Shinde: Our View

It’s a pleasure to write a review for Shinde because this classic Safari Camp in the Okavango Delta is about as close to perfect as one can get for a mid-range, classic, tented Safari Camp. Management will tell you how some guests return every year to this camp, for good reason.

Shinde is set in the diverse Shinde Private concession, nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta. Shinde is an intimate, classic Safari camp located on the edge of Shinde Lagoon, which simply teems with animal and birdlife. The camp’s unique main area comprises of a multi-tiered dining room and lounge which is set under canvas under the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees.

The elegance and historical charm of the iconic Shinde camp has been enhanced by enlarging each of  their eight classic safari guest tents to incorporate a spacious bathroom with a large walk in shower and luxurious fittings. The larger bedrooms, decorated in tasteful colours, provides the perfect retreat. Wide sliding doors leading onto an extended front deck, affording breath-taking views over the open grasslands and windswept papyrus reed beds. Every possible comfort has been catered for in the luxury Shinde tents - from generated electricity and a private viewing deck through to a handy flashlight! Each tent is strategically positioned to offer splendid views, whether across the Okavango Delta’s mysterious waterways or open grasslands.

Courtesy of its location, Shinde can offer both water and land activities year-round. Motorboats or Mokoro provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta. Game drives are conducted by a personal guide in comfortable, specially designed, game drive vehicles. The Shinde “window seat guarantee” ensures that no more than four guests are allocated per vehicle when out on game drives. For the more adventurous, guided walks are also available, while fishing enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for a variety of species such as Tilapia and Tigerfish.

In times of drought Shinde is one of our first choices as an Okavango Delta camp because it is situated on a permanent water source and seems to always have enough water for water activities.

Shinde: Quick Facts

• Game drives (maximum 4 guests per vehicle), Night drives, Off road driving, Mokoro (Traditional Canoe), Motor Boating all year around (permanent water), Walking, Fishing
• Eight classic Safari tents on raised decks (includes the Enclave tents – please see below)
• Private airstrip
• Tree house/dining area, open campfire deck and bar
• Swimming pool
• Private concession
• Awarded 5 Star status by Botswana Tourism Board
• EcoTourism certified
• limited WiFi
• Minimum age at Shinde is 10 years throughout the year

Shinde: The Details

Shinde is situated on a private concession which allows guided walks, Mokoro excursions and night drives in addition to game drives and motorboat trips. Shinde’s excellent location in the Okavango Delta ensures a combination of permanent water access for year-round water activities and large dry areas for game drive routes. This blend of environments provides the habitat for a consistently wide variety of wildlife, including the elusive Sitatunga antelope.

Fishing is available throughout the year (with the exception of January and February), with excellent bream fishing from May to September and superb chances of landing Tiger fish during September to mid-November. Shinde is also a wonderful option for honeymooners. Guests are accommodated in a luxurious honeymoon tent and enjoy special touches which include a private dinner and bottle of bubbly. Honeymooners are also offered a slightly more relaxed pace than a normal safari routine!

Shinde Enclave

Shinde Enclave is an exclusive ‘camp within a camp’, offering the ultimate in personal service and an incredible wilderness experience. With a private dining and lounge area, it is the perfect retreat after a day’s activities. This intimate hideaway also offers guests the services of a private waiter and housekeeper as well as their own professional guide and game drive vehicle.

The three luxury tents at Shinde Enclave are within close proximity to their private dining room and viewing deck. This area offers an exclusive hideaway and perfect location from which a family or small group of friends can explore the Okavango Delta.

The minimum age at Shinde Enclave is 7 years.