Botswana is one of Africa’s most loved safari locations and the Okavango Delta is, undeniably, one of the finest safari spots within this spectacular country. The Okavango Delta lies within the Kalahari Desert and is renowned for its waterways dispersed between extensive grassy plains and sandy pockets of land. The Delta itself is rich with wildlife – an estimated 164 species of mammal, 157 species of reptile and 540 species of bird all call this exceptional area of Africa as home. All of which means visitors can expect to enjoy some of the world’s best game viewing in the Okavango Delta, with predators including lions, cheetahs and the elusive leopard roaming freely.
The beauty of the Delta in the wet season is so often discussed that the benefits of visiting during the dry season are often overlooked. Here, the experts at specialist safari operator, Sanctuary Retreats, nominate their favourites activities on offer in the Delta right throughout the year…
Phenomenal Game Drives
Game drives are undoubtedly amongst the best aspects of any safari holiday – providing an unparalleled opportunity to view some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife in their natural habitat. At Sanctuary Retreats’ three Okavango Camps guests have the opportunity to spot animals up close with expert guides, during daily drives in open 4×4 vehicles. The variety of animals in the Okavango Delta is vast, including and not limited to hippos, elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards and rhinos. The area also boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes with desert, dry savannah, lagoon and swamps all in close proximity.
Adventurous Walking Safaris
Walking safaris are an incredible year-round activity, and one of the most authentic and exhilarating ways to explore the Delta on foot, accompanied by professional guides. This is a chance to encounter some of country’s most exciting wildlife from a unique – and often thrilling, perspective, up close and personal within the surrounding environment.
Living with Elephants
With its lush floodplains and dry Kalahari sands, northern Botswana is home to the world’s largest remaining population of African elephant herds, where they live a largely protected and secure existence.
For a truly unique experience, guests staying at Sanctuary Baines Camp and Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta can take advantage of a unique opportunity to explore and interact with the African bush from an elephant’s perspective thanks to thanks to Sanctuary Retreats’ unique elephant program, which it operates in partnership with the Living with Elephants Foundation.
The Living with Elephants Foundation is devoted to providing rescued African elephants with a second chance and safe home in the Okavango Delta and this extraordinary experience allows guests to join a foraging trek, steered by the elephants, and observe at close quarters how they forage peacefully for food, mud wallow and amble through the bush. This is an intimate and highly educational walk where guests will learn about the status of the African Elephant, their role in the ecosystem and conservation in general*.
Unforgettable Helicopter Flights
Flying over the Okavango Delta is a once in lifetime experience regardless of the season, and a scenic flight flying over the permanent Delta, exposes areas which are unreachable by vehicle or boat and showcases the area’s sheer enormity. For the more adventurous, there is also the option of removing doors for unrestricted photographic opportunities. While guests can choose when to fly, early mornings and late afternoons are best as they usually provide the best light for photography*.
Where to Stay
Sanctuary Retreats operates three unique luxury boutique properties in exclusive private concessions in the Okavango Delta – Sanctuary Baines Camp, Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp and Sanctuary Chief’s Camp. Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp is normally priced from USD635 per person per night twin share, Sanctuary Baines Camp from USD930 per person per night twin and Sanctuary Chiefs Camp from USD1360 per person per night twin share, for 1 – 3 nights, based on two people sharing, including all meals and drinks (excluding premium brands), scheduled game activities, and transfers to and from Livingstone Airport.
But for even better savings, take advantage of Sanctuary Retreats’ 2020 extended stay offer, when you stay at one or more of Sanctuary Retreats’ properties including any of the three Okavango Delta properties, depending on your season of travel.
Stay 4 – 6 nights and save up to 30%.
Stay 7+ nights and save up to 40%.
Terms and conditions apply.
*Activities attract an additional cost.
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