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Chameleon Holidays & Travel (Explore Southern and East Africa)

Budget Accommodation In The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of the most famous regions in Southern Africa and there are very few "budget" style accommodations in Botswana and the Delta region. To fully appreciate the Delta and all the beauty it holds, visitors really need to have a trip on a "mokoro" (dug out canoe) and these types of activities come at a price, therefore the areas close to either Maun or what is known as the "panhandle" (further north) offer value for money options, though naturally there are one or two places that break the mould. There are also a number of campsites run by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Here's a selection of privately owned establishments.

Guma Lagoon Camp (Panhandle) -
Guma is a self-catering camp. Accommodation is provided in three tents, each with it own private bathroom. Camp sites are also available.

With the abundance of fish species in the Okavango Panhandle, Guma Lagoon Camp is the perfect area for spin or fly-fishing. Fish species caught in Guma Lagoon include Barbel, African Pike, Red Breast Tilapia, Three Spot Tilapia and Purple Largemouth. Tigerfish is plentiful. One of the larger bream species in the Panhandle is the Nembwe.

Guma Lagoon Camp is a fantastic Okavango destination throughout the year.

Rates
Available on application

Oddballs - Okavango Delta
Bordering Chiefs Island and set in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Oddballs offers the very best value-for-money experience into the Okavango Delta. Activities are conducted by your own professional guide (a maximum of two guests per guide), a man of the swamp, born and bred in the area fringed regions. The camp accommodates up to 28 guests in 14 dome tents, fully equipped, and set on elevated wooden decks shaded by reed shelters. (Note -These tents are the same tents used by most mobile operators in Botswana.) The outdoor showers and ablutions are shared.
The activities at Oddballs’ usually start by mokoro, after which you will walk on some of the larger islands in the area. Walking is an integral and significant part of the experience at any time of year. The extent of the walks will depend on your tastes. Guests usually go out in the early morning, having a late breakfast on their return, and again in the afternoon after the midday heat has dissipated, but some elect to go out for the whole day with a packed picnic lunch. It is often said that the very best way to experience the wonders of the African bush is on foot and Oddballs’ certainly lives up to that claim. The bar and lounge areas have comfortable seating, and a raised viewing deck overlooks the sweep of the delta – the perfect place to watch the sun set over the palms,and view whatever wildlife may be visiting. Meals are simple, yet wholesome and enjoyed in the main complex.

2010 Rates
Tent - Full Board pp night: From US$200 (low season)
Tent - Full Board pp night: From US$275 (shoulder season)
Tent - Full Board pp night: From US$325 (high season)
(Full Board includes: accommodation, meals, activties)
single supplement 30% on pp rates
Please note that access is via 20min flight from Maun and price stated does not include flight

Oddballs Enclave
Situated in the same region (but away from the main Camp) is Oddballs Enclave, with great views over the floodplains. Hosting just 12 guests, this is an ideal camp for families and friends travelling together looking for an adventure. It's a rustic camp set out in a style of time gone by. The camp is geared towards bush walks and mokoro excursions and you'll have a personal guide. Your guide will take you out in a mokoro (dug-out canoe) to nearby islands,where you will walk to view game and the spectacular landscape that is the Okavango. It might also be possible to visit his village, meet the elders and perhaps his family. Subject to water levels, it is also possible to go camping.

2010 Rates
Tent - Full Board pp night: From US$275 (low season)
Tent - Full Board pp night: From US$350 (shoulder season)
Tent - Full Board pp night: From US$425 (high season)
(Full Board includes: accommodation, meals, activties)
single supplement 30% on pp rates
Please note that access is via 20min flight from Maun and price stated does not include flight

Moremi Crossing

Moremi Crossing is a newly opened lodge (2009) and offers great value for money in the Delta. It's a larger camp with around 17 tents - hence being able to keep their prices competitive. It's location means that you enjoy short mokoro trips, game walks within Moremi Game Reserve as well as year round boat cruises. For something a little special, you can try "Island Camping" where you'll have the chance to sleep out under the stars.
The main building consists of a large open plan deck that has a spectacular view over the Boro River onto Chief's Island. This crescent-shaped area is built on different levels to give you the feeling of space. The dining room, bar and lounge are covered by a large thatched roof that hugs the tree line. Various small private lounge areas have been created for comfort, privacy and spaciousness with comfy loungers to chill out on. Within the tree line you will find a nice shaded decked area that leads to the pool. Moremi also has a curio shop where you may pick up some mementos which will remind you of your stay. There's a family unit that can sleep up to 5 people and therefore ideal for kids of all ages. Moremi Crossing is leading the way in making the Okavango Delta as environmentally friendly as possible. The camp runs off a massive solar-panel, which feeds power to the entire camp. Hot water is supplied through a state-of-the-art solar-heated geyser system, delivering hot water to each room. Please note that like many camps in the Delta - there are no power points in the room so charging of batteries etc is done in the main lodge area.

Rates 2010
High& Mid Season US$ 395.00 pps
Low Season US$ 305.00 pps
Island sleep-outs US$ 275.00 pps
Camp rates only - flights to/from Delta to be added. Fully inclusive rates - include activities, meals and drinks

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