On arrival at Shinde Camp, after a 2-hour power-boat ride from Camp Okuti, we were met by the singing camp staff. They gave us a warm wet hand towel and a glass of orange juice to freshen up and quench our thirst.
After settling in our en-suite tents, we had a scrumptious lunch in the main dining area - set high between the trees on a raised wooden deck. Lunch, as at all lodges, was more than sufficient and we got to meet the management couple of the camp.
I was very lucky to stay in the honeymoon tent. It is the tent furthest away from the main area. There is a local elephant that stay around that area and many honeymoon couples have seen this ellie from their tent. When I was there, the local ellie decided to come around at night time so I could hear him move and eat while I was laying in my bed - quite adventurous!!!
In the afternoon we could choose between going on an open vehicle safari or a boat ride on the permanent waterways. The guests who went on the boat ride could also catch fish in the delta on a catch-and-release basis. I ofcourse opt for the game drive.
When I go on game drives, I get quiet and absorb all the sights and sounds of the bush. It feels like moving into a different world - a world of peace and tranquility. A world where you can get close with the creator of nature. The Okavango Delta is also very special as there are no other game drive vehicles to be spotted on your game drives. All the camps are situated quite far from each other so you have a huge portion of the wilderness all for yourselve - no sharing with guests from other camps.
After our game drive, we returned to the camp for a boma dinner. We sat around the outside camp fire and exchanged stories of our day. Our rangers and the camp management couple joined in on the dinner and boy did they have some interesting bush stories. We could hear lions roar not too far away from the camp - there was a killing and the lions were feasting. The roar of a lion at night time is the most awesome powerful sound that there is in the bush!!!
The following morning I did a mokoro ride in a dugout canoe on the lilly-padded channels of the Okavango Delta. It was truly an amazing experience. The polar boy rowed us through the waters - pink, lilac, and blue water lillies were everywhere to see. The papyrus lined channels were still and quiet, but at times we were moving fast in order to avoid the crocs and hippos. Yes, a bit of adnrenaline flowing through the vains at these times. We could see all sorts of birds from the mokoro - it felt like a birders paradise.
Shinde is one of Ker & Downey's camps and high recommended. The camp offers land and water activities. I would recommend at least a 3 night stay at this lodge. Shinda Camp is a wonderful honeymoon destination.
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