Botswana - Okavango Delta - Kujwana Camp

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from FG of on 16/10/2022

5 NIGHT ITINERARY
A 5-night itinerary may take place on the first five nights of a 7 night itinerary. Guests will depart on day 6 after breakfast from Mokolwane or Kujwana camp (see transfer information below).

7 NIGHT ITINERARY
A 7-night itinerary starts on Saturday to Saturday, or Tuesday to Tuesday. The safari rides between 2 camps, giving guests the opportunity to explore these areas.

10 NIGHT ITINERARY
A 10-night safari is for the adventurous traveller. Please see sample itinerary below.
 
This is a sample itinerary which may vary according to water levels and game movements:

7 NIGHT ITINERARY
Day 1
Riders are met at Maun Airport by the hosts before a 20 minute transfer by helicopter straight into camp, or by light aircraft to the nearest airstrip, which is then roughly an hour’s drive to camp by vehicle or boat. On arrival in camp there will be time to settle in before lunch/afternoon tea and an introduction talk with a demonstration on tack and advice on game viewing from horseback. This is followed by an orientation ride for approximately 1 – 2hours.

Day 2
A full morning ride heading to the east exploring the Qwaapu area – a different landscape and a different river system with exciting game viewing opportunities. In the afternoon head out for a peaceful mokoro expedition up the river and enjoy the tranquility of the Delta from our dug out canoes. Enjoy the beautiful colours of the Delta as the sun starts to sink behind the horizon.

Day 3
The wake-up call each day is 1 hour before dawn to ensure best game viewing. After breakfast riders depart on a morning ride in the Xudum area, wading through lush green malapos that leads from island to island, surprising a timid reedbuck out his dense cover on a heavily wooded island, or enjoy the herds of lechwe and zebra moving through the open spaces. Return to camp for lunch followed by a siesta. An afternoon game drive with sunset drinks follows, with dinner in the bush and evening night drive with a spot light to end.

Day 4
A full day ride from Kujwana Camp, of approximately 30km heading northwest. The route moves through open floodplains and scattered islands towards the Matsebe river system, where you will see a wide variety of game. A picnic lunch is served on a shady island followed by siesta with camp beds, maybe a swim, and then a further 2 hours ride to in the afternoon. Arrive back at Kujwana Camp at sunset and enjoy a refreshing drink as you admire the stunning views over the floodplain.

Day 5
Today riders spend the morning on horseback, exploring the open plains to the south of the camp. After lunch and a siesta, head out on a game drive northwest to our sister camp, Mokolowane (Mok), and stay overnight in its beautiful stilted accommodation which is raised up to be above the highest water. The Mok experience specialises in predator viewing - lion and leopard are frequently seen and an afternoon game drive looking for these magnificent cats is often rewarded.

Day 6
Rising early, back in the game drive vehicle by dawn and ready to head out to look for lions and leopards in the area surrounding Mokolowane. After the thrill of watching predators in the wild, head back to Mok for lunch overlooking over the floodplains. After lunch return to Kujwana on a game drive, with time for a short siesta before getting back in the saddle to explore the immediate area around camp on horseback.

Day 7
An option of another full day ride exploring the Xudum area with a picnic lunch along the way. The ride covers around 35 km, with 4 hours ridden in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. This ride moves through a variety of game areas fording the Xudum River through numerous hippo channels.

Day 8
Early morning game ride if flight time permits.

10 NIGHT ITINERARY

Day1: Riders are met at Maun Airport by the hosts before a 20 minute transfer by helicopter straight into camp, or by light aircraft to the nearest airstrip, which is then roughly an hour’s drive to camp by vehicle or boat. On arrival in camp there will be time to settle in before lunch/afternoon tea and an introduction talk with a demonstration on tack and advice on game viewing from horseback. This is followed by an orientation ride for approximately 1 – 2hours.

Day 2: The wake-up call each day is half an hour before dawn to ensure best game viewing. After breakfast, a morning ride in the Xudum area, wading through lush green malapos that lead you from island to island, surprising a timid reedbuck out his dense cover on a heavily wooded island, or enjoy the herds of lechwe and zebra moving through the open spaces. In the afternoon head out for a peaceful mokoro expedition on the river and enjoy the tranquility of the Delta from our dug out canoes. Enjoy the beautiful colours of the Delta as the sun starts to sink behind the horizon.

Day 3
A full day ride from Kujwana Camp, of approximately 30km heading northwest. The route moves through open floodplains and scattered islands towards the Matsebe river system, where you will see a wide variety of game. A picnic lunch is served on a shady island followed by siesta with camp beds, maybe a swim, and then a further 2 hours ride in the afternoon. Arrive at back at Kujwana Camp at sunset and enjoy a refreshing drink as you admire the stunning views over the floodplain.

Day 4
After breakfast, a morning ride in the Xudum area, wading through lush green malapos that lead you from island to island, surprising a timid reedbuck out his dense cover on a heavily wooded island, or enjoy the herds of lechwe and zebra moving through the open spaces. Back in time for lunch and an afternoon powerboat trip up the river to look for the allusive Pels fishing owl or throw in a line and catch a delicious bream for dinner.

Day 5
Today riders spend the morning on horseback exploring the open plains to the south of the camp. After lunch and a siesta, head out on a game drive northwest to our sister camp, Mokolowane (Mok), and stay overnight in its beautiful stilted accommodation which is raised up to be above the highest water. The Mok experience specialises in predator viewing - lion and leopard are frequently seen and an afternoon game drive looking for these magnificent cats is often rewarded.

Day 6
Rising early, back in the game drive vehicle by dawn and ready to head out to look for lions and leopards in the area surrounding Mokolowane. After the thrill of watching predators in the wild, head back to Mok for lunch overlooking over the floodplains. After lunch return to Kujwana on a game drive, with time for a short siesta before getting back in the saddle to explore the immediate area around camp on horseback.

Day 7
A morning ride east towards Beacon and Lion Island. These are two very large islands in the area, which are cut off from Kujwana by the Qwaapu River. The area is criss-crossed with game paths leading you through a chain of rain pans. This is a great contrast to the open flood plains. Mopane forests and acacia woodlands offer a good variety of food for elephant, kudu and giraffe. Breeding herds of elephant enjoy the security of the dense forest and should the pans be holding water, zebra, wildebeest and buffalo can also be found. In the afternoon, enjoy a bird walk with the opportunity to learn more about the traditional uses of the plants and trees of the area.

Day 8
A morning ride around the East of Kujwana camp. Shady rain pans and thick riverine forest make this ride an ideal time to track a breeding herd of elephants. Break for a chocolate bar on the edge of a hippo pool, before riding on into more open areas with the chance of picking up a herd of buffalo moving through. In the evening, enjoy an early dinner in camp before heading out on a night drive to our platforms where you will spend a night sleeping under the stars. Fall asleep to the sound of the little pearl spotted owls who share the trees with you.

Day 9
Awake in the trees on your platform and enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the Qwaapu area, with the game strolling through the floodplain below. After a bush breakfast you'll make your way back to Kujwana Delta Camp with a game drive and walk. After a hearty lunch there will be a 2 hour evening ride followed by sunset drinks on one of the flood plains. A lovely way to end an active day.

Day 10
An option of another full day ride exploring the Xudum area - picnic lunch along the way. The ride covers around 35 km, with 4 hours ridden in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. This ride moves through a variety of game areas fording the Xudum River through numerous hippo channels.

Day 11
Early morning game ride if departure time permits.

NB.  Mokoros (dugout Canoes) are offered as an activity depending on water levels.

Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.


KUJWANA CAMP
Kujwana camp is situated on the Xudum river south west of Chiefs Island in the Okavango Delta. The camp accommodates a maximum of 8 guests in spacious safari tents each with bathrooms en-suite.There's a small swimming pool too. 
Fixed departure dates are published with a 5, 7 and 10 night safari offering the opportunity to explore the three main river systems in this area, the Xudum, Matsebi and the Kiri River. An area of over 2500 sq. km it is rich in wildlife and variety of fauna and flora. The areas between the three rivers contrast greatly and support different species of game and birds.

MOKOLOWANE CAMP
Mokolowane camp is north west of Kujwana on the Matsebi River. This camp is situated in the open flood plains, which receive floodwater 3 weeks earlier than Kujwana camp. The vegetation consists of smaller palm islands and wide-open spaces. Mokolowane is also an 8-bedded camp. The tree houses (accommodation) are 10 feet off the ground boasting superb views, each with private bathroom.
The Matsibe River is the main feeder for Lake Ngami

Riverside Suites
There are two spacious Riverside suites with spectacular views built on the river. The Hippo Cradle or The Elephant Wallow can be booked on request, depending on availability

Weight Limit
Although the weight limit for this ride is 14 stone/90kg/200lbs, any riders weighing over 14 stone/90kg/200lbs will be charged a supplement of 50% for a second horse. A special programme may be available for clients over the weight limit, which offers shorter rides, game drives and walks.

Non-Riders
Non-riders are welcome at Kujwana Camp and will enjoy their own personal safari game viewing on foot and by jeep with their own driver and guide, meeting up with the riders when possible. Please get in touch for a sample non-rider itinerary.

Transfers 

Option 1: Helicopter transfer - the helicopter transfer is a 25 minute scenic flight. This brings you directly from Maun to land on the camp island with plenty of time for afternoon activities. It offers a fantastic opportunity to view the Delta from tree top level and is the perfect way to start your safari.  (£310 in 2023) per person one-way.

Option 2: Fixed Wing and Boat transfer to/from Maun Via Xaranna - please note that this option is only available seasonally, depending on water levels. 2022 cost: £220 (£230 in 2023) per person one-way. Flight is 20mins, from the airstrip into camp takes 1 hour.

Transfers are for a minimum of 2 people, a supplement may apply for 1 person. Transfers to or from Maun should co-ordinate with Air Botswana's flight BP211 and BP212 and SAAir Link JNB to Maun & Maun to JNB.

Kasane Transfers
It is possible to fly from OHS to Kasane for onward travel to Victoria Falls. This transfer is either fixed wing and heli or fixed wing and boat along with road transfers between Kasane and accommodation in Victoria Falls. Please enquire for cost and possible extensions which we can arrange.

5 night itinerary transfers
The 5 night suggested itinerary either departs from Mokolowane on the final morning, or from Kujwana. If transfers are out of Mokolowane there will be an extra helicopter transfer cost of £100 per person based on 2 people. Guests can also transfer via light aircraft from the Pom Pom airstrip for no extra transfer supplement. There is no extra transfer supplement for transfers out of Kujwana.

See the Okavango in action on BBC iplayer, as featured on Nature's Great Events
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00j4c6b/Natures_Great_Events_The_Great_Flood/

EXTENSIONS

Why not spoil yourself with a few days on a tropical beach after your safari? We recommend one of our Mozambiquan Beach Extensions as an ideal way to round off a safari. The Victoria Falls, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans or Chobe Park are all great extensions.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

There are over 60 horses to choose from and all are lovingly looked after by Barney and her talented team. All are carefully selected and very well schooled. They have regular rest times and are grazed on the open plains up to twice a day. The horses also have time set aside for schooling by experienced riders to ensure they do not pick up bad habits from many different riders. The horses are often thoroughbred and cross with some Anglo Arab, pure Arab, American Saddle Bred crosses and Boerperds. They range in size from 14 to 17 hands high.

The tack is English style and each saddle has a Heather Moffatt seatsaver for comfort. Australian Wintec and an assortment of leather saddles are used - Barnsby and Kieffer. Tack is of high quality and kept in immaculate condition. All horses go in snaffle bridles. PJ and Barney have a well-established reputation for the quality of both horses and tack.

You are carefully matched to a horse and will be allocated a new horse every few days throughout your stay. This is to ensure the horses remain fresh as riding through water is very tiring. Depending on the height of the flood water there may be the opportunity to swim with your horse which is a fantastic experience! Expect to spend between 4-6 hours in the saddle a day. This is broken by refreshment stops en-route as well as a long lunch with siesta time! There is usually around a 10 minute walk for every two hours spent in the saddle which eases up the rider using different muscles, and helps the horse from constant pressure of the rider’s weight.

The terrain has been described as a water meadow. The Okavango is a Delta not a swamp. Enjoy palm islands, grassy flood plains, mopane forests and clear streams. Highest water is normally between May to September. Many of the flood plains are full at this time and the horses wade through from island to island. The going is normally quite good and firm along the edges of the islands allowing the ride to move on at a trot and canter.

Depending on the group the ride can be at all paces and this ride offers some of the best riding in the world. Your dedicated and knowledgeable guides are not only qualified to lead the rides but they also have a keen interest in the flora and fauna of the Okavango Delta having grown up in the surrounding areas. As well as the bird-life you will also learn about the traditional uses of plants and trees of the Delta and what part they play in this very special eco-system.

For the safari riders should have a secure and independent seat and be in control of a horse at a walk, trot and canter and be able to gallop out of trouble. In addition riders should be fit enough to ride for 6 hours in a day and be able to trot and canter for 15 minute stretches. On this safari you will come face to face with big game such as elephant and buffalo and riders should be able to beat a hasty retreat if necessary!
You will be asked to dismount and walk short distances next to your horse occasionally to give them a rest and stretch your legs – not more than 10 minutes and over easy ground.

Although the weight limit for this ride is 15 stone/95kg/210lbs, any riders weighing over 14 stone/90kg/200lbs will be charged a supplement of 50% for a second horse. A special program is available for clients over the weight limit which offers shorter rides and game drives. Please note that guests who are over the weight limit or do not have sufficient riding skills will not be permitted to ride for their own safety and the safety of the group.

Children are accepted but they must be strong, competent riders, ideally holding a Pony Club certificate or similar. There is no adjustment in price for children.

The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling.

Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.

If travelling with children under 18-years-old be sure to check if an unabridged birth certificate is required.

Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.

In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana

In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Botswana.html

In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/botswana

Summer months are September to April. October, November and February are the hottest months, with temperatures varying from 12 degrees C to 38 degrees C at midday.
The rains can start in October, with the occasional thunder shower. December to February are the wettest months.
Winter is May to the end of August. No rain. Evening and early mornings are cold. Temperature varies from 8 degrees C to 24 degrees C at midday.
The flood waters (different from rain) tend to arrive in May and recede by end September. This can vary considerably from year to year and depends on the timing and amount of rain which falls 4 months earlier in the catchment area over Angola. There are also large flood plains after heavy summer rains so mokoros can be operational in December/January/February/March too. Again this is heavily dependent on local rainfall and nto as reliable as the flood waters.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Malaria exists in the northern parts of Botswana including the Okavango Delta. Southern Botswana has a low risk Malaria and mosquitoes are prevalent. Anyone intending to camp or walk in the bush should be cautious of tick bites.

Health care in Botswana is good but medical facilities and communications are limited outside urban areas. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation to the UK or South Africa may be necessary. Private hospitals will not treat patients unless you can pay and health care may be expensive. Outpatients must pay cash before receiving treatment. Emergency patients will only be accepted if you have full insurance cover.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Botswana and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

It is strongly recommended you take anti malarial precautions when travelling to the Okavango Delta. Please see your doctor for details.
The area is Bilharzia free. The water in the tap comes from a well point in the river bed. Iced, boiled water is provided in the flask in your tent.

In Botswana the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Botswana, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).

There is solar electricity in camp with a generator back up so they can charge photographic equipment (and other electricals) in the main area during the day but only during sunlight hours. Adapter plugs are provided in the treehouse but if you wish to take your own then a South African adapter plug is needed.
There is no mobile phone reception in the Okavango Delta.If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

Please Note: Air Transfers are in light aircraft and there is a luggage weight restriction of 20 kg per person, this includes any hand luggage. Luggage must be packed in soft hold-all type bags. Any extra luggage can be left with their office in Maun.

Jodpurs - At least two pairs
Leather Chaps - Alternative to Jodpurs (or Half chaps)
Light Cotton Trousers - To wear under chaps
Shorts - For the midday break
Long sleeve shirt - Protection from the sun while riding
T Shirts
Swim suit
Socks - 2 changes per day
Rubber Flip Flops - 1 pair
Riding Shoes - 1 pair
Trainers - 1 pair or shoes to wear when not riding
Tracksuit/comfortable clothes - For evenings
Sweat shirt
Warm Jacket - Winter (April to September)
Hat Hard - for riding if preferred, wide brim / straw for shade
Riding Gloves
Plastic Poncho - Rainy season
Torch

All clothes should be neutral, khaki or bush coloured.

Other:
Sunglasses
Suntan lotion
Lipsalve
Insect repellent
Antihistamine cream and pills
Bumbag
Camera, film, binoculars

Laundry can be done in camp.

Provided:
Towels
Medical kit and snake bite kit
Water bottle
In each tent there is shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, liquid soap and a small soap
There are some hard hats to borrow, but to ensure a really good fit, it's best to bring your own

There are 3 programmes available - 5 or 10 nights or 7 nights. Each camp is situated to explore a different riverine system/area of the Delta. If you have the time a 10 night stay is highly recommended.

2023: Departures Saturdays and Tuesdays
2023 Low season: January, February, March, December
2023 Mid season: April, May, October, November
2023 High season: June, July, August, September

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Reading List

We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.

The Drunken Forest and The Whispering Land - Gerald Durrell

No1 Ladies Detective Agency series - Alexander McCall Smith

‘Land Mammals of Southern Africa’ – Smithers 

‘Okavango – Sea of Land of Water’ – Anthony Bannister; ‘Birds of Southern Africa’ – Ken Newman;

‘Kalahari – Life’s Variety in Dune and Delta’ – Michael Main.

A range of interesting and inspiring equestrian travel books can be purchased from www.horsetravelbooks.com (part of the Long Rider’s Guild).

Although the priority is riding, they offer alternative activities during the afternoons that are not day rides. A six hour morning ride can be tiring so afternoons are spent at leisurely pace with evening bird walks, mokoros (traditional dugout canoe), fishing (water levels permitting), game drives with sundowners and night drives.

The safari operates in a private concession. Game is plentiful, including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, lechwe, reedbuck, bushbuck, steenbok, impala, roan antelope, duiker, waterbuck, tsesebe, bat-eared fox, sidestriped and blackbacked jackal, African wildcat, baboon, vervet monkey, honey badger, spotted hyena, mongoose, meerkat, warthog, tortoise and ostrich; special nocturnal creatures - porcupine, aardwolf, aardvark, civet, genet, serval, spring hare; water species - hippo, crocodile, cape clawless and spotted necked otter; predators - leopard, lion, cheetah, wild dog.

Non-riding partners can easily be accommodated. The itinerary is tailored to the individuals needs and would consist of game drives, bird walks and mokoro (canoe) rides. Please enquire for more details.

Clients will be asked to sign an indemnity in camp before they ride.

Clients are given personal attention and every detail is thought of. A demonstration is given at the beginning of the safari with a talk on how to handle big game situations. A limited assortment of half chaps and riding gloves are kept in the camp.

Health
It is strongly recommended you take anti malarial precautions when travelling to the Okavango Delta. Please see your doctor for details. A medical kit is kept in the camp.

Botswana is a landlocked country situated in southern Africa. The climate ranges from semi-arid to sub-tropical. The Kalahari Desert dominates southern and western Botswana; the extreme south-west experiences near desert conditions, while eastern Botswana, though prone to drought, has adequate rainfall to support arable farming.

Beyond the narrow eastern corridor where the majority of the population is concentrated, Botswana is a largely roadless wilderness of savannas, deserts, wetlands and salt pans. Wildlife and livestock can make driving hazardous so driving at night should be avioded.

Botswana is two hours ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram.

The international dialling code for Botswana is +267.