This was an experience unlike any other. Being able to see the serene beauty of the Okavango from the Mokoros with expert polers, going on nature walks with knowledgeable guides, and settling back into a clean and comfortable camp every night. I would have never thought I could be so comfortable camping in the wilds of the Okavango! The tent was equipped with cots, toilets outside, and even an option for hot showers in the evenings! Each meal was prepared for us with attention to detail by our chef Ona, and the staff was so kind, making us laugh and feel at ease throughout our adventure. I would recommend this tour to anyone really wanting to experience the delta.
We had such an incredible time with this tour. The only negative thing I have to say is that they picked us up a little late, but everything else more than made up for it. Guides made sure we were comfortable for the ride to and from Matsaudi, the chef made wonderful food for us, the guides were knowledgeable and approachable, and you really can't beat the scenery. Our tents were clean and the added perk of a toilet out back was really great. We had such an amazing time getting to know our guides - they were true professionals with great senses of humor. I'd highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a great mokoro experience on the Okavango!
To start from good, the manager, Nobantu, was nice and helpful. She replied to my emails fast and gave me all the details I've asked her about. The camp was designed in a wise and nice manner: every tent is spacious and equipped with en-suite portable shower, bio-lavatory, bed, and blanket. The food was good, and the cook did his best to please us. But this is where good points end.
On the first day, we were sailing on a motorboat for about one hour and then on a mokoro, the little canoes, for about three hours. Under the baking sun. But all of that would be fine enough if we could see at least something except a couple of birds...
Then we came to the camp and spent the afternoon doing nothing. After we had a 'Nature walk' seeing a lot of excrements of different animals and some insects. The local guides could tell 3-4 sentences as maximum about each species, and we were lucky to have a professor of zoology in our group. From him, we received 90% of information about the Delta and its wildlife.
During the night, in the camp (or village, I don't know) that was not far from us they had a kind of party till 3-4 AM and they make such a bad noise, that if I would have been an animal I would run away as far as I could.
Next day we had a 'safari walk' on another island, where we saw a herd of zebras and a heard of antelopes. It was early in the morning and from 10 AM to 4 PM we were just sitting in the camp. We were not allowed to walk around because of the 'dangerous wildlife'. I walked a bit at my own risk and saw heaps of rubbish and plastic. Probably that was why it is not allowed to walk around because there is simply NO wildlife in this area, I didn't see there even one simple impala. And I don't think that any wildlife will come there if they won't stop night orgies and pollution.
Coming back I found that my bio-toilet is not working. I asked the staff to do something.
In the evening, we had a mokoro cruise to the lake with the hippos. They were far away to make good photos, but at least we've seen something - I thought. But at that moment people from this camp/village came on their mokoros shouting so loudly that my group mates started to worry about our lives since hippos are not so tolerated to that crazy sounds as people are.
When I came back to my tent I found my toilet clean, but it was still not working.
Next day after the breakfast we just went back to Maun, without any morning activity.
Honestly, I was expected from Okavango Delta much more. Before that safari, I went to Chobe National Park, for the 3-days-2-nights tour, too. But there we had two safaris every day and just a couple of hours to rest, the staff was experienced and did their best to make us see as much as possible, and we've seen a great number of different animals. In comparison with that, this trip was just for wasting time and money. For this amount, I'd better book a flight and I'm sure I would be impressed much more.
Summarising, it was the most expensive and the most disappointing part of my 16-day-travel.