SLOW SAFARI: BOTSWANA 9-20 DEC, 2023

What is a Slow Safari™?

Gone is the hectic wildlife photography safari where you are constantly moving from camp to camp every 2-3 days. Gone is the constant repacking, driving, flying to get to the next destination, only to have to move again to make way for the next group of travellers.

Our "Slow Safaris™", to hand-picked destinations in Africa, will allow you to stay in one camp for anywhere up to 10 nights (or more), allowing you to immerse yourself in one place — to get to know the movement of the animals and the rhythm of the bush — to have the luxury of, let's say, being able to follow the progress of a young lion cub as it gets to know ITS environment.

The "Slow Safari™" is comfortable — you will have your own space where you can unpack and spread out. You can afford to take the day off…if you want to. Our vehicles are spacious with plenty of room for cameras. The use of time is ours to plan the way WE want it.

Okavango Delta

As the largest inland river delta on earth, Botswana’s Okavango Delta is surely one of the seven wonders of the natural world. The delta is formed as the seasonal flooding of the Okavango River, flowing from the Angola highlands, empties into the Kalahari Desert basin. The flood waters cover an area of over 35,000 square kilometers and rise and fall as the intense heat of the region cause rapid evaporation only to have the delta resupplied by newly arriving flood waters. Landlocked and surrounded by higher altitudes, Botswana is a dry country, so the Okavango Delta truly is an oasis. However, contrary to what the foliage might indicate, this is not a tropical paradise. Rainfall is sparse most of the year and temperatures soar to about 40C during the summer. However, the winter floods (that peak from June to August) are sufficient to make permanent large swathes of lakes, channels, and lagoons. Not surprisingly, this oasis attracts some of the world’s highest concentrations of wildlife, including all the quintessential African mammals from lion to elephant to hippo to giraffe to rhino to zebra. The delta is also the permanent or seasonal home of hundreds of bird species as well. This diversity and concentration of wildlife make the Okavango Delta an absolute must-see for any serious African visitor!

The Green Season

We will be visiting the Okavango Delta during the "green season". The annual green season takes place between late-October to March/April each year and is called such due to the high levels of rainfall the region experiences. These rains are vital in sustaining the delicate ecosystem of the country.

The landscape is lush, the waterholes are full, skies are always interesting, and there is an abundance of wildlife. Along with full off-road access, this is a wildlife photographer's paradise.

About Pom Pom

Known for its 'soul' and appeal to safari traditionalists, Pom Pom Camp is an eco-friendly camp located on Pom Pom Island in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta and on the head waters of the Xudum river system. The area lies on the western boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve and not only offers superb Okavango scenery but also consistent game viewing all year round. Pom Pom is the real deal for those who live & breath Africa.

Itinerary

Pre-tour: Fly to Johannesburg
We recommend that if you arrive the day before the tour starts that you stay at the City Lodge, OR Tambo International Airport. This stylish, comfortable hotel is conveniently located directly adjacent to Johannesburg’s International Airport. A number of Johannesburg’s most important business facilities, commercial hubs, shopping centres and restaurants are found nearby.

Day 1: Dec 9, 2023 – Johannesburg/Maun
We meet at the terminal on 9 Dec for our flight to Maun (MUB) (details below). Upon arrival at Maun Airport and after clearing immigration, you will be met by a Kwando representative for your light aircraft flight* to Splash Camp in a private reserve within the legendary Okavango Delta.

On arrival in Maun, you will be met by your Moremi Air pilot for your 20-minute light aircraft flight to Pom Pom Camp.

Day 2 – 11: Dec 10 - 19, 2023 – Pom Pom Camp

Day 12: Dec 20, 2023 – Pom Pom Camp/Johannesburg
After a morning drive and brunch, Transfer to Pom Pom Airstrip for your 20 minute charter flight to Maun. Clear SA Immigration, collect your bags and check into your overnight flight home.

Pom Pom Camp

Pom Pom Camp consists of nine luxury safari tents in true traditional safari style, furnished with en-suite, semi-open ablutions. The tents are uniquely positioned under the shade of the surrounding trees that overlook the Pom Pom lagoon. Our family safari tent, which is close to the main lodge, accommodates four (two adults and two children), with en-suite facilities.

The Camp is set in the tree line overlooking Pom Pom lagoon and each tent has stunning, private views. The camp also boasts a dining room, lounge, bar and swimming pool.

Morning and evening game drives with qualified guides are an opportunity to view the ‘big game’ and night life that this breath-taking environment can offer. 

Daily Activities

Of course, the featured activities at Kwara are the daily and nightly game drives led by a professional guide and a tracker. But there may be nothing more awe-inspiring than observing wild animals while on a unique walking safari. The watery terrain is perfect for both mokoro, a traditional dug-out canoe adventure and motorboat cruises enjoying the spectacular birds, shy antelope, majestic elephant, hippo, and crocodiles living here. Fishing in the lagoon and river channels is a unique experience. There are several tilapia species (including the olive bream or nembwe, red breasted tilapia, purple faced largemouth, and three spot tilapia), catfish, African pike, and the mighty tiger fish.

Arrival, Departure & Visa

Weather 

November & December – Clouds start to appear, bringing cooler temperatures and an occasional late afternoon shower. This pattern of change continues in December, with typical temperatures between 20°C/69°F in the morning and 33°C/91°F in the afternoon. The more extreme Kalahari areas can still have very hot days and cold mornings. Humidity is typically between 50-60%.

Language

English serves as the official language of Botswana. The language is widely used for written communication and is also the language of business, administration, and education. Most of the residents of the country have a working knowledge of English. About 2.8% of the population of Botswana speak English as a first language.

​The Setswana language, also known as Tswana, is spoken widely in Botswana and other parts of Southern Africa. The Bantu language is a member of the Niger–Congo language family. Tswana serves as the lingua franca in Botswana. It is spoken by most of the population of the nation. However, since most written communication in the country is in English, Tswana is mainly used as a spoken language. It is estimated that around 77% of the population of Botswana speak Setswana natively.

​Currency

Pula is the official currency of Botswana. The literal meaning of Pula is rain, and the currency's name came about since there is scarce rainfall in Botswana. Therefore, the money is as valuable as the rain and is also a blessing just like rain. The sub-units of the currency is expressed as thebe which means "shield".