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OVERVIEW:
Shinde Camp is an authentically classic wilderness camp in a private northern Okavango Delta concession, owned and run by Ker & Downey Botswana. This company is notable for its standards of excellence and for providing superb safaris while conserving the local wildlife. One of the longest-standing camps in the Delta, Shinde prides itself on an excellent team and a time-honored style that remains loyal to the original explorer safari. Courtesy of its exquisite location, both land and water activities are offered, and the camp is open year-round. Accommodation at Shinde Camp is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, and a laundry service.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
Shinde Camp is located on a verdant island in the northern region of the Okavango Delta, on the edge of the Shinde Lagoon. From Maun, guests fly by light aircraft (approximately 25 minutes), followed by a 5-minute road transfer.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT SHINDE CAMP:
Shinde Camp consists of seven understated, classically styled tents for double use and a two-bedroom family tent that accommodates a maximum of five guests (five units are in the main camp, and three form the private camp, Shinde Enclave). Raised above ground level on wooden decking, the tents are shaded by trees and boast beautiful views over the plains or waterways, which guests can enjoy from private verandas. Entering through sliding doors, you’ll find a double or twin bed configuration with a choice of three-quarter, extra-length, or king-sized beds, over which a mosquito net canopy is draped. Overhead ceiling fans and mesh-covered windows and doors facilitate the airflow and keep the tents cool. Each tent has a writing desk, standing fan, yoga mat, and hairdryer. En-suite facilities are accessed through another door adjacent to the bedroom, and comprise a flush toilet, twin washbasins, and indoor and outdoor showers. The camp is able to accommodate disabled travelers, depending on specific requirements. Shinde Enclave’s three tents are identical in style but have alternative views over the island’s waterways.
The treehouse-like communal area is approached from the guest tents along well-marked sandy pathways. This is a multi-tiered structure under canvas, cleverly linked by ramps and staircases, in the cool shade of ebony and mangosteen trees. The lounge has an assortment of books and board games – and one level up, you’ll find the dining area furnished with a long table where everyone eats together while admiring stunning vistas of the permanent waters of the North Delta. Guests can also enjoy snacks and drinks al fresco on any of the lodge’s decks, which are also great for looking out for wildlife. The lounge and dining spaces at Shinde Enclave are similarly presented, and both camps have fire decks too. Shinde Enclave benefits from a team of private staff, including a chef, a waiter, and a housekeeper. And all guests can use the site’s swimming pool with its inviting sunloungers and parasols, which provide respite during the hottest hours between adventures into the Okavango. Please note that there is limited Wi-Fi in the guest tents but not in the camp’s communal spaces.
ACTIVITIES AT SHINDE CAMP:
Due to its excellent location, Shinde Camp is able to offer both land- and water-based activities throughout the year:
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Game drives
– The camps are situated within a private concession, making for exclusive experiences within the northern part of the Okavango Delta. This scenic region includes floodplains, woodlands, and waterways, and is home to a real wealth of wildlife! Drives take place during the mornings and late afternoons. Among the wildlife highlights here are four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. You can also look out for smaller predators such as cheetah, hyena, jackal, and wild dog, in addition to plenty of plains game and hundreds of birds. -
Night drives
– Take to the bush at nightfall accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. A spotlight is used to search out a number of nocturnal species, not least aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, and the delightful yet elusive pangolin! -
Walking safaris
– Shinde’s guides also lead walks within the concession, which are highly recommended for anyone interested in getting to know the smaller life forms here, in the shape of plants, insects, and birdlife. -
Motorboat trips
– Motorboat excursions offer endless fun for exploring the Okavango Delta’s waterways and sensational aquatic wildlife. Sightings will likely include elephant, pods of hippo, and a huge variety of waterbirds. -
Mokoro excursions
– Boarding a mokoro, a traditional dug-out canoe, is one of our favourite Okavango Delta activities and a truly memorable highlight. As the mokoro doesn’t have a motor, you can focus your attention on the sounds and the sights of the wildlife. -
Fishing
– Shinde supplies basic equipment for you to fish for tigerfish and tilapia, with excellent bream fishing from May to September and superb chances of landing tigerfish from September to mid-November. This activity is available from March to December every year (due to breeding season, it’s off limits in January and February). -
Children’s activities
– Younger guests are invited to participate in the Young Explorers programme offered by Ker & Downey, in which they can identify tracks and shoot bows and arrows. Please note that this must be arranged before your stay. -
Helicopter trips
– Helicopter flights offer an exhilarating way to explore the hidden gems of the Okavango Delta from an aerial perspective. Please note that these incur an extra charge.
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.
