4 day Young Explorers Okavango Family Adventure, Okavango Delta, Botswana

Day 1: Maun - Okavango, Delta Botswana

On arrival in Maun you will be met by a representative, complete a registration card and indemnity form, then board a light aircraft transfer to Shinde Private concession. The flight is approximately 25 minutes and you will be amazed as the desert transforms to delta before your eyes. At the airstrip you are met by your guides and transfered in a 4x4 safari vehicle to camp.

Over a refreshing drink and light lunch you will get briefed on activities and safety during your stay. Later in the afternoon it is time to begin your first lesson in bush craft and some rules regarding animal behaviour and respect for all the inhabitants of the wilderness. From there, you set out on a short walk, allowing you to become accustomed to some of the sights sounds and smells that make up the language of the African Bush.

You return to camp for a piping hot bucket shower under the stars followed by a tasty dinner. Around the campfire you will get a chance to discuss the lessons of the day and learn more about Botswana and the history of the country and it’s people. For those that can stay awake long enough you can examine some of the stars in the African night sky before heading to bed.

Day 2: Okavango Delta, Botswana

The day begins before sunrise with coffee around the fire, and a light breakfast before heading out to see what the bush has in store for you. Following the water’s edge gives you the chance to examine some of the tracks left by overnight visitors, as well as identifying some of the multitude of animals, birds and insects that inhabit the forests. Follow the honeyguide bird, and see if it will lead you to a honey nest!

Following another delicious lunch prepared on charcoal, you are left to a lazy afternoon napping or reading while your young cub/s are watched over by your guides, recording the morning’s observations and discoveries in their Bush Journal, learning some traditional bush skills, such as basket weaving or carving the seed of the palm nut into a necklace for Mum!

After no time at all, you are off again, this time in the mokoro (dugout canoe) and if you are lucky you may spot the sitatunga, one of the world’s most unusual and secretive antelope, while your guides teach you some of the ways to survive in this vast wetland wilderness. In the evening its off to the bush kitchen and be astounded as you learn how the mouth watering fare is produced on the fire.

Day 3: Okavango Delta, Botswana

With the sunrise, comes an introduction to driving large 4x4 vehicles, which are vital out in the bush. Any idea how to change a tyre on a 4x4? While out and about you are sure to bump into some of the many species of large mammals that inhabit the Okavango Delta including Wild dogs, Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Cheetah, Wildebeest and Impala. Spending time quietly observing these mammals will give you an insight into the structure of their habitat and how you may understand them through their body language.

That afternoon while your Dad’s snores echo around camp you will learn some of the rules and skills required in order to handle a rifle safely. This is an important tool in the world it is not a toy, and should be respected at all times! Under your guides experienced and watchful eyes you can learn to shoot the pellet gun on the bush range!

Later, you may wish to try your angling skills Okavango style, either along the banks of lagoons and channels or, for the more adventurous from the mokoro! Here you will learn how to catch a fish correctly as well as handle and release it ensuring you do it no harm, though you may wish to keep a couple for dinner!! Unique experiences and lifelong memories are guaranteed.

The grown ups would like to drift off to sleep with the ever-present chorus of the hippos and the tinkle of the reed frogs. But for the trainee bushrangers it is the perfect opportunity to head off with a spotlight to try and identify some of the many species that wake up as the sun sets!!

Day 4: Okavango - Maun, Botswana

The morning is spent discussing your stay and your guides will ask you to identify several tracks, birds and animals, and to explain some of the skills that you might use to survive in the bush. After this informal bush evaluation you will then be awarded your Okavango Delta certificate and shirt, making you an official member of a truly select group of bushrangers. After farewells to the camp staff and your guides you transfer by light aircraft onto your next destination.

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