Footsteps Camp, The Okavango Delta

rooms

Footsteps camp is simple but incredibly comfortable. The three twin-bedded Meru tents are spacious, with sewn-in floors and mesh doors. Each tent has its own bucket shower (which is filled with hot water on request) and porcelain flush toilet, which is attached to the back of the tent. There’s plenty of storage for clothes and homely touches including bedside tables and a wooden chest containing extra blankets. The camp is rustic but still provides the kind of comfort that you will look forward to returning to after an exciting day in the bush.

facilities & activities

Although incredibly comfortable, this isn’t a luxury camp, but we think it definitely offers something special. With no electricity or Wi-fi, leave the stresses and strains of the 21st century behind and immerse yourself in nature. The staff go out of their way to make you feel like a cherished house guest, catering to your daily needs with warmth and a genuine desire to make sure you leave relaxed and happy.

Footsteps focuses almost exclusively on high quality walking safaris, but other possible activities include game drives, Mokoro or fishing trips, dependent on the time of year. This part of the Okavango Delta is well-known for its diversity of wildlife; whilst out on safari, you may see water birds, giraffe, zebra, impala, wildebeest, lions, and cheetahs amongst other animals. The camp itself often has visits from the local elephants, hippos and baboons so there’s plenty to look out for from the camp’s viewing deck.

Bush walks are undoubtedly the highlight of a true safari experience; appreciate many of the smaller features of the natural world that may be overlooked when travelling in a 4X4. The lode guides are incredibly experienced and informative, but warm and attentive too. You’ll usually head off for a walk in the early morning and another in the afternoon, returning to enjoy an aperitif around the fire - the perfect opportunity to chat about Botswana with your hosts.

dining

Meals are prepared in the camp’s ‘bush kitchen’, where food is cooked over an open wood fire. The quality and variety of food is really quite remarkable considering the basic facilities. Refreshing sundowners are sometimes offered out on safari, but otherwise meals are taken together in camp. There is also the option of enjoying a private meal on the viewing deck by candlelight, if you so wish. Afternoon tea and snacks are on offer, and there is a well-stocked bar of selected local beverages.

family

There is a specially designed family tent compring two bedrooms with a shared en suite bathroom, additional outdoor shower and veranda area. The spacious tent set-up can accommodate up to five family members, affording parents the privacy of a separate bedroom whilst offering the reassurance of everyone under one roof.

As well as your professional guides, you will also have a personal chef, waiter and housekeeper.

Young Explorers Programme

Families with children as young as seven can hire the whole Footsteps Camp, as part of the Young Explorers package. Usually available for a minimum of three nights, this gives you the opportunity to be on safari with your family in a private camp of your own – an unforgettable experience. 

The Young Explorers safari is a specially designed safari which offers families the opportunity to discover the wonders of the African wilderness - together. One of the unique attractions of this safari is its exclusivity as the programme is available to one family at a time. A selection of activities are planned with the whole family in mind. Parents can enjoy some peace and quiet whilst the expertly trained Young Explorers guide entertains the children with a multitude of activities to suit kids aged 7 – 15 years. The Young Explorers’ emphasis is on learning about the wilderness and wildlife in a fun, informative way. The adventure sees children learning how to: recognise different animal spoor; identify a range of birds; try their hand at poling a Mokoro (subject to water levels); drive a game drive vehicle; fish; and shoot an air rifle at tin cans; make small animal traps; and create fire with nothing more than two sticks. Activities are designed to be both educational and inspiring, and the time spent at the Young Explorers camp is sure to leave a lasting impression and fond memories in the minds of all the family.

location

Footsteps Camp is located on a private concession on the Shinde lagoon, in a remote part of the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana.

Light aircraft transfers from Maun to the Shinde private concession take approximately 25 minutes. Your guides will meet you at the Shinde airstrip where you will be taken to the camp in a 4WD.