Due to the late, and low level floods experienced in the Okavango Delta this year, they have observed that the water-levels have started to drop. As always they are monitoring the situation closely with the challenge being that the receding water levels result in the hippo congregating in increasingly narrow channels and jostling for territory. This becomes a safety concern, as they are daunting obstacles for their guides to navigate their way around, and naturally, the safety of their guests is their number one priority.
If the water levels continue to drop at the rate being experienced, motor boat activities will be suspended at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge from 30 October 2017 until further notice.
They will however, continue to offer mekoro (canoe) safaris and barge safaris at this stage, and will also replace the motorboat activity with open vehicle safaris. As one of the most experiential lodges in Botswana, there is no shortage of safari activity options at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, and guests will still have the option of the following activities during their stay:
* Open Vehicle Safaris (day and evening)
* Mekoro (canoe) Safaris (continued until further notice)
* Barge Safaris (continued until further notice)
* Walking Safaris
* Cultural Village Experience
* Helicopter Safaris (optional, at an additional cost)
* Helicopter & Horseback Safari (optional, at an additional cost)
* Spa treatments (optional, at an additional cost)
Okavango Delta – Water level updates
The water levels in the Okavango Delta has subsided drastically in the hot October sun.
Please see below update on the water activities they offer currently at the Sanctuary Camps.
Sanctuary Baines’ Camp
Mokoro – YES
Boat – NO
Transfer time from camp to Mokoro station – 30 minutes
Comments – For now the mokoro activity will be offered at Baines’ Camp until early 2018, this is however subject to change at any time without prior notice.
Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp
Mokoro – YES
Boat – NO
Transfer time from camp to Mokoro station – 10 minutes
Comments – Stanley’s Camp are able to pole for approximately the next two weeks. (until 2 Nov) Should the water levels drop further they have the option of doing the Mokoro activity at Baines’ Camp.
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp
Mokoro – NO
Boat – NO
Comments – Water level very low the Mokoro Activity is no longer being offered.
With the extreme heat in Botswana and summer on the horizon, water levels in the Delta are again dropping rapidly. The Delta camps (Delta Camp, Oddballs’ Enclave and Oddballs’ Camp) are now limiting the use of mokoro to crossing the channels only. This short passage allows access to the islands where the lodge’s specialised guides conduct their safari walks. While this does change the experience at the lodges, it is not all bad. In fact, when water sources in the Okavango are scarce, high numbers of animals, including multiple species, can be seen easily. The best game viewing of the year unfolds in front of Delta Camp, Oddballs’ Enclave and Oddballs’ Camp respective sitting rooms.
The Game sightings on Nyoga Island and the surrounding Chief’s Island have been extraordinary recently. Numbers of buffalo that haven’t been seen in years are frequenting the area, as well as breeding herds of 100 plus elephants that move across the island and through the camps on a daily basis. The increase in game in the region and the beginning of the ‘baby season’ brings an increase in predator action. Guests have had incredible and regular lion encounters on their walks. They have had cubs in the area and therefore they predict that they will not move far in the foreseeable future. Wild Dogs have also been extremely active and they suspect that they may have a den close by. Also we must not forget, that this is the time of year that the summer’s migratory birds are returning to fill the bush with vibrant colours and song.
Please note, for all clients going to Delta Camp, on arrival they will now walk from the airstrip to the camp. This is approximately a 45 minute game walk. Guests need to be prepared on arrival with comfortable, closed walking shoes, hat, and sun cream. Your clients safari starts from the moment that they climb into the Delta Air transfer in Maun. They have a fantastic 20 minute scenic flight over the Delta where game can be clearly seen from the sky before they land at the Delta airstrip. This safari is then continued on foot when they arrive before they reach their camp.