Backpackers' Africa

Pre Departure Information

Air Botswana flies to Maun daily from Johannesburg and Gaborone, and several times a week from Victoria Falls, Kasane and Windhoek.

Oddball's is easily reached by light aircraft from Maun, and the flight is a short 20 minute hop over the dry outskirts of the town, and then into the lush green landscape of islands, channels and floodplains where the camp is situated.

We will do everything to organise a flight to accommodate your arrangements, but cannot guarantee the times of your flights in and out of camp, Our air charter company must enforce a strict luggage limit of 10kg per person - you should not need more than this as all camping equipment is provided. Any excess luggage can be stored for you (free of charge) at the airport office in Maun.

Once you arrive, Oddball's is situated on Nyoga (Snake!) Island, and on the other side of the main channel is the Moremi Game Reserve and Chief's Island which is a beautiful area to explore during your stay. A representative of Oddball's will be at the airstrip to meet you, and escort you directly to the camp.

There is no time of year, which is 'better' than any other to come to Oddball's. Winter is May - September when the days are warm and night temperatures average 10° C. The environment is lush and green with higher water levels, which gives the advantage of longer mokoro trips.

During the rainy season (October / April) temperatures reach a daytime average of 30° C, and do not drop much below that at night. The water begins to dry up, leaving just the main channels and extensive green floodplains from which it is possible to see a good deal more game than when the water is higher. So each season offers something slightly different, but equally worth experiencing!

Moremi Park Fees must be paid by every visitor, a set amount per day trip and per overnight bush camp. These fees are due from everyone who sets foot outside of Oddballs\rquote campsite with a guide, whether you actually enter the Moremi or stick to walking along its borders. This money goes directly to the government. These fees are include in your package.

Mokoro Trail (Bush camping)

From approximately May - December it is possible to camp overnight, in or on the outskirts of the Moremi Reserve. Guests spend their first and last nights in Oddball's . Camping in the bush is a unique way to experience the heart of the Delta, and something that you will remember for the rest of your life. Early morning and late afternoon game walks or mokoro tr ips are combined with relaxing in the shade of the trees, and the occasional swim.

There are no facilities outside of Oddballs, and you will be thoroughly briefed upon arrival as to what to expect on trail. During the time spent away from the main camp you will become immersed in the African wilderness, the absence of other travellers and the abundance of new and intriguing sights and sounds will make the trip an unforgettable experience. In addition to the better known animals such as elephant, buffalo , antelope, lion and wild dog you will also have many chances to delve into the intricacies of the environment. You can learn about the construction of termite mounds, local uses for the indigenous flora and many tales of how the animals and birds came to be so weird and wonderful.

You will have a Guide assigned to you for the length of your stay, one for every two people. The Guides have been living in the Delta all their lives and are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Use this opportunity to talk to your guide, and you will discover some amazing things about the Delta, the animal and birdlife, and the people that live here.

All the camping and cooking equipment that you need, including a tent, mattresses & pillows, pots & pans, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates, bin bags, matches, kerosene lanterns, camping stools and a basic first aid kit are provided. Sleeping bag hire is an optional extra.

Meals

Meals are provided in the 'Skull' Bar and Restaurant.

On Mokorro Trail, food is included on a self-prepare basis, and vegetarians are catered for - please advise in advance. It is up to you whether you wish to include your guide when planning and cooking your meals. He will not expect it, but cooking together is one of the things, which helps to create a good rapport.

Walking will be an integral part of your stay at any time of year. You can decide how far you would like to walk, and your guide can help you to decide where to go. From approximately December - May the water dries up considerably and for at least part of this period we stop running mokoro trips. At this time we conduct early morning and late afternoon game walks, with up to six people per guide. The advantage of visiting at this time of year is that the animals are concentrated around the last remaining areas of water and are much easier to see.

Accommodation in camp is provided in spacious dome tents set on raised wooden decks. The tents contain camping mattresses & pillows, and there are communal flush toilets and hot showers. We do not allow people to bring their own tents as this would increase your luggage allowance dramatically, and also our tents are already set up in the best spots! Camping is inclusive of all meals and equipment (except sleeping bags).

All meals and activities from your day of arrival to your day of departure are included.

Facilities at Oddball's include a friendly bar which serves a wide range of soft drinks, beers, cider, wine and spirits. A stock of a limited range of chocolate and tobacco. Molly's, the provisions shop, stocks a basic range of provisions for bush camping as well as toiletries, postcards, stamps, camera film, T-shirts, torches and a few souvenirs and local crafts. Basic meals are the easiest to prepare over an open fire when bush camping, and the shop provides dried starches such as rice and pasta, frozen meat, sauces, tinned vegetables, fish and fruit and some fresh produce. The kitchen can also bake fresh bread for your camping trip, the tastiest in the Delta!

Sleeping bags can be hired if you do not have your own. A reasonably priced laundry service is also available. Feel welcome to browse through the reference library and book exchange. Oddball's also have an Environmental Trail, a self guided walk around the perimeter of the Camp with associated information on trees and plants and their local uses.

Useful things to pack

The sun is strong and can catch you unawares especially while you are on the water - take a hat and plenty of sunscreen!! Mosquitoes are always around, although they are worse from November - April during the summer. Take suitable malaria prophylactics (consult your doctor), plenty of repellent and some light coloured long trousers and shirts for the evenings.

You will need stout, comfortable shoes for walking, as well as neutral coloured clothing. Winter night temperatures can fall quite low and a jacket or fleece is essential, as well as a warm sleeping bag. A raincoat is also recommended from October - April. Bring a book and a relaxed attitude for those hot summer afternoons or cool winter evenings. Binoculars, a camera and a torch are recommended.

It is sometimes possible to charge video camera batteries for you, depending on cloud conditions and office power usage, but you are advised to arrive with your batteries fully charged! All power is provided by solar panels.

The bar, shop and any other extras at Oddballs can be paid by credit card, they accept payment by MasterCard, Visa, traveller's cheques and cash (Sterling, Deutschmark, South African Rand, US Dollars and Botswana Pula). They do not accept Amex or Diners Club.

botswana, botswanan, "botswana safari", birds, birding, camp, delta, "delta camp", "eco