Much like the many birds that fly the skies in this beautiful area of the Okavango Delta next to the Moremi Reserve, the team at Shinde Footsteps has spread its wings and now offers a much broader range of activities.

Prior to a rebuild and rebrand in 2023 (it was previously called Footsteps) this used to be a base for walking safaris. And walking safaris alone. But that’s all changed, making this small and exclusive camp an even more attractive prospect.

More activities than ever

The camp team is now offering opportunities for guests to explore the lagoons and narrow waterways with gentle water-based activities. Climb aboard for a boat safari, or get even closer to the water inside a canoe-like mokoro for a chance to see wildlife that lives on or near the wet stuff – pelican, stork and heron among them. Or if you prefer, you can spend a relaxing day fishing the waters.

Away from the water, the walking safaris on which the camp made its name remain as alluring as ever, giving you the chance to trek across some of the large palm tree covered islands, with a guide ensuring you don’t miss the flick of a wing, the pink of a petal, or the scurry of an insect. Apparently, for sheer beauty, these expeditions are best sampled in the early morning when the mist is rising over the plains.

The big news is game drives are now on the menu, during the day and at night, and rightly so as this part of Okavango is where the big cat prowl – lion, cheetah and leopard among them. There are no guarantees you’ll see all three or indeed the wild dog, zebra, giraffe and hyena that roam the plains. But there’s a chance, and that’s good enough to attract guests from all over the world.

All of the above activities will generate opportunities for photographs. We mention this because the camp has a photo editing suite, not something you usually find in such a remote location, with power ports and secure storage facilities to help keep expensive camera equipment charged up and safe.

A small camp, big on making memories

This camp is pitched right next to a small lake that’s dubbed the hippo pool, because those captivating animals are among the regular visitors for drinks and baths. You can see all the splashes and comings and goings from the lounge and dining area which is open on 3 sides for panoramic viewing. Or you could choose to eat locally sourced food together out in the open by the camp fire.

Six guests only

Yes, there is a strict limit of 6 guests at any one time, making it one of the smallest and most exclusive and intimate camps in southern Africa let alone Botswana. There are actually 4 tents with capacity for 10 people between them, so presumably some of these are left empty or available for sole occupancy, to ensure the guest limit isn’t exceeded. Many visitors choose to block book the whole camp for their party, creating a private safari experience for a family or small group of friends.

Three of the Meru-style tents have twin beds or a double (you can decide which when you book), with the fourth offering family-size accommodation with two rooms joined together and sharing an ensuite bathroom. That contains a shower and a porcelain sink plus WC. There’s another shower outside if you’re feeling adventurous at wash time. All tents are on raised decks and have private covered outside space with seating.

Special arrangements for children

If you’re planning to bring kids under 16 on safari with you, for an extra cost, the camp will lay on a special guide to run a Young Explorers programme to keep those young and demanding guests entertained. The focus is on exploring together as a family, with something for everyone.