Credit: Footsteps

On arrival in Maun you will be met by a local representative, complete a registration card and indemnity form, then board a light aircraft transfer to the Shinde concession. The flight is approximately 25 minutes and you will be amazed as the desert transforms to delta before your eyes. At the airstrip you are met by your guides and transfer in a 4x4 safari vehicle to camp. Over a refreshing drink and light lunch you will be briefed on activities and safety during your stay, then it is time to settle into camp. Later in the afternoon it is time to begin your first lesson in bush craft and some rules regarding animal behaviour and respect for all the inhabitants of the wilderness. We set out on a short walk, allowing you to become accustomed to some of the sights sounds and smells that make up the language of the African Bush. We return to camp for a piping hot bucket shower under the stars followed by a tasty dinner. Around the campfire we discuss the lessons of the day and learn more about Botswana, the history of the country and its people. For those that can stay awake long enough we can examine some of the stars in the African night sky before heading to bed - ready for an early start the next day.

With the sunrise comes an introduction to driving large 4x4 vehicles, which are vital out here in the bush. Any idea how to change a tyre on a 4x4? While out and about we are sure to bump into some of the many species of large mammals that inhabit the Okavango Delta including wild dogs, elephants, lion, buffalo, cheetah, wildebeest and impala. Spending time quietly observing these mammals will give you an insight into the structure of their society and how we may understand them through their body language. That afternoon while Dad's snores echo around camp you may learn some of the rules and skills required in order to handle a rifle safely. This is an important tool in our world is not a toy, and should be respected at all times! Under your guides experienced and watchful eyes you can learn to shoot our pellet gun on our own bush range! Later, you may wish to try your angling skills Okavango style, either along the banks of lagoons and channels or, for the more adventurous from the mokoro! Here you will learn how to catch, handle and release a fish correctly ensuring you do it no harm, though we may wish to keep a couple for dinner!

The final dinner is cause for celebration, toasting new friends, reminiscing over unique experiences and lifelong memories. The grown ups would like to drift off to sleep with the ever-present chorus of the hippos and the tinkle of the reed frogs. But for the trainee bushrangers it is the perfect opportunity to head off with a spotlight to try and identify some of the many species that wake up as the sun sets!!

The morning is spent discussing your stay and your guides will ask you to identify several tracks, birds and animals, and to explain some of the skills that you might use to survive in the bush. After this informal bush evaluation you will then be awarded your Okavango Delta certificate making you an official member of a truly select group of bushrangers, the Young Explorers!! After farewells to the camp staff and your guides you transfer by light aircraft back to Maun, or onwards to your next destination.