Young Explorers Camp

DAY 1 Maun/Okavango Delta

On arrival in Maun you will be met by a Ker & Downey representative, complete a registration card and indemnity form, then board a light aircraft transfer to the Shinde Private concession. The flight is approximately 25 minutes and you will be amazed as the desert transforms to delta before your eyes. At the airstrip you are met by your guides and transfer in a 4x4 safari vehicle to camp. Over a refreshing drink and light lunch you will be briefed on activities and safety during your stay, then it is time to settle into camp.
Later in the afternoon it is time to begin your first lesson in bush craft and some rules regarding animal behavior and respect for all the inhabitants of the wilderness. We set out on a short walk, allowing you to become accustomed to some of the sights sounds and smells that make up the language of the African Bush.
We return to camp for a piping hot bucket shower under the stars followed by a tasty dinner. Around the campfire we discuss the lessons of the day and learn more about Botswana and the history of the country and it's people. For those that can stay awake long enough we can examine some of the stars in the African night sky before heading to bed - ready for an early start the next day.
Overnight at Footsteps Camp L/D

DAY 2 Okavango Delta

The day begins before sunrise with coffee around the fire, and a light breakfast before heading out to see what the bush has in store for us. Following the water's edge gives us the chance to examine some of the tracks left by overnight visitors, as well as identifying some of the multitude of animals, birds and insects that inhabit the forests. Lets follow the honeyguide bird, and see if it will lead us to a honey nest!
Following another delicious lunch prepared on charcoal, parents are left to a lazy afternoon napping or reading while their young cubs are watched over by their guides, recording the morning's observations and discoveries in our Bush Journals, learning some traditional bush skills, such as basket weaving or carving the seed of the palm nut into a necklace for Mum! After no time at all, we are off out again, this time in the mokoro (dugout canoe) and if we are lucky we may spot the sitatunga, one of the world's most unusual and secretive antelope, while your guides teach you some of the ways to survive in this vast wetland wilderness.
In the evening its off to the bush kitchen and be astounded as you learn how the mouth-watering fare is produced on the fire and fresh bread and cakes in the amazing bush oven. Who needs electricity anyway?
Overnight at Footsteps Camp B/L/D

DAY 3 Okavango Delta

With the sunrise comes an introduction to driving large 4x4 vehicles, which are vital out here in the bush. Any idea how to change a tyre on a 4x4? While out and about we are sure to bump into some of the many species of large mammals that inhabit the Okavango Delta including wild dogs, elephants, lion, buffalo, cheetah, wildebeest and impala. Spending time quietly observing these mammals will give you an insight into the structure of their society and how we may understand them through their body language.
That afternoon while your Dad's snores echo around camp you will learn some of the rules and skills required in order to handle a rifle safely. This is an important tool in our world is not a toy, and should be respected at all times! Under your guides experienced and watchful eyes you can learn to shoot our
pellet gun on our own bush range! Later, you may wish to try your angling skills Okavango style, either along the banks of lagoons and channels or, for the more adventurous from the mokoro! Here you will learn how to catch, handle and release a fish correctly ensuring you do it no harm, though we may wish to keep a couple for dinner!!
The final dinner is cause for celebration though the safari draws to an end, toasting new friends, reminiscing over unique experiences and lifelong memories. The grown ups would like to drift off to sleep with the ever-present chorus of the hippos and the tinkle of the reed frogs. But for the trainee bushrangers it is the perfect opportunity to head off with a spotlight to try and identify some of the many species that wake up as the sun sets!!
Overnight at Footsteps Camp B/L/D

DAY 4 Okavango /Maun

The morning is spent discussing your stay and your guides will ask you to identify several tracks, birds and animals, and to explain some of the skills that you might use to survive in the bush. After this informal bush evaluation you will then be awarded your Okavango Delta certificate and shirt making you an official member of a truly select group of bushrangers, the Ker & Downey Young Explorers!!
After farewells to the camp staff and your guides you transfer by light aircraft onto your next destination.
B only.

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