CHIEF'S ISLAND MOKORO AND WALKING TRAIL - 4 Nights
The Chief’s Island Trail is a privately guided camping trail on Chief’s Island in the Okavango Delta, either by mokoro (dug-out canoe) or on foot or both. These trails are a minimum of two nights, plus a night in basecamp to begin and end your trip. The trails are among the most coveted wilderness adventures globally, offering a rare opportunity to experience nature in its purest form, free from the distracons of modern life.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 - Delta Camp, Okavango Delta
Fly from Maun to Delta Airstrip
Spend the first night in either Delta Camp or Oddballs Enclave, enjoy walks and mokoro excursions with your guide - who is assigned to you and your group only.
After spending a night in either Delta Camp or Oddballs Enclave basecamp to acclimaze, you'll embark on your trail, traveling through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro or on foot, with your guide and all necessary camping gear. The peaceful rhythm of the mokoro, gently propelled by the guide’s long ngashi (pole), the so rustle of water and lily pads, the warmth of the sun overhead, and the clear water beneath you—all create a tranquil backdrop for your journey. As you glide through the floodplains, you’ll encounter ancient trees, vibrant reed frogs, majesc fish eagles, and countless other creatures, both large and small. Along the way, you'll see bee-eaters darting from the reeds, red lechwe pausing to watch you, hippos grunting in the lagoons, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the crocodiles lurking beneath the surface.
As the day fades, your guide will choose an island to set up camp. He will assist with pitching your tent, gathering firewood, collecting water, and establishing a safe and comfortable campsite. In the late aernoon, you’ll take a walk across the island, enjoying the diverse birdlife, game, and the breathtaking scenery that makes the Okavango Delta so unique.
In the evening, a campfire will be lit, and with your guide’s help, you’ll prepare a meal over the open flames, surrounded by the sounds of the bush and a sky filled with stars. The following morning, an early start will include light refreshments, another walk to explore the area, and a leisurely breakfast. The rest of the day might be spent resting, reading, or reflecng on the wonders you’ve witnessed.
Each day passes in a peaceful rhythm, where the modern world fades, and your priories align with nature. The guide, with his wealth of experience, provides fascinating insights into the environment and way of life in this remote corner of the world. On the final day of your trail, you’ll return to Delta Camp or Oddballs Enclave for at least one more night to relax and acclimaze before returning to the airtsrip and onward arrangements.
Day 5 - Departure
The morning is spent according to your departure time, and if time allows, a final activity. A final transfer back to the airstrip and it is time for farewells to your guides, before taking off to your next destination, leaving you pondering a final thought… How long will it be before you can return?
INFORMATION
Type of Safari
Comfortable Tented Camp, walking safari with canoes if water levels permit, 2 - 8 people
SEASONS
The availability of mokoro activities is water-dependent and subject to seasonal flood levels. When water levels are high, guests may choose to explore by mokoro without walking, or opt for a short mokoro journey to an island where they can embark on a walking safari. As the water levels drop, mokoros are typically used to cross the main river channels to access the Moremi Game Reserve for walking safaris. It is important to understand the seasonality of mokoro acvies when booking your safari.
At Delta Camp and Oddballs Enclave, there are no motorized activities [gamedrives or boating], instead, they offer the mokoro experience, which we believe provides a far more intimate and peaceful way to experience nature than the noise and speed of motorboats. Mokoros are locally crafted, reducing the risk of invasive species contamination, and they don’t require fuel to be transported, making them more environmentally sustainable.
This tradional form of transport, used by the local river tribes, allows guests to engage in an authenc, ancient experience. Moreover, mokoros cause minimal disturbance to the nesng birds in the area, unlike motorboats, which can create disruptive wakes. The Mokoro Trails offer a unique opportunity to explore the Delta in a way
that is not possible from a regular lodge setting. They provide an authenc wilderness experience that encourages guests to step away from the regimented lodge routine and fully immerse themselves in exploration.
Mid Level Mokoro Trail runs as follows:
• Stay in 2.2m x 2m dome tents
• You assist with tent setup
• Camp locaon remains in one area
• Bedrolls, sheets, bedding, and pillows provided
• Towels and soaps/shampoos provided
• You help with food preparaon and cooking
• Drinks are included
Luxury Level Mokoro Trail runs as follows:
• Stay in 2.2m x 2m dome tents
• Camp team setup tents
• Camp locaon remains in one area but can move for longer trips
• Bedrolls, sheets, bedding, and pillows provided
• Towels and soaps/shampoos provided
• Chef does food preparaon and cooking
• Drinks are included
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included
- Light aircraft flights as indicated in the itinerary
- Road transfers as indicated on the itinerary
- Accommodation on twin basis
- All meals when in camp
- Selected (local brand) beverages (South African wines and spirits)
- Activities as indicated on the itinerary
- Park fees and concession fees in accordance with the itinerary
Excluded
- International flights, visas or taxes
- Any optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any excluded beverages/items
- Any extra purchases (curio shopping etc.)
- Tips and gratuities
- Medical and luggage insurance
Vehicle
Lite Aircraft,4x4 safari vehicle, Mokoro
ENQUIRE
Please send us info on the safari/s you are interested in, your preferred dates, how many adults and children [+ ages] and we will come back to you with a detailed quote.
SEND US A DETAILED QUOTE [takes you to a submission form]