Okavango Mobile Boating Safari

Just two short weeks ago, I headed out to Maun, Botswana to experience the joys of a Mobile Boating and Land based Mobile Safari into the Okavango Delta. Most safari travelers head straight into Camp from Maun or Kasane and that works fine for the wonder of the aerial views and to fit with holiday time constraints.  But this was to be different.

One night would be spent in a Maun bush lodge relaxing from the overnight flight with ample time to become attuned to the rhythms of the African bush.

The following morning, after a leisurely breakfast, the mobile boating safari began right outside the lodge.  The open sided aluminium boats are comfortable and spacious allowing us to easily spot the wildlife and giving maximum photographic opportunities. 

Our group was led by an experienced Guide who would stay with us for the entirety of our boat and land based mobile.  His encyclopaedic knowledge of the amazing animal and birdlife along the Boro River and its tributaries truly enriched our journey.  The river is dotted with beautiful water lilies where African Jacanas leap from lily pad to lily pad and countless Darters, Reed cormorants, Squacco Herons and the majestic African Fish Eagle filled our day with joyful sightings.  Once we had entered the protected lands of the Delta, beyond the veterinary fence, huge bull elephants appeared contentedly feasting on the vivid green grasses of the delta wetlands.

Our camp crew had gone on ahead of us by boat to set up camp and prepare our meals.  When we arrive into camp around 4 pm, all is organised and we are greeted to our new home with smiling faces and welcome drinks.

Large Tents of 4.5m x 3 m had been set up on a private site that ensured a complete sense of wilderness for our 2 night stay.  The tents can be double or twin, single or family and are built with a thick layer for floor insulation and a partition between bedroom and private bathroom exterior.  Each ensuite bathroom comes with bucket shower, shower mat, mirror, table, shampoo and soap as well as soft hand and bath towels.  The bush toilet is a deep hole dug into the ground complete with a wooden toilet seat and cover.

Our camp is set up with a Mess dining tent where lunch and dinner is served on porcelain plates with stainless steel cutlery and sparkling glassware for wine and beer.  Our staff were superbly attentive to all our dining needs.  A bush chef expertly prepared our meals on an open fire using a variety of meats and freshly sourced vegetables and fruits.

From camp it’s possible to walk on the islands and we soon encountered three Dugga Boys (old male buffaloes) being hunted by lion.  This had likely been going on throughout the night and now with the sun high in the sky, our guides believed that the lions would rest up until dusk.  We headed back to camp for a delicious lunch, siesta and then later in the afternoon, out in the boat for a cooling dip in the Delta waters and G&T’s on an island in the bush with talk of black mamba encounters from our guide.

So what did I learn from my mobile experience?  That it is a unique safari experience, in that you are the one who sets the pace.  The camp routine revolves around you in terms of when you want to do activities and eat your meals.  Not having to fit in with the meal schedules of a lodge or make polite conversation with strangers each mealtime (nice as that can be).  There may be no flushing toilets, but the luxury element is derived from the experience itself. Finally a  mobile safari is a terrific way to escape the world and totally immerse yourself in the African bush whilst discovering some of Botswana’s top game viewing havens with your own dedicated guide.

Our recommendation would be to experience a boating mobile safari for 2 or 3 nights and combine this with either a land based mobile safari in a luxury Meru Style tent in such places as Khwai, Savute and Chobe.  Or take a light aircraft flight over the delta to enjoy time in permanent lodges.  Trips can last from 2 to 10+ nights and dependent on your timescale allow you to experience 3 or 4 different parks.  

Call us to arrange your Mobile Safari.  There are Scheduled Departures as well as Private Mobile Safaris – the latter work superbly if you are travelling as a group of friends or family.  Benefit from discounted rates by travelling in groups of more than 4.  Mobile Safari options are also available in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

If you are planning a trip to Southern Africa, then do call Safari Addicts to arrange your trip +44 01722 445925 or contact us by email to chat “safari” and allow us to create your perfect African adventure.  Enquire Now

Images ©Pride of Africa