Slow down and enjoy the beauty of the area.
by K.Knight
When I visited this unique part of Africa, I took the time to sit and marvel at this truely remarkable place. The delta is the result of the only river in the world that flows inland. Its waters filter through the sands and fan out into the desert, providing a unique eco system that supports an abundance of wildlife. I am truely lucky to have experienced and witnessed all that this place has to offer.
Tip your local guides.
by K.Knight
No mokoro ride or mokoro camping safari can happen without the help and knowledge of the local people.
On arrival you will be met by a local guide who will chose you as their passenger. You are then asked for your bags, which are loaded onto your mokoro.
These people pole their way across the delta for 2.5 hours before you arrive at your camp site. They are also at your side whenever you need need assistance, They are your guide every day on your walking safaris, They explain how they track animals and what animal leaves what droppings or tracks. When you are hot they take you to a safe area for swimming and when you want to go to the toilet.....They dig the hole!!!!!
MY TIP.....respect these people and pack a little extra into your pack that you can leave with them! A pair of shoes or a t-shirt is worth a lot to these people and when you are delivered safe and sound back at your pick up point give your guide 50 Pula (US$11.00)for his trouble.
Be prepared!
by K.Knight
Always travel with your main backpack and a day pack. I keep my toiletries and a change of clothes in the day pack which I keep with me at all times along with my camera bag. comfortable shoes for walking, hat, sunglasses, a jacket or fleece are all essential Plenty of mosquito repellent. Take all you essential toiletries with you.
TOILET PAPER IS NOT SUPPLIED IN AFRICA.....PACK PLENTY!!!!! I always travel with my Minolta SLR camera with 2 lenses (1x 35/80 and 1x 75/300 zoom), a two times converter, a polariser for both lenses, a spare battery and 10 spare rolls of 400 asa film (36) with 1 loaded into the camera. A torch (flashlight) The sun is strong and can catch you unawares especially while you are on the water – take a hat and plenty of sunscreen!!
Take a pillow, everyone on our tour bought one while on the road.
Photography.
by K.Knight
I always travel with my Minolta SLR camera with 2 lenses (1x 35/80 and 1x 75/300 zoom), a two times converter, a polariser for both lenses, a spare battery and 10 spare rolls of 400 asa film (36) with 1 loaded into the camera.
Visit the local people and their village.
by K.Knight
Gudigwa village is the largest settlement of San people in Botswana, with around 800 "Bukakhwe" San Bushman living here. The Bukakhwe San people are indigenous to the Kalahari Desert and the northern fringes of the Okavango Delta. By sharing their culture and knowledge of the bush, they should be able to revive a dying culture and pass on their intricate and intimate knowledge of their environment to future generations.
San people are your local guides into the Okavango Delta and the money they earn for their expertise goes a long way to providing medical facilities etc to their village and to improving their way of life.