Wonders of the Okavango

Discover the wonders of the Okavango as you visit the north and eastern sections of the Delta in this wonderful safari. Four nights are split between two beautiful luxury camps set in game rich private reserves – away from the crowds but in the midst of the Okavango’s abundant wildlife. A classic itinerary with lovely game viewing enjoyed through a variety of activities. Some of the Okavango’s most beautiful scenery forms the backdrop to this safari and the camps complement each other extremely well. For those interested in travelling in the dry season hot air ballooning is available too.

This four night itinerary is split equally between the north and east Okavango, staying in beautiful luxury camps set on private reserves with excellent game viewing year round. Mapula Lodge in the north west Okavango and Sable Alley in the east are beautiful camps which find the perfect blend between authenticity and luxury. With lovely settings, plenty of character and good guiding they provide a great all round Okavango experience.

The itinerary begins in the north of the Okavango, at Mapula Lodge which lies on the private and game – rich Mapula reserve. This is an especially beautiful area of the Okavango with glittering waterways and floodplains. Animals are abundant and varied. Elephant, buffalo, plains game and predators are all present in good numbers. The lodge has a beautiful setting overlooking a permanent lily – peppered lagoon and offers a full range of activities – game drives, night drives, walking safaris, mokoro and boating.

Moving to the eastern Okavango, you will arrive at Khwai Private Reserve where you will stay at Sable Alley. This is a huge private reserve, over 200k hectares of pristine wilderness bordering the famous and game – lively Moremi Game Reserve. The area around the camp is beautiful, with pretty floodplains which lead to lush waterways and shady riverine forests. The game is good- lion and leopard are spotted regularly as well as elephant and a variety of antelope, including the beautiful sable after which the camp is named. Game drives, walking and mokoro (water levels permitting) are offered here.

Note: Mapula Lodge is one of the few camps able to access the only hot air balloon launch site in the Okavango. For those interested in this activity please speak to us for more information. Hot air ballooning only takes place between April and August. This is an additional cost. To reach the site you take a short but incredibly scenic helicopter ride, this really is a day for a birds eye view of the Okavango.

Day 1 - Mapula Lodge

On arrival in Maun, Botswana you will be met by a representative who will assist you with your connection on to a light charter flight to Mapula, a flight of about 25 minutes. The Okavango is spectacular from above- keep a look out for the larger animals which you can view from the aircraft. Your guide will be waiting on arrival and will transfer your to camp, a game drive of about 30 minutes, depending on sightings along the way.

A warm Botswana welcome awaits you. After some refreshments and having been introduced to the camp and team your guide will give you an introduction to the area and activities available at Mapula. You will have the chance to set off on your first activity or relax in camp after your long journey.

Mapula lies on a vast 220,000 acre private reserve and offers an amazing array of safari activities- morning, afternoon and evening game drives (off roading is permitted) walking, boating and mokoro rides. Fishing is also available. Water activities are seasonal. You will discuss all your interests and preferences with your guide who will plan your days to ensure you make the most of your time here.

Setting out in the late afternoon for your first activity you will stop for sundowners as the sun sinks below the horizon and the nocturnal animals begin to stir. Having toasted the setting sun you will return to camp where a roaring fire awaits. Dinner soon follows before your first night in the Okavango.

Day 2 - Mapula Lodge

The next morning starts with an early morning wake-up call followed by a light breakfast before setting off on your morning activity, usually a game drive. As soon as the sun is up you are off to discover the wilderness of the north Okavango – you will explore the grass plains dotted with pretty islands, venture through forests and splash through water crossings. This diverse terrain is home to a vast range of animals – herds of antelope graze the plains while cats stalk from the edges. Lion and wild dog are frequently seen. Leopard too.

Your morning drive will last around 4 hours, stopping for a coffee break along the way. Returning to camp around mid-morning for a wonderful brunch you will then have a few hours to yourself before your afternoon activity. The animals rest in the heat of the day in the shade and you will too! Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, relax in your room, on your deck or by the pool.

Mid-afternoon you meet you guide again, enjoy some deliciously prepared refreshments and then set off for your chosen afternoon activity with your guide.

Game drives allow you to drive further into the concession while walks offer deeper insight into this wonderful eco-system. Water levels permitting, you may also enjoy a mokoro excursion gliding along the waterways or a boat safari into the deeper waters. The sunset will always be celebrated with a stop to enjoy the incredible colour - changing skies with a drink and snack before returning to camp.

This evening. over dinner in camp. your guide will advise you of your flight time to Sable Alley the next day, and plan your morning activity accordingly.

Day 3 - Sable Alley

This morning you will enjoy one last activity at Mapula before setting off with your guide at the time agreed upon the day before for your 35 minutes flight to the Khwai Reserve. Your Mapula guide will be waiting on arrival to transfer you to camp, a 30 game drive.

Having met the team you will have a chance to settle into your room and relax a little, perhaps by the beautiful swimming pool before high tea in the late afternoon. Your guide will discuss the area and activities on offer and you will chat about your particular interests and plan your activities for the following days.

The Khwai Private reserve is vast, and home to abundant game. Morning, afternoon and night drives are the main activity here as well as guided bush walks-mokoro excursions are offered when water levels permit, and this area has a good track record for running these year -round.

Setting off for your first afternoon activity , you will explore the stunning riverfront area and the beautiful open plains. Impala, kudu, sable, zebra, wildebeest, tsessebe, giraffe and others wander these plains. And the predators follow!

Enjoy a refreshing drink as the sun sets and you take in your surroundings. Returning to camp with a spotlight you will look for cats as they begin preparing for the evening hunt as well as those smaller nocturnal animals which we rarely see without the spotlight such as genet, bush babies and caracals.

Day 4 - Sable Alley

Another early morning wake up call and breakfast starts the day and then you’re off on your morning game drive. Begin by tracking any interesting movements from the cats overnight or perhaps investigating areas where you may have heard strange sounds coming from in the night!

Returning for brunch you will then have a few hours to yourself to enjoy this beautiful camp. Relax on your private deck, by the pool, in the lounge or with a few minutes cat -napping in your suite, giving yourself chance to recharge from the early morning wake up calls! There is always something happening in the lagoon opposite the camp so if you can keep your eyes open why not set up for a sofa safari on your deck and enjoy the comings and goings from camp?

Around 4pm you set off for your afternoon activity, following up on sightings from earlier in the day or perhaps enjoying one last water safari with a mokoro ride. Stopping for a sundowner drink and snack to enjoy the beautiful sunset you then return to camp with the spot light- keeping an eye out for the nocturnal animals as they begin to stir.

Mokoro rides will also be available water levels depending. This area has a very good track record for offering mokoro rides year round.

Day 5 - End of Safari

By now you will be familiar with the early morning starts. Perhaps you are eager to make the most of this last morning and once again wake early with the dawn chorus, eager for your final game drive. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a more leisurely morning in camp before your flight.

The time for your flight to Maun will be finalized the day before and your guide will then advise you on 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, you will have the opportunity to enjoy one final morning activity and brunch before bidding farewell to the Okavango.

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

Map View

Mapula Lodge

Mapula Lodge

Sable Alley Camp

Sable Alley Camp

Sable Alley Camp

Water Level

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