Okavango Safaris & Family Adventure
Shinde
Nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Shinde is an intimate camp located on the edge of Shinde Lagoon, which simply teems with animal and birdlife. The camp’s unique main area comprises a multi-tiered dining room and lounge, set under canvas amongst the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees to complement the atmosphere of this original safari camp.
The Young Explorer’s package is a specially designed safari offering families the opportunity to discover the wonders of the African wilderness together. One of the special attractions of this program is it exclusivity. Each family has the use of a private six-bedded camp, two professional guides, personal chef, waiter, housekeeper and mokoro guides. We are quite literally there to explore the bush at our leisure, while never losing sight of the fact that being in the wilderness is also about having fun!
Young Explorer’s comes on a fully inclusive basis. This means that the nightly rate at each of the camps covers:
• Accommodation
• All meals and snacks
• Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Game activities conducted by professional guides
• Daily laundry service
• All taxes, VAT, park entrance fees and service charges
• Emergency evacuation insurance (to regional medical facility)
Large suitcases are stowed free of charge at Botswana Maun airport office when your safari starts and ends in Maun.
Prices ( please enquire our specials): Children receive a 33% discount when sharing with 1 or 2 adults in a twin or triple tent.
Low Season (Apr – June & Nov) :
3 persons for 3 nights – USD 2,996 per person.
4 persons for 3 nights – USD 2,247 per person.
High Season ( July – Oct ):
3 persons for 3 nights – USD 3,638 per person.
4 persons for 3 nights – USD 2,729 per person. Enquire Now
NOT included are the return flights to Maun of USD 142 pp. or Kasane for USD 357 pp.
Detailed Itinerary:
DAY 1 Maun/Okavango Delta On arrival in Maun you will be met by our representative, then board a light aircraft transfer to the Shinde 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 transfer in a 4×4 safari vehicle and/or boat to camp. Over a refreshing drink and light lunch you will be briefed on activities and safety during your stay, then it is time to settle into camp. Later in the afternoon it is time to begin your first lesson in bush craft and some rules regarding animal behavior and respect for all the inhabitants of the wilderness. We 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. We return to camp for a piping hot bucket shower under the stars followed by a tasty dinner. Around the campfire we discuss the lessons of the day and learn more about Botswana, the history of the country and it’s people. For those that can stay awake long enough we can examine some of the stars in the African night sky before heading to bed – ready for an early start the next day.
Overnight at camp L/D
DAY 2 Okavango Delta
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 us. Following the water’s edge gives us 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.
Lets follow the honeyguide bird, and see if it will lead us to a honey nest!
Following another delicious lunch prepared on charcoal, parents are left to a lazy afternoon napping or reading while their young cubs are watched over by their guides, recording the morning’s observations and discoveries in our
Bush Journals, learning some traditional bush skills, such as basket weaving or carving the seed of the palmnut into a necklace for Mum! After no time at all, we are off out again, this time in the mokoro (dugout canoe) and if we are lucky we may spot the , 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 and fresh bread and cakes in the amazing bush oven. Who needs electricity anyway?
Overnight at camp L/D
DAY 3 Okavango Delta
With the sunrise comes an introduction to driving large 4×4 vehicles, which are vital out here in the bush. Any idea
how t change a tyre on a 4×4? While out and about we are sure to bump into some of the many species of large mammals that inhabit the Okavango Delta including wild dogs, elephants, lion, buffalo, cheetah, wildebeest and impala. Spending time quietly observing these mammals will give you an insight into the structure of their society and
how we may understand them through their body language.
That afternoon while Dad’s snores echo around camp you may learn some of the rules and skills required in order to handle a rifle safely. This is an important tool in our world is not a toy, and should be respected at all times! Under your guides experienced and watchful eyes you can learn to shoot our pellet gun on our own 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 fromthe mokoro! Here you will learn how to catch, handle and release a fish correctly ensuring you do it no harm, though we may wish to keep a couple for dinner!!
The final dinner is cause for celebration, toasting new friends, reminiscing over unique experiences and lifelong memories. The grown ups would like to drift off to sleep with the ever-present chorus of the and the tinkle of the 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!!
Overnight at Camp B/L/D
DAY 4 Okavango /Maun
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 making you an official member of a truly select group of bushrangers, the Young Explorers!! After farewells to the camp staff and your guides you transfer by light aircraft onto your next destination.
B
Shinde Main Camp is nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Shinde is an intimate camp located on the edge of Shinde lagoon, teeming with animal and birdlife.[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Accommodation
• 8 x twin bedded classic safari tents, including a honeymoon tent and Enclave tents.
• Tents feature private viewing deck with splendid views, across the Delta’s waterways or open grasslands.
• Each tent offers ensuite bathroom, hot and cold running water, flush toilet and electric ceiling fans.
• Comfortable three quarter beds, however double accommodation is available on request.
• Delightful honeymoon option – guests are accommodated in the honeymoon tent and enjoy special touches.
Dining
Shinde – the main camp’s unique tree house made of a multi-tiered raised dining/lounge area under canvas, set amongst the shade of ebony and mangosteen, complements the atmosphere of this original safari camp. For the more adventurous, guided walks are also available while fly fishing enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for a variety of species such as tilapia and tigerfish.
Included Activities
• Game drives in open safari vehicles
• Mokoro with a local ‘poler’ and explore the delta’s tranquil waterways
• Powerboat trips
• Guided walking trails
• Fly or spin fishing
• Private guide at Shinde Enclave
Children Children 10 years and over are accepted at Shinde & Enclave. An extra bed for children can be placed into tents on request. For exclusive use of Enclave, children as young as 7 years are permitted.
Enquire Now
The Shinde Enclave Often regarded as one of the finest locations in the Okavango Delta, offers a section of the camp for private use – The Enclave. Here there are 3 tents, elevated on teak platforms overlooking papyrus and reed floodplains, where sightings of the elusive sitatunga often occurs. Guests are hosted and escorted by a senior guide on private game activities. A private boma, dining area and lounge overlook the lagoon and a waiter is included. The suggested minimum stay at the Enclave is 3 nights. Occupancy is limited to 6 guests[/wptabtitle] [wptabcontent]Shinde Enclave is an exclusive ‘camp within a camp’, offering the ultimate in personal service and an indelible wilderness experience. With a private dining and lounge area, it is the perfect retreat after a day’s activities. This intimate hideaway also offers guests the services of a private chef, waiter and housekeeper as well as their own professional guide and game drive vehicle.
Prices for private occupancy of the Enclave are seasonal:
Low Season (Dec to June):USD 4,740 per night for the whole camp (3 tents)
High season ( July – October ): USD 6,357 per night for whole camp (3 tents)
Fully Inclusive Safari:
• Accommodation
• All meals and snacks
• Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Game activities conducted by professional guides
• Daily laundry service
• All taxes, VAT, park entrance fees and service charges
• Emergency evacuation insurance (to regional medical facility)
Large suitcases are stowed free of charge at Maun airport office when your safari starts and
ends in Maun.
NOT included are return flights to Maun.