantly, being surrounded by deep waters means Setari is able to offer year round water activities.

A fantastic safari at any time of year.

Day 1 - Duba Explorers Camp

On arrival in Maun, Botswana you will be met by a representative and assisted onto your light charter flight to Duba, a flight of about 30 minutes. This is a beautiful flight right across the Okavango into the northern corner of the delta. The Okavango is spectacular from above- keep a look out for the larger animals which you can view from the aircraft, elephant, hippo, giraffe, buffalo and much more can be seen on this flight.

Your guide will be waiting on arrival to transfer you to camp, a game drive of about 40 minutes.

Duba Explorers has an expedition type style and atmosphere, the décor invokes the spirit of the original safaris of the 1920s together with all the modern comforts. Due to the nature of the floods here the tents are set on slightly raised decks which afford beautiful views.

Activities include morning, afternoon and night drives as well as guided bush walks. Boating safaris and mokoro rides are also offered when water levels permit.

Having met the team you will have a chance to settle into your room and relax a little in your new Okavango home. Later that afternoon you will set off on your first afternoon activity, as discussed with your guide, who will chat to you about your particular interests and plan your activities for the following few days.

Setting off for your first activity that afternoon you will begin to explore the concession, enjoying a drink from a scenic spot as the sun sets.

Day 2 and 3 - Duba Explorers Camp

This morning begins with an early morning wake up call, the sooner you’re out tracking the animals the better your chances of catching the predators before they retreat to the shade later in the day. After a light breakfast you set off on your morning activity returning for brunch around mid-morning followed by the siesta time, when you have a chance to relax in camp before departing on your afternoon activity.

The safari schedule continues for the next two days as before, with an early morning and late afternoon activity. The magic of safari is that every day is different, with fresh experiences and sightings and your guide will attest to the fact that no two game drives are ever the same. You will have the next three days to explore the necklace of palm-dotted islands, shimmering flood plains and forest of this 33,000 hectare private reserve.

Game drives – morning, afternoon and evening drives are offered here. Being a private concession means off-roading is permitted and allows for more efficient tracking and closer sightings. 4x4 game drives are certainly the most efficient way to explore this vast area and to see the most animals. Game drives in this area stand out in particular for the regular water crossings which are necessary when the flood waters arrive (May-August). The specially designed vehicles drive through high waters over a metre deep, with water gushing into the footwells and sometimes over the bonnet- always an exciting adventure! Animals are often seen swimming between islands here too.

Boating through the Okavango, when water levels permit, is a very different and special safari experience. While the sightings are not as dramatic as the game drives, the beautiful eco-systems here are certainly rich in life and offer a more complete insight into the Okavango wetland wilderness. Sunsets on the water, often reflecting a kaleidoscope of colour, are a highlight.

Mokoro excursions are one of the most peaceful safari activities – gliding gentle through the shallow waters of the Okavango floodplains, between the pink, white and blue lilies of the which pepper the waters here. This is a chance to focus on the smaller wonders of the Okavango – the flora, the fauna and the culture of the river bushman who have made this wet wilderness their home for centuries. Your mokoro poler will offer interesting insight to all this and more.

Helicopter flights are particularly beautiful in this area of the Okavango and can be arranged at an additional cost.

In between activities you will have some time to yourselves to enjoy this wonderful camp and the stunning setting. Relax on your spacious private deck and watch the animals come and go from camp, enjoying the quiet sounds of the Okavango.

Day 4 - Setari Camp

This morning you will enjoy one last activity at Duba before moving further into the heart of the delta where the deep waters of the Okavango flow. This is a short flight west. On landing you will be met by your guide and take a 1 hour boat safari to camp. During high flood the transfer may be by boat.

Setari Camp is a delightful camp set on a little island surrounded by palm trees and lagoons at the base of the Okavango panhandle. This is where the alluvial fan of the Okavango Delta begins to spread out. The camp itself is structured like a huge treehouse with raised walkways connecting the tents and main areas creating a very special atmosphere. The camp is well equipped with a swimming pool and gym and plenty of inviting areas to relax with a good book.

Having settled into your room and explored the camp you will enjoy lunch and some time to relax before setting off on your first afternoon activity.

Activities include boating safaris, mokoro excursions, catch and release fishing and bush walks. Village visits can also be arranged for those interested in understanding more of local life in the Okavango. Walking safaris are conducted by professional guides, armed with a rifle, on the islands in the south of the concession.

Day 5 - Setari Camp

Your final full day in the Okavango – a chance to explore the lively waterways and small islands which dot the landscape here. A number of half or full day experiences are on offer here depending on your interest – take to the waters by boat or mokoro, and perhaps a guided walk too.

Between activities relax in camp – on your private deck, by the pool or lounge or work up an appetite at the gym!

There could be no finer ending to your Okavango safari than toasting your final African sunset from a boat on the lagoon – the waters reflecting the stunning colours of the skies. You final toast to the sunset, ‘Pula!’ as they say in Botswana.

Day 6 - End of Safari

Today you bid farewell to the Okavango and the team at Duba. The time for your flight to Maun will be finalized the day before and your guide will advise you what time you will be leaving camp. The flight will always be scheduled to connect with any onward travel arrangements. Depending on the time of departure, as discussed with your guide, you will enjoy one final morning activity and brunch before bidding farewell to the Okavango. This morning's activity will likely be shorter than usual due to your transfer back to Maun.

The flight to Maun will take approximately 30 minutes, depending on any stops along the way. On arrival a representative will meet you to ensure you connect to your onward travel arrangements.

For those interested in visiting Victoria Falls flight to Kasane can be arranged. Please speak to us for more information.

Map View

Duba Explorers Camp

Duba Explorers Camp

Setari Camp

Setari Camp

Setari Camp

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