Okavango Polers Trust

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Phone: +267 687 6861

Community

The Seronga community is a typical Botswana village where the residents live in mostly traditional housing on the vast ecosystem of the Okavango Delta. The delta people have long inhabited the waterways of the north, and like their ancestors many centuries ago, still travel to and fro across the region in mekoro (dugout canoes). This is a unique, leisurely and unsophisticated vessel which is used by visitors who take on the adventure of exploring the Okavango Delta’s tranquil waters.

Who they are

The Okavango Polers Trust (OPT) in Seronga was registered in June 1998. The Trust was formed by the community to establish a viable eco-tourism business which would benefit all the people in this area. No non-citizen or safari company has any financial interest in the Okavango Polers Trust. It is owned and operated by the members themselves.

OPT is has also taken on the policy of using locally made fibreglass mekoros in an effort to conserve the large trees in the area. Each poler owns or is buying his own mekoro and the Trust owns a few that it hires out.

What they offer

Mbiroba, which means ‘bush camp’ in the language of the original River Bushmen, is a unique destination run by the Okavango Poler’s Trust. The camp is situated on the Okavango River floodplain beside Seronga, a small, remote village at the northern end of the Okavango Delta. At Mbiroba you can explore the many facets of traditional African life – rhythmic BaYei and Hambukushu music and dancing, delicious foods and ancient crafts. Beautiful handcrafted baskets, produced in the village, can be bought in the camp.

Back in the camp, you can relax in a comfortable chalet or camp beside the floodplain. Or simply unwind to the haunting melodies of a ka-Woworo and reflect upon Africa as it was and as it will be for as long as people cherish the need for wilderness. At Mbiroba you will always find a warm welcome for “Delta Therapy” – rediscover peace and simplicity.

Enjoy Mbiroba Camp’s opportunity for adventure; a mokoro trail deep into the swamp: a journey that will transport you to a bygone age. Crossing the river floodplain through lilly filled lagoons, where hippos slumber in the heat of the day, your bush camp is on one of the delta’s uninhabited islands. Witnessing the sounds, the smells and the changing light of Africa, you will feel the unspoken reassurance of guides whose knowledge of the local environment is unsurpassed.

Location

Mbiroba Camp is 2Km to the south of Seronga at the north of the Okavango Delta. Land, boat, or light aircraft can access the Camp. Self-Drive to Mbiroba Camp involves crossing the Okavango River on the public ferry at Mohembo, then travelling south to Seronga, from which the camp is clearly signposted. Lookout for the views across the Okavango floodplain and Tsodilo Hills on the way. Alternatively you can drive to Sepupa for a motor boat transfer along the Okavango River (approximately 90 minutes) to Seronga boat station.
Seronga airstrip is approximately 40 minutes by light aircraft from Maun International Airport.

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What to bring

- Hat and sunscreen
- A torch is always useful
- Mosquito repellent & clothes that cover your arms and legs to aid against mosquitos at dusk.
- Soft manageable backpacks are recommended for travelling in the delta.
Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses may be hired from the camp.

Accommodation & Amenities

• Mbiroba Camp accommodation is in 5 two storey chalets with bathroom, outdoor shower, solar water heating and lighting. There is also shaded camping areas with ablutions, gas water heating, and laundry facilities.
• Outdoor showers, solar water heating and pit latrines.
• There is solar lighting.
• Traditional meals are available from the Polers Trust Camp at Mbiroba: Cost is P35.00 per person. This meal consists of: Fresh fish cooked with water lilies, freshly made bread, pallage (pap) or samp vegetables such as pumpkin, cabbage or chowmolia, and local beer (tastes like fruit punch). Please note: OPT may not be able to cater for small groups.
• Prices are in Botswana Pulas (BWP) – US$1.00 = roughly BWP6.87.
  Rondavels - suitable for two people with shared bathrooms: BWP110.00 per person per night (Bed tax – per person, per night BWP2.00).
  Chalets - Suitable for up to 5 People with toilet and shower: Single BWP250.00; 2 people BWP350.00; 3 people BWP450.00; 4 people BWP520.00; 5 people BWP590.00 (Bed tax – per person, per night BWP2.00).
  Camping: BWP55.00 per person per night.
  Mokoro trips: One day BWP500.00 & BWP400.00 for each additional day (suitable for 2 people).
  Equipment hire: 2 man bow tent per night BWP33.00; 3-4 man bow tent per night BWP44.00; 5 man bow tent per night BWP55.00. Folding mattress per night BWP10.00. Cooking and eating utensils per night BWP37.50.
  Restaurant food: Breakfast BWP44.00; Lunch BWP44.00; Dinner BWP55.00.

Check out the current exchange rate BWP to USD

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