Okavango River Boats

Capture the rhythms of the Delta and feel the heartbeat of the mighty Okavango in Botswana as you journey on the Ngwesi, our Okavango Houseboat, moored on the river, near the town of Shakawe.

En suite accommodation is offered for eight guests in the cabins on the lower deck, with additional open air accommodation offered for 6 people on the upper deck.

Activities include game viewing and birding, with over 450 bird species, fishing, excursions on tender boats to explore the Delta with its countless water channels, floating islands, fertile banks and of course, Mekoro excursions (dugout canoe). Discover the Delta the traditional way with an experienced local guide! The untouched water wilderness sanctuary of the Delta is ideal for quiet discovery.

The “Ngwesi River House Boat", named after the feisty Tiger fish found in abundance in the Delta, is moored in Shakawe at Drotsky's Cabins from where it operates. The Ngwesi Luxury River House Boat, consists of a upper and lower deck, and is staffed by a licensed Skipper and trained staff. The Ngwesi comes with it’s own tender boats, which are used to explore the various waterways of the Delta.

Lower Deck Accommodation

Set aside for accommodation, the lower deck consists of 4 en suite cabins, two with twin beds and the other two with double beds. Clever designing has created maximum privacy for each cabin. Glass sliding doors allows for wonderful views from the bedrooms. Bathrooms are spacious, with hot and cold fresh water showers. Super soft towels and superior guest amenities are provided. All cabins are tastefully decorated with the finest linen. This is an experience that you will never forget.

Upper Deck

The deck is the veritable artery of life from which all Okavango life forms may be viewed. There is no better way to fully appreciate the splendor of nature encapsulated in the Okavango than from this spectacular vantage point. All the hedonistic amenities provided on the squeaky clean and spacious wooden deck are conducive to relaxation, comfort and enjoyment. Large enough to dance on, reverberate to the melodious African drum or gyrate to a samba. For the more athletic and body conscious, perform your daily exercise regimen right there under the African sun or scimitar moon.

Bar

The Okavango heat will certainly stir up your thirst. The fully stocked and serviced wooden bar, situated on the Upper Deck, provides ample liquid refreshment.

Dining on the Upper Deck

Now this is what Aristotle was referring to when he spoke about the good life - "pukka" African cuisine served by candle or lamplight by attentive waiters and prepared by discerning chefs! Share a convivial and delectable meal with friends under the African sky, wallow under the luminous Milky Way best seen from Africa. All culinary delights are fresh, thoughtfully prepared and served with flair and pride.

Suggested standard trip Itinerary:

Day One: Approx 12h00 arrive at Ikoga, a 25 minute Boat ride from Sepupa Boat Station. Once on board the Ngwesi Riverboat we will up anchor and move out onto the river. We will drop anchor in the late afternoon.

16h00 Take a trip on the "tender boats" to explore the surrounding area.
19h00 - 20h00 A three course dinner is enjoyed on the upper deck of the Ngwesi. Overnight Houseboat.

Day Two:
06h00 Early rise to enjoy the sunrise on the Delta from the Houseboat.
08h00 Breakfast on the Ngwesi Houseboat. After breakfast you have the option of participating in a tender boat outing to explore the surrounding areas, fishing and birding or lazing on deck soaking up the sun.
13h00 A light lunch is served on board the Ngwesi.
15h00 A trip on the Tender boats is offered which could give you the opportunity of trying your hand at fishing for tiger and bream. Or you may choose to do a spot of birding, with over 400 species of birds this area is one of the top bird watching spots in the world.
18h00 Sundowners enjoyed on the deck of the Ngwesi.
19h00 - 20h00 Dinner is served.

Day Three:
08h00 The Ngwesi pulls up anchors and meanders back to its mooring, breakfast is served en route.
Arriving back at Sepupa at approx 09h30-10h00.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES INCLUDING THE KALAHARI. "BUSH AND DELTA":

The Okavango River Boats forms part of the Botswana Expeditions group, the other two safari options within this group is the Haina Kalahari Lodge on the northern border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Central Kalahari Mobile Safaris operating into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

Combining these two extremes, the Desert and the Delta, is the ultimate in an African safari.

Below are some suggested itineraries including all three of these safari options.

An ideal itinerary would be:

Day 1: Haina Kalahari Lodge.
Day 2 & 3: Central Kalahari Mobile Safaris.
Day 4: Haina Kalahari Lodge: spend time interacting with the local Bushmen as you share in a "lifestyle experience".
Day 5 & 6: Ngwesi Houseboat.

Botswana, Okavango Delta.

The Ngwesi is moored in Ikoga, a 25 minute Boat ride from Sepupa Boat Station. The Sepupa area, being a mix of riverine bush, savannah and semi-desert, is a Mecca for bird-watchers. It is located close to the beginning of the Okavango panhandle which channels the waters of the Okavango River between thick, meandering banks of papyrus before it opens up into the vast fan-shaped Delta.

• Drinking water
• Use of the entire boat & crew
• Use of tender boats
• Use of fishing tackle
• Fishing lesson
• Guided birding trips
• Cash bar available for drinks
• All meals (catered option).

• Ice
• Food and drinks (if on self-catering option)
• Drinks (if on catered option)
• Transport to and from the boat
• Items of personal nature.

Relax and enjoy - anyone is welcome!

Fuel charge per litre (subject to change due to currency fluctuations): Pula 10.00

Please note that all rates are subject to change without prior notice.