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Oddballs' was
one of the first camps to be established in the Delta and we
have been sharing the unique scenery, wildlife and atmosphere
of this area with our guests since 1984. We are proud of our
reputation as a relaxed, informal camp where people from many
countries, cultures and age groups have the opportunity to
experience one of Africa's last wildlife oases. Please read
this information carefully, we hope that it will answer any
questions you may have before your arrival.
Getting
there
Oddballs' is easily reached by light aircraft from Maun, our
nearest town, situated at the base of the Delta. The flight is
a short 20 minute hop over the dry outskirts of Maun and then
into the lush green landscape of islands, channels and
floodplains where our camp is situated. We cannot guarantee
the times of your flights in and out of camp, but we will do
our best to accommodate your arrangements. Our air charter
company must enforce a strict luggage limit of 10kg per person
- you should not need more than this, as all camping equipment
is provided. Any excess luggage can be stored at our office in
Maun.
Once you
arrive
Oddballs' is situated on Noga Island, and on the other side of
the main channel is the Moremi Game Reserve and Chiefs'
Island, which is a beautiful area to explore during your stay.
A representative of Oddballs' will be at the airstrip to meet
you and welcome you to the island.
Accommodation
Accommodation in camp is provided in spacious dome tents set
on raised wooden decks. We do not allow people to bring their
own tents as this would increase your luggage allowance
dramatically, and also our tents are already set up in the
best spots! The tents contain camping mattresses and pillows,
and there are communal flush toilets and hot showers. Camping
is inclusive of all meals and equipment (except sleeping bags
& towels).
The best
time to visit
There is no time of year, which is "better" than any
other to come to Oddballs'. Winter is from May - September
when the days are warm and night temperatures average 5 - 100
C. The environment is lush and green with higher water levels,
which gives the advantage of longer mokoro (traditional canoe)
trips. During the rainy season (October - April) temperatures
reach a daytime average of 300 C, and do not drop much below
that at night. The water begins to dry up, leaving just the
main channels and extensive green floodplains from which it is
possible to see a good deal more game than when the water is
higher. So each season offers something slightly different,
but equally worth experiencing!
Mokoro trail
(Bush camping)
From approximately May - December it is possible to camp
overnight, in or on the outskirts of the Moremi Reserve. We
offer this for a minimum of two nights - no maximum! Guests
choosing this option spend their first and last nights in
Oddballs. Camping in the bush is a unique way to experience
the heart of the Delta, and something that you will remember
for the rest of your life. Early morning and late afternoon
game walks or mokoro trips are combined with relaxing in the
shade of the trees, and the occasional swim. YOU WILL BE
REQUIRED TO BRING YOUR OWN SLEEPING BAGS.
There are no
facilities outside of Oddballs, and you will be thoroughly
briefed upon arrival as to what to expect on trail. During the
time spent away from the main camp you will become immersed in
the African wilderness, the absence of other travellers and
the abundance of new and intriguing sights and sounds will
make the trip an unforgettable experience. In addition to the
more well-known animals such as elephant, buffalo, antelope,
lion and wild dog you will also have many chances to delve
into the intricacies of the environment. You can learn about
the construction of termite mounds, local uses for the
indigenous flora and many tales of how the animals and birds
came to be so weird and wonderful…
We will assign
a guide to you for the length of your stay, one for every two
people, or to yourself if you are travelling alone. Our guides
have been living in the Delta all their lives and are eager to
share their knowledge and enthusiasm. Use this opportunity to
talk to your guide, and you will discover some amazing things
about the Delta, the animal and birdlife, and the people that
live here.
We provide all
the camping and cooking equipment that you need, including a
tent, mattresses & pillows, pots & pans, cooking
utensils, cutlery, plates, bin bags, matches, kerosene
lanterns, camping stools and a basic first aid kit. The
kitchen can bake fresh bread for your trip - the tastiest in
the delta!! Sleeping bag hire is an optional extra. It is up
to you whether you wish to include your guide when planning
and cooking your meals. He will not expect it, but cooking
together is one of the things which helps to create a good
rapport.
Walking
trips
Walking will be an integral part of your stay at any time of
year. You can choose how far you would like to walk, and your
guide can help you to decide where to go. From approximately
December - May the water dries up considerably and for at
least part of this period we must stop running mokoro trips.
For this time you can take part in early morning and late
afternoon game walks - these are conducted with up to six
people per guide. The advantage of visiting at this time of
year is that the animals are concentrated around the last
remaining areas of water and are much easier to see.
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