The Okavango Skies
The Okavango is breathtaking from the ground, but it is even more so from above. This Okavango Skies itinerary includes a traditional Okavango safari, as well as a scenic helicopter flight along the waterways with a champagne stop on an island and a night spent under the stars on a private starbed. Additionally, there are a few additional special activities. A harmonious combination of opulence and adventure that does not sacrifice the quality of your safari experience. A comprehensive selection of land and water activities is combined to guarantee a truly exceptional Okavango safari, making it the perfect destination for adventurous travelers and romantic vacations.
Staying in stunning luxury camps situated on private reservations, this six-night itinerary is equally distributed between the north and east Okavango, offering exceptional game viewing throughout the year. Mbamba in the north and Sable Alley in the east are stunning camps that achieve the ideal balance between opulence and authenticity. They offer a comprehensive Okavango experience, featuring charming settings, a plethora of character, and exceptional guidance.
The itinerary commences at Mbamba Camp, located in the northern region of the Okavango, on the private and game-rich Mapula reserve. This region of the Okavango is particularly picturesque, featuring shimmering waterways and floodplains. Animals are numerous and diverse. Predators, plains game, elephants, and bison are all abundant. The camp boasts a picturesque location that provides a view of a permanent lagoon that is dotted with lilies. It provides a comprehensive selection of activities, including game drives, night drives, walking, mokoro, and watercraft.
At the onset of the floods, Mbamba was among the first sites to receive water. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to experience a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango. This is an extraordinary experience, providing the chance to discreetly observe picturesque meandering channels and expansive lagoons at a closer proximity than one would in a light aircraft. The experience includes an additional 20-minute stop on a private island that has been meticulously selected to savor a glass of bubbles (or freshly squeezed orange juice!). This is truly a day for a bird’s-eye view of the Okavango.
Moving to the eastern Okavango, you will be accommodated at Sable Alley and its sibling camp, Skybeds, in the Khwai Private Reserve. This is a vast private reserve, spanning over 200,000 hectares of pristine wilderness that is adjacent to the renowned and game-rich Moremi Game Reserve. Beautiful floodplains that connect to verdant waterways and shaded riverine forests characterize the vicinity of the camp. Lion and leopard, as well as elephant and a variety of antelope, are frequently observed, including the stunning sable after which the camp is named. The wildlife is of high quality. Walking, game excursions, and mokoro, subject to water levels, are available.
The itinerary concludes with the final night at Skybeds, where you will relax in a private gazebo that offers a view of a waterhole that is frequently visited by elephants. You will be able to sleep under the stars. You will be transported to and from the Skybeds via helicopter.
A delightful itinerary for couples seeking a traditional safari with a dash of adventure!
Detailed The Okavango Skies Itinerary
Day 1: Mbamba
Upon your arrival in Maun, Botswana, a representative will greet you and assist you in transferring to a light charter flight to Mbamba. The aircraft will transfer you to the camp, where you will embark on a game drive that will last approximately 30 minutes, contingent upon the number of sightings along the way.
A cordial Botswana welcome is anticipated. Your guide will provide an overview of the area and the activities available at Mbamba after you have been introduced to the camp and staff and have enjoyed some refreshments. You will have the opportunity to embark on your initial activity or unwind in camp following a lengthy journey.
The site is situated in a stunningly expansive region where the Okavango River commences to disperse, resulting in the world’s largest inland delta. A diverse array of reptiles, birds, and mammals can be observed. Lion and wild dog are both present in the region, and the sable antelope, which is rarely observed, is encountered frequently. In addition to a comprehensive array of birdlife, the Okavango region is home to the endangered wattled crane and the highly sought-after Pel’s fishing owl.
The activities at Mbamba are intended to provide an opportunity to discover the beauty and diversity of this region. These activities include game drives during the day and night, as well as mokoro expeditions and boating excursions when water levels permit. With the assistance of your guide, you will deliberate on your interests and preferences, and they will organize your days to optimize your stay.
As the sun descends below the horizon and the nocturnal animals begin to awaken, you will pause for sundowners before embarking on your first activity in the late afternoon.
Upon your arrival, the fire will be raging, and dinner will be served shortly thereafter, prior to your first night’s sleep in the Okavango.
Day 2: Mbamba
The following morning commences with an early morning wake-up call, followed by a light brunch, before you embark on your morning activity, which is typically a game drive. Upon the rising of the sun, you will embark on a journey to explore the northern Okavango wilderness. You will traverse the grass expanses, which are dotted with picturesque islands, and navigate through forests and water crossings. Antelope herds graze the plains, while cats stalk from the margins of this diverse terrain. Wild dogs and lions are frequently observed. Leopard, as well.
The duration of your morning journey is approximately four hours, with a coffee break en route. You will have a few hours to yourself before your afternoon activity, after returning to camp around mid-morning for a delightful brunch. In the shade, the animals snooze during the day, and you will, too! Relax in your room, on your veranda, or by the pool, and take in the stunning surroundings.
You will reconvene with your guide in the mid-afternoon, partake in additional refreshments, and then depart for your selected afternoon activity.
Game excursions enable you to explore the concession in greater detail, while walks provide a more profound understanding of this remarkable ecosystem. Additionally, you may partake in a mokoro excursion or canoe ride along the lagoon, provided that water levels permit.
Day 3: Mbamba
You depart promptly with your guide for your morning activity after a light breakfast. Your helicopter flight will be scheduled following a consultation with your guide regarding the optimal scheduling. Upon boarding, your pilot will transport you on an exhilarating flight across the waterways.
Doors are removed to provide an unobstructed view of wildlife sightings. The pilot will discover a deserted palm island midway through your scenic flight, where you can take a tranquil break. Upon landing, your pilot will provide you with additional information about the delta and allow you to enjoy your preferred beverage while taking in the views from the ground. After quenching your thirst, you will have another chance to appreciate the aerial perspective on your return to camp.
Returning to the site for lunch and to unwind. The remainder of the day will adhere to the same daily routine, with an afternoon activity departing at approximately 3:30 p.m. to accommodate your preferences and seasonal conditions. These activities include a game drive, bush walk, mokoro ride, watercraft, and fishing.
Over dinner at the camp this evening, your guide will inform you of the time of your flight to Sable Alley the following day and will help you plan your morning activities accordingly.
Day 4: Sable Alley
This morning, you will participate in one final activity at Mapula before departing at the designated time with your guide for the 35-minute flight to the Khwai Reserve, as previously discussed. Upon your arrival, your guide will be prepared to transport you to the camp, which is a 30-minute game drive away.
After meeting the staff, you will have the opportunity to settle into your room and unwind, perhaps by the stunning swimming pool, before high tea in the late afternoon. Your guide will provide an overview of the region and the activities available, and you will have the opportunity to discuss your personal interests and devise a plan for the upcoming days.
There is an abundance of game in the Khwai Private Reserve, which is extensive. The primary activity in this region is morning, afternoon, and night drives, as well as supervised bush walks and mokoro excursions when water levels permit. This region has a strong history of conducting these activities year-round.
As you embark on your initial excursion that afternoon, you will commence your exploration of the breathtaking riverfront region and the breathtaking open plains. Impala, kudu, sable, zebra, wildebeest, tsessebe, and giraffe are among the animals that inhabit these plains. “And the predators follow!”
Indulging in a beverage as the sun lowers. As you return to camp with a spotlight, you will observe cats as they commence their hunting activities, as well as smaller nocturnal animals that are rarely observed without the floodlight, such as genet, bush babies, and caracals.
Day 5: Sable Alley
Khwai Private Reserve, Sable Alley, Hyena Pan and Skybeds
Another early morning wake-up call and breakfast commence the day, followed by a morning game excursion. Investigating locations where you may have heard sounds during the night or monitoring any intriguing movements of the cats overnight!
You will have a few hours to yourself to experience the beauty of this camp after returning for brunch. Either by the pool, in the lounge, on your private terrace, or lying horizontally on your bed to recharge from the early morning wake-up calls! If you are able to maintain your attention, why not arrange a sofa safari on your terrace and observe the comings and goings from the camp? The lagoon opposite the camp is constantly in motion.
At approximately 4:00 p.m., you depart for your afternoon activity, which may involve a mokoro excursion or a follow-up on earlier-day sightings. After stopping for a sundowner drink and snack to appreciate the stunning sunset, you return to camp with the spot light, keeping an eye out for the nocturnal animals as they begin to awaken.
Day 6: Skybeds
By now, you will be accustomed to the early morning wake-up call, although it may not be becoming any simpler. Following a casual breakfast, you embark on your morning routine, returning for brunch by midday. The day before your departure, your guide will address your departure time to ensure that you are prepared and packed in time to transfer to Skybeds for your final night in the Okavango, where you will spend the night under the stars.
You will be transported to Skybeds at a predetermined time, where you will embark on a two-hour game drive through the northern region of the reserve. Elephants are known to frequent the mopane forests in the vicinity, so be vigilant! While passing by a photo conceal, you will have the chance to observe animals up close and personal as they approach the waterhole to drink. It is impossible to capture a subpar photograph from this vantage point.
Upon your arrival at Skybeds in the late afternoon, you will have the opportunity to settle into your treehouse home before assembling on the elevated viewing terrace that offers a view of the waterhole to appreciate the sunset. To the accompaniment of the noises of the bush, dinner is served on a basic raised platform.
Ultimately, you return to your sleepout veranda for your final night in the Okavango. Settle into your cozy bed, which is equipped with a mosquito net, hot water bottle, and duvet, and bask in the glorious stars. Below the veranda, there is a private en-suite bathroom that includes a sink, toilet, and shot shower.
The elephants frequently visit the waterhole at night, and the sound of their drinking and purring to one another is an ideal way to drift off to sleep. It is also a wonderful conclusion to your excursion.
Day 7: End of Safari
The sound of the dawn chorus and the soft light will likely awaken you before your guide. You will be able to witness the sunrise from your deck and subsequently proceed to brunch.
The day before your departure to Maun, your guide will inform you of the time you will be departing camp. The flight will always be scheduled to coincide with any subsequent travel arrangements. Before tendering farewell to the Okavango, you will participate in a final morning activity and brunch, as determined by the departure time that was agreed upon with your guide.
Depending on the number of stops along the route, the flight to Maun will last approximately 30 minutes. A representative will greet you upon your arrival to ensure that you are able to connect with your onward travel arrangements.
End of The Okavango Skies Itinerary