Oddballs
Okavango Delta | Botswana
Oddballs is situated on the edge of Chief's Island in the Moremi Game Reserve and deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The camp is only accessible by fly-in and transfer from either Maun of Kasane airports. This camp offers very basic accommodation and is not a luxury establishment, but is very popular all the same.
The Moremi Game Reserve is considered to be one of the continent's outstanding wildlife sanctuarys and at 4,871 km², covers a considerable section of the Okavango Delta. It consists of an impressive variety of habitats that support enormous concentrations of wildlife, including one of the largest populations of the endangered African wild dog.
Vegetation is dominated by mopane tree canopies on the dry lands of the Moremi. The remainder of the reserve is a combination of floodplain grasses, sandveld, riverine woodland, as well as areas of permanent delta. The animals here are both numerous and somewhat more relaxed these days. Safety in numbers (and the end of indiscriminate hunting) allows vehicles to approach quite closely.
The bar and lounge area has comfortable seating and the elevated viewing deck overlooks the Delta. It is a great spot to watch the sun set over the palms and view wildlife at the water's edge at the same time. For lovers of tall stories, tall drinks and 'the one that got away', then the legendary 'Skoll bar' is for you. Chill and relax on a number of hammocks scattered around the place. Oddballs has an extensive library, just the job to check up on the day's sightings and observations.
Accommodation is in either:
- 14 x (2m x 2m) domed tents: These tents are all raised on wooden decks and set in shady areas. Each tent is equipped with a mattress, bedding and a light. They also have individual rustic bathrooms consisting of a bucket shower, wash basin and toilet.
- 1 Honeymoon Suite: A chalet built out of reeds with its own en-suite toilet and hot water shower facilities. This is ideal for a rustic romantic getaway or for the more mature traveller.
Set a few hundred metres to the south of Oddballs is 'The Enclave' which opened in June 2009. It is a small but intimate hideaway that affords some dramatic views of the surrounding floodplains. It consists of 5 x comfortable tents, each with twin beds, en-suite facilities and a rustic décor in remembrance for 'when safaris were a real adventure'.
The enclave has its own dedicated cook and host and each tent is assigned a personal guide, the focus being on mokoro and walking trails. This is an ideal alternative to the main camp and is perfect for family gatherings, networking or for business 'character building' excursions.
Activities at Oddballs Camp tend to revolve around boat trips, (water levels permitting) and walking safaris. All excursions are led by knowledgeable and professional guides, who will give safety briefings where applicable.
- Mokoro excursions
- Cruise the waterways and channels on a relaxing afternoon trip. The duration is usually around 2-3 hours, depending on the wildlife and riverine activity.
- A Full Mokoro Trail
- For those who can stay at Oddballs for a minimum of 4 nights, this trail allows explorers to spend nights 2 and 3 in the bush. You will be guided all the way - 1 guide per 2 guests. All of your camping equipment is provided which includes a 2m x 2m tent, mattresses, cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, BBQ grid and cooler box.
- Walking Safaris
- Oddballs offer walking safaris on Chief's Island. They are usually conducted in the early morning and at a suitable pace. There is a 2 to 1 ratio of guests to guides. Trails last around 3 hours. In the cooler months many walkers prefer to stay out a bit longer and take a delicious picnic lunch.
One of the most established camps in Botswana, still offers the excellent facilities, location & service which made it popular in the first place
A very well established luxury lodge with lots of facilities & activities designed to make for an exciting and pleasant stay
Offers accommodation at the Main & Bush Camps which are linked by a lantern lit causeway
One of the cheapest establisments in the area, offers basic accommodation in permanently errected dome tents
Set on Chief's Island, within the Moremi Game Reserve of the Okavango Delta - the camp offers brilliant game-viewing opportunities
- Children are welcome
