Botswana

Oddballs

The Camp

One of the very first Okavango camps ever to be established, Oddballs’ has been delighting visitors with its unique brand of hospitality and incredible surroundings since it opened its doors in 1984. Holidaymakers flock here from around the globe to enjoy singular, relaxed Okavango safaris in one of the best preserved wildlife oases that remain.

Due to the area’s temperate climate, this Okavango safari camp is great to visit at any time of year. May to September are technically classified as winter’ months and the nights are colder, but the days are still nice and warm. During this time the camp’s surroundings are verdant and lush and the Delta waters are high - perfect for mokoro trips. October to April is called the rainy season and temperatures rarely dip below 25 degrees Celsius, even at night. The water recedes, leaving many of the channels dry, which makes for better game watching.

Accommodation & Facilities

Accommodation

  • Camp accommodation consists of domed tents on wooden decks.
  • Each tent has camping mattresses & pillows
  • Communal flush toilets and warm showers.
  • Meals and equipment (except for towels and sleeping bags) are also provided.

    • Facilities

  • A bar stocked with beers, ciders, wine, spirits and an extensive range of soft drinks.
  • A shop with limited range of chocolates, tobacco, postcards, stamps, camera film, T-shirts, torches and a few souvenirs and local crafts.
  • A laundry service is available on request and offers incredibly reasonable rates.

    • The Safaris

    Mokoro Trail (Bush camping)
    If you are eager to get as close to the Delta as you possibly can during your stay, you might enjoy a bush camping experience which allows you to overnight in the Moremi Reserve. The details are as follows:

  • Bush camping excursions may be booked for a minimum of two nights and may be as long as you wish.
  • If you select this option the first and last nights of your trip will be spent at Oddballs’.
  • There are no facilities outside of the Oddballs’ Camp and you will be briefed on arrival as to what you may expect.
  • Game viewing is excellent and may be combined with mokoro trips.
  • You will be assigned a local guide (one guide for every two people) who will be able to tell you all about the native flora and faunas.
  • All camping and cooking equipment will be supplied. This includes a tent, mattresses, pillows, pots and pans, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates, bin bags, matches, kerosene lanterns, camping stools and a basic first aid kit. You may also rent a sleeping bag and request fresh bread from the kitchen for you trip at an extra charge. (You may also choose to include your guide in your cooking and meal planning. This is not expected, but is seen as a suitable gesture.)

    • Walking Safaris
    Walking is a big part of the Oddballs’ African safari camp experience and you can tailor your walks in terms of length, as well as destination. Between December and May our mokoro trips are halted due to a lack of water as the dry season settles; at this time early morning- and evening game walks are the best way to experience the area’s fauna and flora as the animals concentrate around the last remaining pockets of moisture. Walks are conducted by a qualified guide and groups can be up to six people.

    General

    Access

  • This Botswana camp can only be reached via airplane from Maun.
  • The flight is approximately 20 minutes long.
  • Flight times can not be guaranteed, but we will do our best to accommodate your arrangements.
  • Each person is only allowed 10kgs of luggage, which should be more than sufficient since all camping gear is provided. If you have more than 15kgs of luggage you are welcome to store the excess at the office in Maun.
  • Once you arrive an Oddballs’ representative will be there to meet you and welcome you to the island.

    • Useful things to pack

  • A hat and PLENTY of sunscreen.
    • Mosquito repellent, as well as light
  • coloured long trousers and shirts for the evening to keep the mozzies at bay. Suitable malaria prophylactics.
  • Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and neutral coloured clothing.
  • Fleece jacket and warm sleeping bag during winter months.
  • A raincoat for the rainy months (October to April).
  • Books, binoculars, a camera and torch.

    • Please do not hesitate to contact African Travel Gateway representative should you require any further information with regard to Okavango Delta safaris, or Botswana safari camps in general.