Safari Planning
A guide to planning your safari to the Okavango Delta
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Due to the aquatic nature of the Okavango Delta and the remote locations of the lodges– access to the Delta is mainly by light aircraft. A few camps offer road transfers but this is rare.
The nearest international airport to the Okavango Delta is Maun Airport, in the north of Botswana. This is often described as the ‘gateway to the Okavango’. It is also possible to reach the Okavango from Kasane International Airport, in the Chobe area as well, though this takes longer and is more expensive.
Maun Airport is serviced with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Airlink operates flights from both Johannesburg and Cape Town while Air Botswana operates a schedule flight between Johannesburg and Maun only. These flights are direct and take about 2 hours, generally arriving in Maun around 1.30pm.
It is strongly recommended that international connections in Johannesburg or Cape Town allow for at least 2.5hours, ideally 3 hours between flights. We can assist with accommodation in Johannesburg if required.
On arrival in Maun Airport you will be met by a representative and assisted onto your shared charter flight to your camp in the Okavango- this flight usually takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on the camp you are going to. This is a scenic flight, a superb introduction to the Okavango Delta which is magnificent from above, larger animals such a elephants, hippos, buffalo and giraffe are frequently seen.
When combining a number of camps in the Okavango and surrounding area you will again transfer by light aircraft- these flights take between 15-30 minutes between the airstrips.
A number of different charter operators are used, often connected with the camps themselves.
Flights within the Okavango are not run on a set schedule. The departure and arrival times are only set by the charter operations team the day before and for this reason times cannot be advised ahead of this. Flights will always be scheduled to connect with international arrival and departures. When flying between camps, flights will be scheduled to operate between activities wherever possible to ensure as little disruption as possible. Your guide will always inform you the day before of your flight time.
To keep fares affordable, the flight transfers within the Okavango are booked on a seat only basis on shared charter flights rather than on a private charter basis. In order to run as efficiently as possible and to keep air fares down these flights will service a number of different airstrips and can stop up to three times before reaching your camp. Stops are short and efficient, often the engines are not even turned off (a ‘hot-turn around’ system) and last just 10 minutes.
For those coming from the Chobe or Victoria Falls area, seats on a shared charter flight to your Okavango camp can be arranged. These flights take about 60-80 minutes depending on the camp and area visited. These flights cost around $400 per person.
The most common makes of aircraft used are the Cessna C182, C206, C210, C207, Cessna Grand Caravan, Britten Norman Islander and the Gippsland Airvan. These aircraft allow limited luggage and there is a strict luggage allowance of 20 kgs per person to include hand luggage. Bags must be soft sided to enable the pilot to pack the bags into the pod below. Hard cases cannot be carried.
These charter flights are not permitted to fly in the dark by civil aviation regulations. In addition it is not possible to land on the remote airstrips in the dark, without lights. For this reason, if travellers arrive too late for the pilot to make a return flight, you will have to overnight at the point of arrival (usually Maun) at your own expense and fly the next day.
In order to book a seat on a shared charter flight full names, nationality and body weight must be provided. This is for safety reasons. Some charter operators have a weight limit of 100 kgs, passengers over this weight may be required to pay an additional charge.
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
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