In addition to the excellent Chobe Houseboats (that operate from the Namibian bank of the Chobe River), the new and exciting Okavango Spirit Houseboat in Botswana itself, is the classic private wilderness getaway for a big family or a group of friends. The houseboat is sold on an exclusive use basis to groups of up to 14 people (children 6 years and older are welcome).
Operating on the remote & meandering waterways of the upper panhandle of the Okavango, known for its excellent fishing and birding. It is also conveniently located close to other activities including the remote Tsodilo Hills and Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park.
Accommodation is in 4 double and 3 twin en-suite cabins each with glass doors to capitalise on the changing views and each with a private deck. The boat’s communal deck stands 3 meters high and in this vast, flat wilderness affords excellent views for sunrise & sunset – the ideal setting for the meals & laughter you will share with your group.
Access to the Okavango Spirit
Guests fly from Maun by light aircraft to the Shakawe Airstrip, a flight of about 60 minutes. Here you are met by the crew and transferred by motorboat to the Okavango Spirit for boarding and orientation. From here the boat slowly takes in the vistas and wildlife as it moves to its first overnight mooring spot.
Guests have the option of enjoying the boat’s viewing deck or the environment of your private cabin. The more energetic can take to the tender boats with a guide and enjoy some fishing or bird or game viewing before returning to the houseboat for sundowners & dinner.
Activities from the Okavango Spirit
Between Aug - Oct each year the Okavango Rivers plays host to the ‘barbel run’ - as the flood waters begin to recede, the water drains into the main channels and the small fish run the gauntlet of the prowling barbel and tigerfish. This of course makes for some chaotic fishing for fishing enthusiasts.
However apart from the excellent fishing (catch & release) which is done from the tender boats, guests can also enjoy birding or guided walks on some of the small islands for birding and tree spotting.
Other exciting activities include ‘off-boat’ day excursions. The first is a trip to the Tsodilo Hills, a remote cluster of rocky hills that rise sharply above the vast Mopane veld of northwestern Botswana. This world heritage site is home to a vast collection of rock art done over thousands of years by the San-Bushmen who inhabited this wilderness.
Another ‘off-boat’ excursion involves a morning game drive across the border into Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park home to an abundance of wildlife including lion, elephant, roan, kudu, leopard, and wild dog to name a few.
Rates for 2023
The Okavango Spirit Houseboat operates on an exclusive use basis, as a two or three-night package for up to 14 people. The base price covers the first 7 guests, then there is a ‘per extra person’ surcharge for the extra guests 8 – 14.
Two Night Package
Shoulder Season (01 Apr – 31 May | 01 Nov - 19 Dec)
$9,600 – per 2-night package, (covers guests 1 – 7)
$686 – per extra person, for the 2-night package (guests 8 – 14)
High Season (01 Jun - 31 Jun | 01 Sep – 31 Oct | 20 Dec - 09 Jan 2024)
$11,060– per 2-night package, (covers guests 1 – 7)
$790 – per extra person, for the 2-night package (guests 8 – 14)
Peak Season (01 Jul – 31 Aug)
$12,500 – per 2-night package, (covers guests 1 – 7)
$893 – per extra person, for the 2-night package (guests 8 – 14)
Three Night Package
Shoulder Season (01 Apr – 31 May | 01 Nov - 19 Dec)
$13,170 – per 3-night package, (covers guests 1 – 7)
$941 – per extra person, for the 3-night package (guests 8 – 14)
High Season (01 Jun – 30 Jun | 01 Sep – 31 Oct | 20 Dec - 09 Jan 2024)
$15,390 – per 3-night package, (covers guests 1 – 7)
$1,099 – per extra person, for the 3-night package (guests 8 – 14)
Peak Season (01 Jul - 31 Aug)
$17,580 – per 3-night package, (covers guests 1 – 7)
$1,256 – per extra person, for the 3-night package (guests 8 – 14)
RATES INCLUDE
Accommodation
All meals
Local beverages
Guest laundry
Daily activities
Transfers to/from Shakawe Airstrip
Expert guiding
Park entry fees & VAT.
RATES EXCLUDE
Flights to and from Shakawe Airstrip
Conservation, Community and Reserve Fee (US$50pppn)
Premium brand drinks
Gratuities
Fully comprehensive personal travel insurance.