Delta Belle Houseboat

Description

The Panhandle area is part of one of the greatest wetlands in the world, the Okavango Delta. This part of the Delta is a water wilderness with papyrus-lined waterways, riverine forests, seasonal floodplains dotted with numerous islands, tranquil lagoons and crystal clear channels. It is undoubtedly an extraordinary place and home to a big variety of plants and trees, animals, bird, insects, frogs and fish alike.

BOAT SPECIFICATIONS
Built:                        2010
Mooring:                  Shakawe, Botswana
Class:                      Luxury
Length:                    19 metres
Width:                      7 metres
Engines:                  2 Outboard engines
Electricity:                220V and 12V
Accommodation:     4x Luxury en-suite cabins
Passengers:            Maximum of 8 guests
Crew:                       Licensed Boat Captain, Chef and Deckhand
Tender Boat:           1 For Water- & Land based activities

ACCOMMODATION
- The Delta Belle Houseboat can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests in 4 x luxury en-suite cabins. 
-  3 Cabins are situated on the lower deck and 1 cabin on the upper deck. 
-  All cabins are furnished with twin beds that can be configured to a double bed on request. 
-  The cabins have ample space and are fitted with mosquito nets, glass sliding doors that provide tranquil scenes of the river. 
- The en-suite bathrooms have a toilet, shower and single hand basin with warm water and a wardrobe.

FACILITIES ON BOARD
Lower Deck:
- 3 Cabins are situated on the lower deck. 
-  A deck situated in the front offers a shaded leisure area as well as an open area for sunbathing.

Upper Deck:
- 1 Cabin, dining room, open plan lounge area with small library and bar is located on the upper deck. 
- An open deck on this level makes it possible to enjoy superb views over the floodplains.

MEALS
- Meals on the Delta Belle Houseboat are served on the upper-deck. Menus are a mix of traditional, popular and African cuisine offering guests a feast of flavours, an experience to be enjoyed. 
- A cash bar is available for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
- Mineral water, coffee and teas are complimentary.
- Scrumptious Picnic Lunches will accompany land based activities.


ACTIVITIES
Photography:
The dazzling water wilderness of the Panhandle of the Okavango Delta presents nature and wildlife photographers with the perfect stage. Whatever subject you’re interest in, ample opportunities will ensure rewarding pictures and lasting memories.

Birding:
Bird watching in the Panhandle is sure to be a worthwhile experience and offers bird enthusiasts the opportunity to become closely acquainted with the more than 350 species that is found in the area. Frequent sightings include Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, African Jacana, Red-billed Oxpecker, Black Crake, Egrets and Herons, Darter and Reed Cormorant, Heuglin’s Robin, Cardinal Woodpecker and the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl. From September onwards numerous species of migrants and breeding-migrants also arrives in the Delta and sightings of the gracious African Skimmer and acrobatic Carmine Bee-eaters is not uncommon.

Game viewing:
You will have the opportunity to see Hippo, Nile Crocodiles, Water Monitors, Bushbuck, Red Lechwe, Cape Clawless Otters, Elephant and the elusive Sitatunga Antelope who has found its niche in the wetland ecosystem. But it is often the smaller things that catch the eye. The delta is also home to frogs and butterflies of every imaginable shape, colour and size, 8000 species of insects and spiders. All of this whilst around you water lilies bloom and birds call!

Fishing:
The annual fishing season opens on the 01st of March and closes on the 31st of December each year. Not only is the main waters of the Okavango River a captivating destination, it is also filled with life. Whether you are an avid and experienced fisherman or aspire to land your first Tiger Fish, this will be a fishing experience to be remembered. With many crystalline lagoons it’s definitely a fly fisherman’s paradise. Main fish species in the Panhandle area are the legendary Tiger Fish, various species of Tilapia, Barbel and African Pike. Fishing equipment provided. Guests will be charged for any lost/broken tackle, rod and/or reels.

Krokovango Crocodile Farm:
With about 13,000 Nile Crocodiles on the farm, this sure is an experience not to be missed. A guided tour will give visitors the chance to observe the latest hatchlings as well as an opportunity to meet the oldest member of the family, Sam, roughly 70years old. You will also be able to witness these prehistoric creatures in action during feeding times. A traditional Muti-garden showcases some of the medicinal plants that can be found in the area and information on their uses by the local Batswana and San people.

Local Community Tourism Opportunities :
The Delta Belle Crew will also bring you in contact with community tourism initiatives in the area, to introduce you to the rich diversity in cultures that have shared life on the river banks for aeons. There are three San (Bushman) language groups, Hambukushu, Yei and Bakgalagadi peoples still living fairly traditionally and easily reachable within a morning or afternoon drive. Depending on guests’ interest, a guided San bush walk, San or Hambukushu traditional drumming and dancing, or even home visits could be arranged, enabling local communities to directly benefit from tourism to the area, but also to learn to value and preserve their unique cultures by the appreciation of others.

CLIMATE & WHEN TO GO
- Summer (December - March) with high temperatures averaging 30°C and lows around 20°C and Winter (June - August) with high temperatures averaging 24°C and lows around 6°C. It’s very rare for temperatures to drop below zero. 
- The rainy season usually starts in November, peaks in January/February and more often than not ends in March. The average annual rainfall is between 480 - 520mm. There is no rainfall during the winter months. 
- The best time of year to visit is between April and November. 
- Bird enthusiasts should visit from mid-August/September onwards when numerous species of migrants arrive; many of them come to breed in the Delta. 
- Annual Fishing season opens on the 01st of March and closes on the 31st of December each year with September/October the best months to catch Tiger Fish, Barbel, Nembwe and Bream (Tilapia). 
- All season round offers fantastic opportunities for bird enthusiast and fishermen alike. 
- Malaria is present throughout the Okavango region, and all visitors are advised to take anti-malarial medication as prescribed by their Doctors. The risk of Malaria is lower during June, July, August and September.

How To Find Us

GETTING THERE

By Road:
Tar road - Maun / Shakawe (378km)
Tar road - Ghanzi / Shakawe (558km)
Tar road - Kasane / Maun / Shakawe (999km)
Tar road - Gaborone / Maun / Shakawe (1,312km)
Tar road - Mohembo Border Post / Shakawe (13km)

By Air:
- Charter flight from Maun/Kasane/Lodge to Shakawe Airport.
- Transfers to and from Shakawe Airport and Houseboat are by road and takes approximately 10 min.

Pricing Details

HIGH SEASON:  USD 310 (01 April 2011 – 30 November 2011)

GREEN SEASON:  USD 290 (01 December 2010 – 31 March 2011)

All rates are quoted in US dollars.
Rates are per person per night (minimum 4 pax).
Maximum of 2 pax per cabin (4 x cabins)
Rates are subject to change without prior notice.
The Delta Belle Houseboat has no set embarkation and disembarkation schedules.

RATES INCLUDE

 
- Transfers to and from Shakawe Airport and Delta Belle Houseboat 
- Accommodation and all meals 
- Mineral water, teas and coffee 
- All water-based game viewing and bird watching activities 
- A land-based Crocodile Farm tour 
- Community visits as requested 
- Tiger & Bream fishing (Season 01 March till 31 December) 
- Fishing equipment 
- Fishing licences 
- Fuel for the Delta Belle Houseboat and tender boat

RATES EXCLUDE

- Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks (Bar account must be settled by guests prior to disembarkment). 
- Additional transfers 
- Air Fares 
- Visa Fees 
- Gratuities

All additional payments must be settled by guests prior to disembarkment.