Kwara

Game drives are undertaken in custom designed Toyota game viewing vehicles seating up to four guests at a time in 3 rows of 3 seats. Guests are guided by a two person team of professional guide and tracker – a special feature of the Kwando Safaris wildlife experience. The two person team enables the guide to communicate points of interest and the complex interrelations that exist throughout the natural world, while the tracker ensures no sightings or tracks are missed.

The evening/night drives are a Kwando Safaris speciality. The drive starts in the late afternoon as the sun’s rays are dipping to the west and the day’s heat is declining. After a leisurely pause for the traditional sundowner, and as the African day is transformed into a soft colourful evening canvas, the night drive begins. The mystery unfolds as the creatures of the night, especially the predators, are revealed by spotlight, often unexpectedly.

The traditional dug out canoe is surely the definitive Okavango Delta experience. The complete stillness of an early morning, disturbed only by the sound of the water dripping from the ‘ngashe’ (wooden pole used to move the canoe), and the eerie call of the fish eagle echoing across the water, is a sublime experience. The mokoro was designed to move across areas with low water levels by the indigenous peoples who inhabited the Delta and who explored the waterways and floodplains in search of food. Today, these same mokoro provide an opportunity to glide through this varied and unique habitat using the traditional skills handed down through the generations

The boat experience is a soothing tonic, a contrast to the vigorous efforts of searching for mammals from a vehicle or on foot. Sit back and while away the hours, stopping to gaze at a multitude of spectacular birds and bathing elephant and enjoy the vistas of the river systems. However, don’t be surprised should the peace be shattered by the snort of a territorial hippo warning the boat of his presence! Double-decker boats are used to provide a better vantage point and offer a wonderful position to enjoy the waterways and their varied inhabitants.

Species that are targeted by sports fisherman are several tilapia (bream) species (including the olive bream or nembwe, red breasted tilapia, purple faced largemouth and three spot tilapia), sharp tooth catfish, African pike and the mighty Tiger fish.

The Okavango is recognised as an excellent fishing destination for both fly fishing and traditional spin fishing. It is a seasonal activity as government regulations do not allow fishing during January and February.

Walking in Africa’s wild areas is the only way to truly appreciate the natural environment. While game viewing from a vehicle allows one to see more animals as you traverse much greater distances and get much closer to animals safely, there is nothing as awe inspiring and humbling as observing wild animals on foot. Many smaller species of plants and insects, tracks and signs are all easily missed when in a vehicle. The slow pace of the walk and interpretative skills of your guide will open your eyes to a new and fascinating world.

Game walks are not hikes; they are slow comfortable strolls meant to provide you with a chance to experience the wilderness at a natural pace. Any walk can be combined with a game drive or mokoro and the length of walk can be adjusted to suit your personal desires or level of fitness.

Helicopter Horizons Scenic Flights are a totally personalised experience that is the quintessential
African safari, showcasing the very best of Kwando Safaris’ untamed wilderness in vibrant detail from a unique perspective that should be number one on every guest’s bucket list.

We use the helicopter to get guests deep into the Delta exposing permanent waterways, palm islands and lagoons, with sweeping views of floodplains and incredible game sightings. Doors are removed for unrestricted views which offers great photographic opportunities & guests are provided with headsets for constant communications with our very knowledgeable pilots, making sure that they have a guided and informed experience.

• All flights are private and guests are guaranteed a window seat
• Helicopter pads are moments away from camp
• Doors off for unrestricted views, perfect for photography
• Guests provided with headsets for a truly guided experience
• Safety and respect for wildlife is a priority – this will be highlighted in each briefing
• Any experience can be scheduled around camp activities or to suit guest preference

The Godikwe heronry begins to flourish from October / November months and becomes home to Yellow-billed storks, Marabou storks, Sacred ibises, Black-crowned night herons, African darters, Reed cormorants and egrets of all sizes who start their frantic phase of nest-building.

The sights, sounds and colours are remarkable! Water birds are a vital indicator of the health of a riverine ecosystem, and this heronry is a critical base for the laying, hatching and raising of thousands of birds in the Okavango Delta over the next few months.

Dining in the bush is the quintessential safari experience, an authentic and irresistible aspect of African bush culture. Enjoy the unique splendour of bush dining while staying at any of the Kwando camps.