Suggested Itinerary
Days 1-2: Maun-Kwetsani Camp
Transfer by flight from Maun Airport to Kwetsani Camp. Kwetsani, one of the most remote camps in the Okavango, is situated on a magnificent elongated island covered with palm, mangosteen and fig trees. You will feel a part of nature here as you make your home in one of the five beautifully furnished “tree-house” thatched units with en-suite bathroom.
Open and airy, the wood, glass and canvas make for a splendid setting. The dining and lounge area, under a cool thatched roof, leads out onto an expansive wooden deck overlooking the floodplain. A short walkway will take you to the plunge pool where you can watch wildlife from the comfort of your sun lounger.
The vegetation in the Kwetsani varies from picturesque floodplains with lush palm islands and riparian forest to dryer parts covered in acacia and mopane woodland. Mekoro, boat trips, guided walks, and game drives are usually on offer all year round. There are two platform hides in the concession.
Water-loving red lechwe are in abundance which attract big predators such as lion and leopard. Other game includes tsessebe, giraffe, elephant, hippo and crocodile, occasional sitatunga and regular spotted-necked otter.
Birding is exceptional with large concentrations of endangered Wattled Crane, Slaty Egret, and Lesser Jacana.
Days 3-4: Jacana Camp
Transfer by flight from Kwetsani to Jacana Camp. Set on a small island, Jacana is a true water camp, epitomizing the seclusion of the Okavango Delta. Your accommodation will be one of the five Meru-style tents looking out over the expansive surrounding waters. The main dining area is elevated on a wooden deck and surrounded by big shady trees. Downstairs, curl up on one of our cozy couches or gaze out across the waters from the viewing deck.
Lazy afternoons can be spent swinging on a hammock and cool evenings are spent sitting around the open fire. The traditional boma often sets the scene for outdoor dining under the stars. As a wonderland of water-based animal and bird life, Jacana begs to be explored.
Jacana Camp is set in the Jao Concession, a true wetland area, ideal for the rare sitatunga and abundant red lechwe. In the dry season, lechwe, tsessebe, elephant, and zebra are prevalent, with lion, cheetah and leopard often sighted. Wildlife concentrations in this area of the Delta depend on water flow and volume, changing from season to season. Birdlife is abundant; enthusiasts can spot Pel’s fishing-owl as well as African and lesser jacanas and other Okavango specials such as slaty egret and African pygmy-goose.
Days 5-7: King’s Pool Camp
Transfer by flight from Jacana to King’s Pool Camp.
Named for Scandinavian royalty, this luxurious and stylish camp overlooking the Kings Pool Lagoon and Linyanti River System epitomises this beautiful region. Nine exquisite en-suite rooms of canvas and thatch set the scene for the authentic African setting.
Curl up in the lounge, take a dip in the plunge pool or soak up the views from your traditional sala. The main lounge and dining areas are set on expansive decks with a swimming pool and open-air boma for dining under the stars. This magnificent retreat with its breathtaking wilderness will have you begging to stay.
Kings Pool Camp is involved in elephant research and the possible impact that large herds have on the vegetation and other animal species. The area is characterized by open floodplain, typical riparian forest and mopane woodland.
Activities include day and night game drives, guided walks, and seasonal boat cruises. A unique eye-level hide will have you watching elephant feet almost within touching distance.
Kings Pool Camp is most noted for its large elephant population, while other game such as red lechwe, kudu, sable, roan, giraffe, buffalo and bushbuck, and their predators: lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyaena. The surrounding reed and papyrus swamps are ideal for the numerous and diverse species of birds.
Day 8: Departure
Optional Extension to Victoria Falls (2 nights)
Transfer from King’s Pool to Kasane Airport and take a flight to Livingstone Airport, where you will be transferred to Toka Leya Camp.
Set on the western sector of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Toka Leya Camp perches on the banks of the precipitating Zambezi River. Only 12km upstream from the world-renowned Victoria Falls, the camp is well placed for you to explore the scenic and vibrant region.
Limiting the camp’s footprint on this pristine land, wooden walkways snake between the 12 spacious en-suite safari-style tents. You will feel safe and comfortable in your tastefully decorated room with an expansive wooden deck looking out at the mighty river – often presenting the sight of rambling elephants, grunting pods of hippo and idle crocodiles. Under a canopy of shady trees, the camp’s dining, lounge and bar areas offer ample space for you to relax, complete with an infinity pool.
Toka Leya has a worm farm and indigenous nursery so as to rehabilitate the plant species of the area. The densely vegetated islands in front of camp form part of the braided channel of the Zambezi River.
‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ is the local name for Victoria Falls, literally meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’ which accurately describes the rising spray that can be seen 30km away.
Additional activities on offer include guided walks and adventure pursuits. The park offers wildlife viewing of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala and white rhino. The prolific bird life includes the African Finfoot, a rarity elsewhere, yet here a resident.
