 For travellers seeking new adventures, there is no better way to experience the Okavango than to camp out on its remote islands. These safaris will operate every three days from the early May to the end of October to fit in with the rise and fall of the annual flood.
Day 1
Xigera is set right in the heart of the Okavango Delta and the Xigera Mokoro and Walking Trail starts soon after you land at the airstrip (arrivals should be no later than 12h00) and meet up with your senior guide and BaYei polers. After a short drive to the starting point and a safety talk, we climb into the mokoro's and set off into the wilderness. Some of the mokoro's carry the camping equipment, drinks and food while others carry the guests and their personal luggage so the group is totally self contained and can operate at it's own pace and needs.
We stop for a picnic lunch on the first day and find an island on which to make camp by mid afternoon. The paddlers set up the camp and all meals are cooked on the campfire. There are bucket showers and a "long drop" toilet. The tents are specially designed with the top made out of netting so one does not lose the feeling of sleeping out under the stars but are still safe and secure tucked up for the night in comfortable bedrolls with duvets and pillows.
Day 2
After an early breakfast and walk while the paddlers break camp and load the mokoro's we set off for another island, enjoying the Delta and its wildlife while relaxing in the dugouts. Stops along the way to walk and explore for any reason are the norm and the rhythm and pace depend on what is happening at that moment.
Day 3
On the last morning we pack up our personal luggage and head back to the airstrip (arriving around 13h00) for the flight transfer out.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE XIGERA MOKORO AND WALKING TRAIL IN BOTSWANA
Group Size
Our Xigera Mokoro and Walking Trails are run on a scheduled departure basis with a maximum group size of eight guests in six tents. A minimum of two guests is required to confirm a departure. If you would like to do this safari on a private basis, please contact us for assistance. A pro guide, mokoro polers and a cook/camp hand will accompany each fully serviced trip.
Age Limit
We have a minimum age of 12 on our Xigera Mokoro and Walking Trail. For groups with children under 12, we would be happy to quote a private safari.
Accommodation / Camping Equipment
Accommodation is in 2-man tents with enough headroom to allow guests to stand (maximum of two guests per tent). Tents will be lit with battery lamps and furnished with comfortable bedrolls on the floor, as well as duvets and pillows. All meals will be cooked on an open fire and served at a table. Restroom facilities will consist of a shared hot bucket shower with shower tent, and a shared pit latrine toilet with seat and toilet tent.
Joining the Safari
Guests must arrive at the Xigera airstrip no later than 12h00 on Day 1, if not staying at Xigera the night before, as it can take up to 5 hours to travel in a mokoro from the airstrip to the overnight campsite. The Xigera Mokoro and Walking Trail will arrive back at Xigera airstrip at about 13h00 on Day 3.
Travelling Companions
On the scheduled Xigera Mokoro and Walking Trail, participants will be travelling with a small number of people, possibly from a range of age groups and usually from several different areas of the world. To get the most out of the safari experience, co-operation and harmony with fellow passengers is essential. If you are a naturally grumpy person and do not enjoy the company of others, please do not book this safari. Should any member of the group behave in such a way that it affects either the enjoyment or safety of others in the group, that member will be warned, and eventually taken off the safari.
Our safaris are all conducted in English, and it is therefore required that all participants on the safari have an excellent knowledge of English and be able to communicate in that language. This is due to safety factors, as well as compatibility with others.
Video
Charging facilities for video cameras are not available on the safari. Please bring plenty of spare batteries.
Walking
One of the highlights of this safari is the walking and game tracking that will be possible. Walking can, however, lead to encounters with WILD ANIMALS which are potentially dangerous. Walking is, therefore, at your own risk. Please note, however, that walking at all times will be in the company of a licensed guide.
Laundry
Due to the nature of the Xigera Mokoro and Walking Trail, there is no laundry service available for the duration of the trip.
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