An Okavango Delta Boat transfer

One always thinks of a transfer while on holidays possibly involving a taxi, train, aeroplane or tube but here at Camp Okavango we have an unforgettable transfer by boat to one of our sister lodges – Camp Moremi. Here the transfer doesn’t only mean getting from A to B but it also includes an opportunity to view the Delta’s spectacular scenery and wildlife. Instead of been squashed in a stuffy queue one gets to relax on a boat, learn about the fauna and flora of the diverse Okavango Delta and take in the fresh untouched African wilderness.

So what does a boat transfer involve?

After a relaxed breakfast in camp our guest will jump on one of our motor boats with a very experienced and knowledgeable local guide as their driver. Setting off from the camp you will begin to meander through the papyrus lined channels of the Okavango. On these transfers one never knows what to expect. After about 20 minutes you will enter into the flood plain behind the camp where there could be a possibility of seeing the very rare Sitatunga. This is an aquatic antelope which lives in the papyrus. It has splayed, elongated hooves which helps it to run in the mud with out getting stuck, a wonderful adaptation for these animals. On one such boat transfer the guests where incredibly lucky to see an African Rock Python attempting to swallow a Spur Winged Goose while a crocodile looked on! After crossing the flood plain the boat will join the main channel know as the Mounachire channel following the water down stream you will continue to travel through the wider papyrus lined channels. Around each corner you never know what to expect, you may be fortunate to see elephants swimming in the channel, crocodiles basking in the sun and plenty of birds going about their daily activities.

In the hotter months the elephants enjoy the refreshing Delta waters so one always needs to keep a look out on the banks of the Delta or even right in the middle of the channel where you may just see the trunk acting as a snorkel! For birders look out for the African Jacana’s – known as the Jesus bird as it walks on top of the water lilies.

Just before Gadikwe Lagoon, which is the half way stop you will come across the biggest heronry in Moremi Game Reserve. There you will find countless species of birds nesting. Every year the same birds migrate from all over the continent and some even come from Europe to breed at this particular spot. Some of the birds you will see are Marabou Storks, Yellow Billed Storks, Egrets and Ibis. Because of the possibilities of eggs or newly hatched babies falling into the water below their nests, the crocodiles, cat fish and monitor lizards wait in eager anticipation for an easy meal.

From viewing the birds at the heronry the boat will then stop at Gadikwe Island where you can stretch your legs, use a friendly tree and have a hot cup of coffee or tea. At this point you will swap boats and guides and from that stage the guide will take you safely onto Camp Moremi.

After the Gadikwe stop you will notice the change in scenery and vegetation. The water is shallow and you will move from one lagoon to another. The channels change from papyrus lined to over hanging Water Berry Trees. The viewing of game does not stop as you are now passing by open plains. Look out for lions keeping watch from a termite mound and giraffes browsing on Sausage Trees.

The whole transfer will take approximately 3 hours depending on what you see along the way. You will arrive at Camp Moremi just in time for brunch!