O Bona Delta Excursions
Activities
Fishing, Birding & many more activities
Activities
Although relaxing on board satisfies most of our guests and we offer many activities to satisfy those who like their holidays to be busy. You can enjoy fantastic fly and sport fishing (not available throughout the year), relax whilst being ‘poled’ by your own guide in a dugout canoe, do a village tour, or a spectacular scenic flight, or if you have time you can camp overnight or even undertake a multi-day adventure that will see you travelling through the Okavango’s varied habitats.
Fishing Trips
- possible from march to december
Mokoro Tours
- 2.5 hrs Mokoro Tour on a tributary of Khwai
- Including local Guide from Khwai
Camping Trips
- overnight camping trips to an island in the Okavango Delta
Extra Activities
- Village tours
- Scenic Flights
- Birding
- Helicopter Scenic flights
Fishing in the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is home to 71 fish species including tiger fish, tilapia and various species of catfish. Fish sizes range from 1.4 m African sharp tooth catfish to 3.2 cm sickle barb. The same species are to be found in the Zambezi River, indicating a historic link between the two river systems. The “Barbel Runs” of the Okavango Delta take place anytime from September to December every year. This feeding frenzy that occurs almost exclusively in the far northern corner of Botswana is something every fly-fisherman just has to experience at least once in their lifetime. For the fly fisherman it’s simply an opportunity to indulge in some serious fishing action. Because along-side the barbel, come the highly sought after tiger-fish which is held is high esteem as Africa’s prime freshwater target on fly. March to April is good for bream (tilapia) however there are lots of mosquitoes then. August through to September is good for Nembwe and the climate is comfortable during this time. During January and February fishing is not allowed. When booking a fishing trip on the Houseboats it is recommended that you book extra fishing boats to maximize your experience. We recommend a maximum of three anglers and a skipper per fishing boat giving each angler enough space for their adventure. Contact us directly for more details.
Mokoro (Dugout Canoe) Trips
Exploring the waterways via Mokoro (a traditional Dugout Canoe) is the best and only way to go when looking for this way for a tranquil experience. Sit and enjoy the scenery as your guide skillfully propels the light craft through the reed and papyrus lined channels. Originally, the only form of transport in the floodplains of the Okavango Delta, these canoe-like vessels, about 20 feet or 6 meters in length, used to be crafted from tree trunks, which were painstakingly hollowed out using hand-tools. However, the modern mokoro is constructed from molded fiber-glass. Durable, long-lasting and environmentally friendly, it maintains its character – the serene, dream-like gliding through the papyrus waterways will leave a lasting impression on you. The mokoro usually carries one or two passengers, while the boat-man stands at the stern using a long pole to push the mokoro forward. Local boat-men are able to move with amazing speed and maneuverability as many have perfected this lifelong skill. The skilled locals who run the mokoro, with mekoro being plural, are commonly known as ‘Polers’. The long stick they use is called a “ngashi”. This experience can be offered as part of your stay on the houseboats however can also be included in our camping excursions. Please mail us for more details.
Camping Trips
We offer overnight camping trips to an island in the Okavango Delta. • Canvas tents (2×2 m) mosquito gauze on door and windows. • Ground mattress with sleeping bag, 1 pillow, pillow case, sheets, blanket and bath towel • Toiletries: (toilet paper only). Please remember to bring your toiletries with you. • Shared shower (private portable shower filled on request with hot water by camp staff) • Shared bush toilet (toilet seat over a pre-dug pit with ash to fill in as you go) • Canvas basin one per tent – filled with hot water every morning • Meals around the campfire with table and directors’ chairs • Tableware: table cloths & paper napkins, durable melamine crockery, cutlery • Basic camping two course meals throughout • Limited Bar: filtered/bottled water & cordials (clients will be taken to a shop before departure on safari to buy soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.) • Guests could be asked to aid the guide or staff with occasional camp chores such as collecting firewood or water, packing up camp, etc
Extra Activities
Village Tours
You can take a guided walk of Seronga village and experience how most of Botswana’s citizens live today. This small village is located alongside the main channel of the Okavango and has a population of around 1600 people.
Scenic Flights
A scenic flight over the Okavango Delta offers an unparalleled overview of the regions stunning geography and beauty. Flying 500 feet above the waters of the Okavango Delta gives you a great view of the largest inland delta in the world. We use the very reputable charter company Mack Air.
Birding
The Okavango Delta is home to a vast array of birds. The northern wetlands are the best places in Africa to see the near-endemic Slaty Egrets, the endangered Wattled Cranes and the huge Pel’s Fishing Owls and harbor an unrivalled number of herons, storks and other egrets.
The summer months, November to March (rainy season) provides the best birding, when migrants from the northern hemisphere have arrived in good numbers and have joined the resident species, many of which are engaged in breeding.
We can arrange for a specialist birding guide to go with your group at an additional cost. Please contact us in advance if this is something you are interested in due to guide availability.
Helicopter Scenic Flights
An opportunity not to be missed, as all guests will experience the best of the Okavango Delta with a “doors off”, window seat guaranteed for unrestricted photo and video opportunities over some of the most pristine and unreachable areas! The Robinson R44’s reliability and maneuverability make it ideally suited to flying over the delta with Helicopter Horizons.
The Perfect Location
Situated on the located in the panhandle of the beautiful Okavango Delta in Northern Botswana, Seronga is the ideal starting point for your Okavango House Boat Safari!
Reservation and contact
+267 (0)73 894 155 | res@obona-lodges.com