I'm very excited to announce that I'll be taking a group of Africaphiles with me on safari in the world famous Okavango Delta in the first week of December this year! This is truly the jewel of Africa, in my opinion, and I've been dying to go back there to remind myself just how beautiful nature can be. Half a dozen have already signed up to this safari and there are a total of 12 places only, so if you'd like to join us please get in touch with me here as soon as possible.
In line with my new safari company's philosophy to send business to safari operators that make a difference on the ground, I've chosen areas and camps where I know they are doing a good job of looking after the wildlife and local communities. The safari kicks off from Maun on 26th November, and from there we fly to Banoka Bush Camp in the Khwai Concession, bordering Moremi Game Reserve. The camp is part of a local community partnership and is 100% solar powered. Its name hails from the original inhabitants of the area, the River San (Banoka).
After 2 nights at Banoka, we fly to Xigera Camp for 2 nights in the heart of the Okavango Delta. This camp is also 100% solar powered and supports a local school and a counselling centre for HIV AIDS sufferers. Here, we'll have the chance to view the Delta's abundant game from a mokoro on the verdant, riverine wetlands, a once in a lifetime experience. This is a great place to see the rare sitatunga, an antelope species that has been on my 'must see' list for a long time...
Finally, it's off to Chitabe for 3 nights, where the safari operators have played a major role in building up endangered African Wild Dog populations as part of a long term research project. This is a great place to see Africa's big predators, like these cheetahs photographed there recently (below). The camp also participates in the Children in the Wilderness project, which helps get local kids out into the bush and promotes leadership and education among rural children.
All three camps are in areas that are wildlife meccas, and the camps are of the highest standard that you'd expect from Wilderness Safaris and its partners. All meals, non-imported drinks, park fees, top notch accommodation, private guide and vehicle and internal flights between camps are included in the price for 7 nights, which in total is US$5,300 per person. International return flights to and from Maun (via Johannesburg) are not included in the price.
So if Africa is your dream, and you've never been to the Okavango Delta, get in touch with me here and I'll show you why this is one of my absolutely favourite parts of Africa. Half the spots are already taken, so grab yours before they run out!