Okavango Delta

Located in an exclusive 25 000 hectare wildlife concession, the nine ensuite safari tents of andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp look out over the expansive lagoons and channels of the Okavango Delta. Cradled under a canopy of African ebony trees, each tent sits on a raised wooden platform and boasts sweeping views. Private bush dinners, breakfasts in bed, lamplit cocktails on a river island or a walking safari with al fresco picnic are provided with pleasure by Nxabega’s warm and friendly staff.

Game viewing in the Okavango Delta is remote and secluded, with very few vehicles sharing the private concession. Sensitive off-road driving practices allow our guests to get up close to the area’s exceptional wildlife. Afternoon drives continue after night, allowing for an opportunity to see the many animals that are more active at night, including leopard and serval. Lion frequently hunt at night and there is always a chance of coming upon them feeding on a kill.

The Delta is probably best known for its Mokoro rides (which are seasonal and dependent on water levels). These are boating trips through the maze-like channels and shallow lagoons of the Delta. They are conducted in traditional boats which are called Mokoros. These sturdy boats used to be hand crafted out of large Delta trees. Today most of the boats used in the Delta are fiber glass replicas, to prevent the cutting down and depletion of the Delta’s magnificent trees. Mokoros are a great way to go game viewing. As they are not motorized, they allow you to glide silently through the channels. This allows you to approach the wildlife silently and you will see more, as they are not scared off by a motor. You will see many animals that feed on the grass and reeds on the palm islands such as lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, hippo and crocodile.

&Beyond’s professionally trained guides will ask you about your favourite wildlife and will do their best to ensure that your preferences are met, whether it is tracking a particular species or spending more time enjoying each sighting, getting to know the habits of the animals. They will also tell you about the vegetation of the region and will explain the behaviour of the animals that you come across. In some cases, the guides will be able to identify individual animals and let you know about their history and habits.

Itinerary:

Day 1

· Collected from the airstrip near Nxabega Tented Camp in the Okavango Delta by your welcoming hosts (there are direct flights from Johannesburg to Maun and chartered flights from Maun into the Delta)

· Transfer to the camp to get settled

· This afternoon embark on your first safari activity in the Okavango

· Return to the camp for an exquisite evening under the African night sky

· Overnight: &Beyond Nxabega Tented Camp Full Board

Day 2

· Early morning start as you head out on safari to experience the awakening of the Okavango

· Return to camp for a scrumptious breakfast

· The rest of the day is at leisure to relax on your private verandah, lounge by the pool, or indulge in a variety of massage treatments on offer. There is also a beautiful safari shop at the camp filled with all sorts of delights that showcase the very best of Botswana’s handicrafts and fashion.

· Afternoon safari activity

· Overnight: &Beyond Nxabega Tented Camp Full Board

Day 3

· Today will unfold in a similar fashion as you adapt to the safari rhythm

· Morning safari activity

· Day at leisure

· After safari

· Dinner

· Overnight: &Beyond Nxabega Tented Camp Full Board

Day 4

· Final morning safari

· Transferred to airstrip for your flight home

Please note:

Flights can be arranged on your behalf at your request.

Children under the age of 12 sharing with 1 or 2 adult are charged 50% of the adult rate. This is subject to the availability of triple rooms.

Your flight may have a maximum bag weight so please check this before packing.

Scenic helicopter flights are available and must please be booked in advance.

Included in tour:

• Accommodation

• Three meals daily

• Soft drinks, house wines, local brand      spirits and beers, teas and coffees and refreshments on game drives

• Laundry

• Safari activities (game drives, walking      safaris, mokoro adventures*, motorised boat cruises*, catch-and-release      fishing*, photography, stargazing and birding)

• Emergency medical evacuation insurance

• VAT

• Transfers to and from the lodge airstrip      and park fees

• A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik      CL Companion 8×30 binoculars per tented suite for use during your stay

· * This activity is seasonal as water levels change yearly and weather patterns are unpredictable.

Excluded from tour:

• Flights

• Travel insurance

• Telephone calls

• Safari Shop purchases

• Gratuities

• All items of a personal      nature

• Champagne, cognacs, fine      wines, premium brand spirits and cigars

• Private vehicle      (available at an additional cost)

• Landing fees

What to bring:

· Neutral (beige, green, and browns) colour tones for your safari attire

· Suitable layers according to season you are traveling/ light cottons during the summer

· A fleece/ sweater and a warm jacket is always useful for the evenings and early mornings if temperatures drop

· Camera