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Wilderness Trails Course
7 Days
Botswana
Small Group Tour
From
Trip summary
Rating
Duration
7 Days
Travel Style
Small Group Tour
Destination
Botswana
From
Embark on an immersive learning journey in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where the remote Kwapa concession becomes your open‑air classroom. Under the guidance of professional wilderness instructors, each day is dedicated to understanding the bush through hands‑on experience, learning to read tracks, interpret animal behaviour, navigate diverse habitats, and recognise the subtle signs that shape life in this pristine ecosystem. This is not just a safari; it is a deeply enriching opportunity to build real bushcraft skills while developing a more intuitive relationship with the natural world.
Your stay in comfortable Meru‑style tents with ensuite bucket showers, private verandahs, and peaceful views over the surrounding wilderness which supports a learning environment that is both simple and inspiring. Time is spent on foot, absorbing the rhythms of the Delta at a slow, attentive pace, with every walk offering new lessons carried by the landscape itself. This journey blends adventure with education, giving you the rare chance to grow your field knowledge while fully immersing yourself in one of Africa’s most remarkable ecosystems.
Trip itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Maun and transfer by road to a tented training camp in the private Kwapa concession (NG30) within the southern Okavango Delta. On arrival, check in, meet your trails instructor and group, and receive a safety and course orientation. The remainder of the day is for settling in and preparing for the walking-focused program ahead. (LD)
Accommodation: 6 nights – Kwapa Training Camo
Built around traditional Meru‑style safari tents, the camp provides simple, comfortable accommodation in a wilderness setting. Each tent typically includes an en‑suite bathroom with a bucket shower and toilet, bedding and towels, and a small verandah area for private relaxation. The camp lies within the private NG30 Kwapa concession—an area of channels, floodplains, lagoons, woodlands, and savannah—offering a rich, wildlife‑dense environment for trails activities.
Note accommodaton is a mixture of wild camping and sleeping beneath the stars in a minimalistic wilderness camp.
Day 2
Begin the trails program with core foot‑safari skills: walking formation and spacing, wind awareness, use of cover, situational awareness, and hand signals. Your instructor introduces track‑and‑sign basics and how to interpret bird and mammal alarms to anticipate wildlife movement. Afternoon walk continues skill‑building at an unhurried pace. Evenings typically include a relaxed debrief around the fire.
Please note: The order and content of activities througout the Wilderness Trails Course may vary, as each day is adapated to wilderness conditions and the instructor's assessment of the best learning opportunities. (BLD)
Day 3
Deepen your track‑and‑sign practice (ageing tracks, substrate reading, gait patterns) and learn low‑impact wilderness routines. In the afternoon, move out to a simple wilderness fly‑camp within the concession to maximise time on foot and minimise vehicle use. Depending on seasonal water levels, light logistics may be supported by mokoro (dug‑out canoes) or a supply vehicle, while participants carry personal day gear. (BLD)
Day 4
Explore riparian and floodplain habitats on a morning trail, focusing on route choice, safe proximity and view angles, and retreat/approach drills around big‑game country in accordance with your instructor’s guidance. The afternoon walk reinforces hazard awareness, reading micro‑habitats, and maintaining respectful distances. Content remains flexible and wildlife‑led. (BLD)
Day 5
Undertake a longer interpretive walk that links island, woodland, and open‑plain zones. Practical modules typically include basic bushcraft, minimal‑impact travel, and orientation/navigation fundamentals. When channels allow, a short mokoro segment may complement the walk; otherwise, logistics are handled by vehicle support as needed. (BLD)
Day 6
Final morning on foot consolidates key competencies: track interpretation, terrain‑aware routing, and calm, ethical wildlife encounters. Break fly‑camp and return to the main tented camp (by foot, mokoro, or vehicle support, subject to conditions). Afternoon for personal admin, packing, and a closing feedback session with your instructor. (BLD)
Day 7
After breakfast, transfer by road from the Kwapa concession back to Maun for onward travel arrangements. Timings are planned to suit typical domestic or regional connections; exact schedules vary by season and operational factors. (B)
Trip Gallery
Disclaimer: The images highlight both included activities and optional experiences, designed to inspire you to tailor your safari. For full details, please refer to the experience inclusions.
Dates & pricing
Disclaimer
Prices shown are per person based on twin share. Seasonal supplements and minimum night requirement may apply. Solo traveller and extra night prices available on request. Luggage restrictions may apply. International flights not included.
Disclaimer
Prices shown are per person based on twin share. Seasonal supplements and minimum night requirement may apply. Solo traveller and extra night prices available on request. Luggage restrictions may apply. International flights not included.