Travel Adviser : Here today, gone Mokoro – Exploring the Okavango Delta

HOW TO GET THERE

Air Botswana flies daily direct to Maun from Joburg and twice weekly from Cape Town. The flights cost between R2 200 and R3 100 a person. For info, call +267-390-5500 or visit http://www.airbotswana.co.bw.

WHO TO CONTACT

Gunn’s Main Camp offers seven de luxe safari-style tents with en suite bathrooms. Gunn’s Bush Camp offers eight comfortable mini-safari tents, with shared ablutions. If you take up the option to go camping overnight on one of the islands, the rate is the same as at Bush Camp. Access is by 20-minute via light aircraft from Maun. For info, call +267-686-0023, e-mail sales@gunnscamp.com or visit http://www.gunnscamp.com.

If you’re a self-driver, or simply need to spend a day or two in Maun before you fly into the delta, Croc Camp is a good spot to hang out. Under new ownership, the riverside lodge 12 km from the centre of town has standard rooms and de luxe. The bar’s deck is perched over the Thamalakane River, so the odd croc and hippo can be spotted. If not, you’ll be assured of a cornucopia of bird life and monotonously resplendent sunsets. For info, call +267-680-0222, e-mail crocamp@info.bw or visit http://www.crocodilecamp.com

Among other things, Mankwe Safaris offers overnight camping trips on small isolated islands. The luxury trip includes a boat, fuel, driver, guide, all catering, equipment, park fees and transfers. For info, call +267-686-5788, e-mail mankwe@info.bw or visit http://www.mankwe.com.

Xakanaxa’s accommodation is in luxury tents. There are often last-minute deals for South Africans. Access is by a 30-minute flight with Mack Air via light aircraft from Maun. For info, call 011-463-3999, e-mail info@moremi-safaris.com or see http://www.moremi-safaris.com.

WHAT TO TAKE

Pack cameras, mozzie repellent, dark or beige clothing. It can get very cold at night in winter, so take a warm jersey.

WHEN TO GO

During low season (October to March), temperatures are sweltering, but towards the end of October, the game is centred around the water. During the cooler high season (April to September), the game is less concentrated because of the floods.