Meet your own swamp guide

Hop in a small plane, take off and look down on the spectacular, expansive Delta. You are flying into one of the most remote camps – where wildlife can roam free (and will do so too!). Oddballs Camp is situated on the edge of Chief’s Island, smack bang in the middle of the Okavango Delta and bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Wooden walkways connect the tents hidden in the treetops, making it a true nature-enthusiasts hideout. This rustic camp offers an extraordinary value-for-money experience with your own ‘man of the swamp’ (a personal guide) and the emphasis on a quiet, slow African bush vibe. Staff at Oddballs camp is well educated and does its job to keep the Delta the way as it is, in all its beauty. Eat freshly baked bread right on the banks of the Boro river, enjoy views of an extraordinary sunset with a cold beer in hand, or listen to the stories of manager Katy around the bonfire at night: back to the (beautiful) basics, that is the focus at Oddballs Camp.

The camp accommodates thirty guests in three by three meter dome tents (including two family units) set on elevated wooden decks and shaded by canvas shelters. They feel like an intimate tree house, open to wildlife viewing and stargazing. Each tent has its own rustic en-suite facilities including hot and cold running water for the al fresco bucket shower. Inside your own tree house you will find an elevated bed, freshly made with soft, white sheets. Also the bar and lounge areas have comfortable seating and several raised viewing decks that overlook the Okavango Delta, providing a perfect vantage point to watch the sunset and view whatever wildlife may be visiting. Meals are served in the dining room overlooking the Boro Channel and the bar operates on an honesty system: mark your drinks on a card under your tent number - friendly and casual, just like the staff.

Activities at Oddballs Camp in Okavango Delta

Activities at Oddballs Camp include walking and mokoro excursions with your private ‘man of the swamp’ (maximum of two guests per guide). A walking excursion is a must-do. Encounter a sleepy baby zebra, and stare in her eyes when she wakes up. Be spellbound when you look up at a towering giraffe. These are memorable experiences, and usually only happen during a walk. Here, homage is paid to the adventurous safari. Your Okavango Delta guide is born and bred in the area, with intimate knowledge of the landscape. He knows his mokoro and the waterways, and will take you out in the early mornings and afternoons to nearby islands, where he will escort you during game viewing and enjoying the spectacular scenery. Not to mention the great sense of humour and storytelling skills of all the guides at Oddballs Camp. Birds are plentiful in this area, so birding is a great part of the adventure, as are interactions with cultural villages around the camp. Return after a full day of memorable experiences, enjoy a homey, delicious meal, and go to bed at night listening to the serenade of hippos. Rustic never felt this rich.

Tripadvisor comments Oddballs Camp

When we boarded the small plane in Maun, my family of 4 with 2 teenagers, were all excited and nervous. The flight over the Delta was so spectacular that we did not want it to end. We felt like we were immersing ourselves into the best documentary we had ever seen on Africa. Staff were wonderful; each pair had their own guide. The tent accommodations were rustic, but adventurous. The outdoor bathrooms were even fun. The elephants in the camp were a little unnerving in the night when they were eating right outside our canvas door, and shaking the palm trees for the fruit. We really felt like we were in the middle of the wilderness. Traveling by Mokoro is now my favourite thing. Sit back and watch the giraffe, elephants and baboons from the comfort of your own little boat! We watched the best sunsets in the world from the outdoor lounge area of this truly amazing Botswana accommodation. We hated to leave, and return to trucks and cars and electricity!

Csharp123 from Victoria, British Columbia

We spent 3 nights in November 2104 and we had a wonderful time. We had a lovely welcome off the exciting 20min plane trip and were shown to our tents. The tents are snug with an attached bathroom that has a very fun, interesting and environmentally friendly shower system. Not even settled in and a large elephant came crashing into camp, just 5m away from our tent!! We had an excellent time on our mokoro and walking trips. We encountered lots of birds and animals but the highlight was definitely chasing two lions! Our guides: Raps, KG and Balley were amazing - knowledgeable about the land, animals, society with a good sense of humour. Our food was delicious and a big thank you to Georgina! Definitely our favourite camp!

Xmz2012 from Sydney, Australia