4 day Delta Belle Okavango River House Boat Private Safari From BWP 50 850 for 4 people Maun – Maun (Fly-in and Boat) Departures: Daily (subject to availability)

The Delta Belle is a luxury houseboat that offers cruises on the Okavango River, which is the only permanent watercourse that feeds one of the greatest wetlands in the world, the Okavango Delta. She can accommodate 8 guests in 4 luxury en-suite cabins and is indeed a cut above the rest. It is the ideal destination for families, small groups and individuals interested in an Okavango River Safari.

The mooring facility is located in the Panhandle region of the Okavango Delta on the banks of the Okavango River in the village of Shakawe, which is nestled in Ngamiland’s North western corner in Botswana.

This part of the Okavango Delta is a water wilderness with papyrus-lined waterways, riverine forests, seasonal floodplains dotted with numerous islands, tranquil lagoons and crystal clear channels. It is undoubtedly an extraordinary place and home to a big variety of plants and trees, animals, bird, insects, frogs and fish alike.

House Boat Specifications Built: 2010 Mooring: Shakawe, Botswana Class: Luxury Length: 19 meters Width: 7 meters Passengers: maximum of 8 guests Accommodation: 4 Luxury en-suite Cabins Crew: Licensed Boat Captain, Chef and Deckhand Engines: 2 Outboard engines Electricity: 220V Tented Boat: 1 for water and land based activities

Facilities on Board

Lower Deck 3 Cabins are situated on the lower deck. A deck situated in the front offers a shaded leisure area as well as an open area for sunbathing.

Upper Deck 1 Cabin, open plan dining room, lounge and bar area is located on the upper deck. An open deck on this level makes it possible to enjoy superb views over the floodplains.

Accommodation

Accommodation will only be on board the Delta Belle Houseboat. The houseboat will be moored at different locations on the Okavango River each night. Three cabins are furnished with twin beds and one with a double bed. All cabins have ample space and are fitted with mosquito nets and a glass sliding door. The en-suite bathroom contains a toilet, shower, single hand basin with warm and cold water and a wardrobe.

Meals Meals on the Delta Belle Houseboat are served on the upper-deck. Catered and self catered options are available. A cash bar is available for alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and water. Coffee and teas are complimentary.

Family Safaris Attractions and activities on the Delta Belle Houseboat are aimed at both adults and children. A family safari offers the opportunity for young and old to share the exquisite beauty and diversity together.

Check-In and Check-Out Times Check-in time is 12h00 and Check-out time from the boat is at 10h00. Transfers to and from Shakawe airport and Delta Belle Houseboat are by road and takes approximately 5 minutes.

Activities

Photography The dazzling water wilderness of the Panhandle of the Okavango Delta presents nature and wildlife photographers with the perfect stage. Whatever subject you’re interest in, ample opportunities will ensure rewarding pictures and lasting memories.

Birding Bird watching in the Panhandle is sure to be a worthwhile experience and offers bird enthusiasts the opportunity to become closely acquainted with the more than 350 species that is found in the area. Frequent sightings include Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, African Jacana, Red-billed Oxpecker, Black Crake, Egrets and Herons, Darter and Reed Cormorant, Heuglin’s Robin, Cardinal Woodpecker and the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl. From September onwards numerous species of migrants and breeding-migrants also arrives in the Delta and sightings of the gracious African Skimmer and acrobatic Carmine Bee-eaters is not uncommon.

Game Viewing You will have the opportunity to see Hippo, Nile Crocodiles, Water Monitors, Bushbuck, Red Lechwe, Cape Clawless Otters, Elephant and the elusive Sitatunga Antelope who has found its niche in the wetland ecosystem. But it is often the smaller things that catch the eye. The delta is also home to frogs and butterflies of every imaginable shape, color and size, 8000 species of insects and spiders. All of this whilst around you water lilies bloom and birds call!

Fishing The annual fishing season opens on the 01st of March and closes on the 31st of December each year. Not only is the main waters of the Okavango River a captivating destination, it is also filled with life. Whether you are an avid and experienced fisherman or aspire to land your first Tiger Fish, this will be a fishing experience to be remembered. With many crystalline lagoons it’s definitely a fly fisherman’s paradise. Main fish species in the Panhandle area are the legendary Tiger Fish, various species of Tilapia, Barbel (Catfish) and African Pike. Guests to supply own Fishing equipment.

Krokovango Crocodile Farm With about 13 000 Nile Crocodiles on the farm, this sure is an experience not to be missed. A guided tour will give visitors the chance to observe the latest hatchlings as well as an opportunity to meet the oldest member of the family, Sam, who is roughly 70 years old. You will also be able to witness these prehistoric creatures in action during feeding times. A traditional garden showcases medicinal plants that can be found in the area and information on their uses by the local Batswana, Hambukushu and San people.

Itinerary

Day 1: Maun - Shakawe Upon your arrival at Maun International Airport, you will board your light aircraft for your charter flight to Shakawe. You wikll enjoy an aerial view of the Okavango Delta with game spotting. Upon arrival at Shakawe airstrip you will be met and transferred to Delta Belle House Boat. You will spend your first night settling in, and enjoying the slow pace of the Okavango River Delta.

Day 2, 3: Delta Belle House Boat, Okavango Delta Spend your days lounging away on deck, doing game viewing and bird spotting along the banks of the Okavango River, or take part in the many activities on offer. You will explore the various channels of the Okavango Delta, and each day will be planned around your liking. Fishing tackle will be available on board, as these waters are perfect for tiger fishing!

Day 4: Shakawe – Ghanzi After breakfast you will be met and transferred to Shakawe airstrip, to catch your light aircraft charter flight back to Maun airport. Your Okavango River Safari has come to an end.

Included Use of the entire house boat and tender boat House boat staff: captain, chef and a deck hand Catering: a scrumptious brunch and three course dinners

Complimentary teas and coffee Fishing licence (season is open from 1 March until 31 December); fishing tackle included Krokovango Crocodile farm; a visit to Samochima village Return charter flights from Maun airport to Shakawe 300 litres of fuel

Excluded Additional fuel and outboard oils used (BWP13 per litre of fuel; BWP110 per litre of oil) Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water and ice (there is a cash bar available on the house boat) International flights; visas (if applicable) Personal and medical insurance Mokoro trips (full day from BWP 500 per person) Any delays or diversions due to bad weather or any other reason that might affect the safety of the aircraft and/or the passengers Gratuities

Important Information Quotation is based on 4 people having exclusive use of the house boat The boat can accommodate up to 8 people The rates quoted above are subject to change without prior warning, if there are any increases in bed levies, park fees, fuel, sales tax or VAT, third-party services or any other circumstances beyond our control in the countries featured in this quote Our trading terms apply Additional activities not included in this quote are for clients’ own expense All additional payments must be settled by guests prior to disembarkment A non-refundable deposit of 50% is payable on confirmation to secure a reservation The full balance is required 90 days before the arrival date Any reservation made 90 days or less before arrival requires a full non-refundable payment to secure a reservation