Safari Planning
A guide to planning your safari to the Okavango Delta
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Okavango Delta Explorations is a specialist tour operator crafting tailormade itineraries to the Okavango Delta and beyond into the wider region.
We are entirely independent, offering unbiased expert advice to a highly complex area through many years of professional and personal experience in the region. Our knowledge is built on solid foundations, with first-hand experience of living and working in Botswana. We undergo regular research trips into the field to ensure our knowledge is up to date and maintain strong relationships with all the safari lodges and suppliers to keep abreast of all developments.
We offer fair and completely transparent pricing. Our rates are no more than booking direct with the lodges but with the advantage of all additional services and logistics included in your itinerary.
Okavango Delta Explorations is the trading name of Ngamiland Explorations, a company registered in England and Wales (company No. 09704075). We are regulated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority and hold an ATOL Licence (number 11065) which offers financial protection and peace of mind. In the unlikely event that something happens to us your money is safe.
The team at Okavango Delta Explorations are based in London and Maun, Botswana. We are available 24/7 for any urgent matters and have an extensive team of local partners throughout the region on hand to help in an emergency.
For any further information don’t hesitate to get in touch.
John Gibson
Our founder, John Gibson, grew up on the wild banks of the Chobe river. His childhood was spent exploring northern Botswana with some of its first safari pioneers such as Jessie Neil in Moremi, Lloyd Wilmot in Savute and David Hartley in the Okavango.
This wilderness has been part of his life for over 30 years. Much has changed in Botswana since then, but the wilds of the Okavango Delta are timeless and continue to inspire him. He established Okavango Delta Explorations to share his passion for this unique destination with others.
Louise FitzGerald
Born and bred in Botswana – Louise was lucky enough to call this wilderness her playground growing up and has been exploring it ever since. During her travel career she has worked in lodges, air charter and with tour operators giving her experience of every aspect of this industry. Passionate about Africa, Louise has travelled extensively throughout the region including Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and South Africa.
Dany Hancock
Dany has worked within the safari and travel and tourism industry for over 20 years. Originally from the UK, Dany has called Maun her home since 1998. With extensive experience in the industry, from camp management to organising specialist tours – Dany knows the Okavango Delta and indeed all of Botswana extremely well. A keen horsewoman, Dany is a true specialist in the niche area of riding safaris, in Botswana and beyond. Her wanderlust has taken her right across the globe, usually on horseback. Dany is our riding and self-drive specialist.
Claire Lourens
Claire grew up in South Africa and began her career as a guide, working in nature conservation and eco-tourism. Leaving the bushveld for the city to raise her family, Claire moved over to travel and tourism and has extensive experience in organizing tailormade safaris. Since her first research trip to the Okavango Delta, Claire was utterly enchanted and has relished becoming an expert in this area. Â Claire has a passion for all things African and has travelled extensively across Africa, including Botswana and South Africa, visiting Uganda, Zambia and Reunion Island, guiding and exploring on land, on water and by air.
One of the best holidays we have been on, from the initial inquiry, the organisation, suggestions and safari its self. Worth every pound and would recommend Okavango Delta Explorations to anyone.
Simon Tunstall - travelled Nov 2019
If you’re anything like me, you may be overwhelmed when beginning your Safari planning. Look no further than Okavango Explorations. They were an enormous help, patiently answering my litany of questions and putting together an incredible itinerary within our parameters. She was always available by email and phone and spent the time to get to know our needs.
Drew Simon 2019
Okavango Delta Explorations was an excellent choice. They heard in long telefon calls my wishes and expectations very well and gave me perfect advice on tours and camps/lodges. They are very experienced experts of the region, who know exactly where to send you according to your expectations . The organzation was absolutly perfect. There is nothing to improve. We had a very special and wonderful time.
Kerstin Schonherr – travelled Nov 2019
The whole trip was perfect! Louise made recommendations to us that were all spot on perfect. The recommendations provided were detailed and really brought things to life for us so that we could make the best choices - the guidance we received was first rate. We thoroughly enjoyed the three places we visited and the whole experience was very smooth. Thank you so much! We will be back and would highly recommend.
Kathryn Dyer - travelled 2019
An absolutely superb trip, and this is entirely down to Okavango Delta Explorations.
Louise carefully listened to what we wanted to get from the trip, and despite my work schedule patiently kept me informed of all developments in our honeymoon and planned everything. I can't fault Louise or the company's approach to organising this trip. No question or request was too much and everything was planned perfectly. We will definitely be returning and using the company again.
Johnathan Manners -July 2019
I have received excellent recommendations for the two camps selected at Okavanko Delta and Moreni Reserve. Outstanding locations, camps and wildlife. Very professional and knowledgeable guides. Very professional and friendly staff attentive to specific needs of guests. Excellent food and organization for meals either at the camps or in the wild. Thank you.
Charles Morin 2019
We were looking for an authentic family safari, something special for our children to remember forever- without breaking the bank! They listened to what we were looking for and patiently worked with us to plan the perfect trip, attentive to every little detail and answering all our anxious questions! And we had the holiday of a lifetime! Their expert knowledge and passion for Botswana is clear. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to visit Botswana. Thank you!!
Marie Gabrille Arnim
Great service from ODE, the team worked hard to deliver a holiday of a life time!!!
Specifically valued the efficiency, attention to detail and understanding when circumstances changed. Would definitely recommend Okavango Delta Explorations to anybody who wants a hassle free holiday organised by experts.
Carla Peek 2019