THE EXPERIENCE
DISCOVER THE DELTA
The experience of Bushman Plains is to re-visit the old ways. Here we become part of the environment, taking our place side by side with wildlife, as it has been done for more than 10,000 years by the Bushmen of the Okavango. This is where we share the story of us, humankind.
Our camp is located within a 370,000 acre wilderness, utilizing a prime wildlife area where you won’t find crowds. Highly skilled guides and trackers lead your daily activities where you can explore the Okavango off road, on foot, after dark, on water, or in the air.
GAME DRIVES – Our open-sided Land Cruisers have a ‘window seat’ for every guest and are the best way to view wildlife close up. Our guide-tracker teams use active tracking, following prints, scat, and other wildlife signs and sounds to find predators. Unlike most safari camps our drives do not have to be confined to staying in the vehicle. You are with the masters of the bush, and they will share with you their phenomenal tracking skills. If you are keen, you can take to foot along with your guide/tracker team to follow fresh tracks and see where they lead (returning to the vehicle once close to predators – guest safety is always paramount).
NIGHT DRIVES – After dark we can night drive using red-filtered spotlights to minimize disturbance as we seek out the active nocturnal animals. Guests may also choose to do a full night drive after dinner, increasing the chances of finding nocturnal creatures.
CULTURAL WALKING – Walking safaris are available to focus on the small secrets of the bush. Your guide can teach you about spoor (tracks), scat, and other signs of wildlife. You will also learn about medicinal plants and the legendary Bushman survival skills.
MOKORO CANOE – We are blessed with permanent water channels, allowing us year-round exploration of the Okavango by mokoro (dugout canoe poled by a guide like a gondola). This is the traditional means of transportation in the Okavango Delta and allows you to experience the environment in a different way.
HOT-AIR BALLOONING (additional cost)—Gain a different perspective on the Okavango and its wildlife as you soar above the Delta. Hot-air balloon rides (four persons Maximum per balloon) are available from April-September and must be booked in advance.
HELICOPTER VISIT TO TSODILO HILLS (additional cost)—This “chopper to creation” visits the remote spot where Bushmen believe humankind began. The estimated 4,500 rock art paintings at Tsodilo Hills date back as far as 24,000 years, while the record of human presence there extends beyond an astounding 100,000 years. On a half-day excursion to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll be privately guided by a San Bushman as you hike among the rock art and enjoy a picnic lunch.
“The Bushman Plains experience is at the luxury end of camping. The set up was the best I have experienced with tented dining room and flushing toilet (ensuite to bedroom/tent). The tents are larger than most hotel rooms around the world. Expect to hear all sorts of wild noises at night – hyena, baboons, elephant. Lovely view over a waterhole which offered views of different wildlife from the tent. The food and wine and service were excellent. The bushman experience very authentic and knowledge enriching. We saw lion, cheetah, leopard, sable antelope, 750 buffalo in one herd, and had African wild dog chase an impala right through the camp one morning all in the space of three nights. Heaps of birds and the guides knew what they all were (including the small brown ones). The open Landcruisers are comfortable and great way to see and smell the sounds of the bush (as opposed to an air conditioned vehicle). The savannah landscapes that form part of the new Bushman Plains concession are stunning and not overgrazed like so much of the other part of the safari… I wish this new business every success as it provides and opportunity for Bushman to maintain their connection to the land and its biodiversity.” – M. Sutherland – September 2016
“Staying at the Bushman nomadic camp was very intimate and personal. You could spend as much time as you liked photographing and watching various animals. The bushman ensure you are as close as possible to the animals and their tracking skills are incredible. It was nice to view the animals without multiple other safari vehicles being there which is what happened to us at other parks. The quality of the food was very good considering the isolation including freshly cooked bread and cakes. We had a 3 course meal each night and we were consulted prior to our stay what food and drinks we would like. The highlight for our family was the day we spent in the Mokoros (canoes) and then had lunch on a small island in the river followed by a swim in the river. ” – S. Sheehan – September 2016
