Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A geological curiosity, the panhandle is the result of a 15km-wide geological fault that
constricts the meandering river until it's released into the main delta. In the panhandle, the
waters spread across the valley on either side to form vast reed beds and papyrus-choked
lagoons. Here a cosmopolitan mix of people (Mbukushu, Yei, Tswana, Herero, European
and San, as well as Angolan refugees) occupy clusters of fishing villages and extract their
livelihoods from the rich waters.
As the rest of the delta grows more expensive, the Okavango Panhandle is booming as
a result of local cooperatives that offer affordable accommodation and
mokoro
trips. Al-
though it is arguably not the 'real delta', the panhandle is the main population centre in
the region and the panhandle has permanent water year-round, which means it's always
possible to organise a
mokoro
trip.
Along the road between Sehithwa and Shakawe, there are petrol stations in Sehithwa,
Gumare, Etsha 6 and Shakawe, but fill up whenever you can as supplies can run dry.
Shakawe has a supermarket and a Barclays ATM.
Sights
Krokavango Crocodile Farm
Offline map
( 7230 6200; willeroxl@gmail.com; adult/child P25/15; 8.30am-4pm Mon-Sat)
It's
difficult to know what to make of this place, which lies not far south of Drotsky's Cabins
(the turn-off from the main Sehithwa-Shakawe road is at GPS S 18°26.363, E
21°53.114'). Partly a refuge for rescued crocodiles from the Okavango Panhandle (usually
those that have acquired a taste for local livestock), it has some extraordinary specimens,
including some up to 5m long. At the same time, it also breeds crocodiles for the lucrative
crocodile-skin market (think purses, belts etc) and there are almost 8000 captive-bred
crocs onsite. Feeding time is at 11am on Tuesdays and Fridays; there's a shop, and a visit
to the farm is by guided tour.
ZOO
Activities
The most popular leisure activity in the panhandle is
fishing
. Anglers from around the
world flock here to hook tigerfish, pike, barbel (catfish) and bream. Tigerfish season is
from September to June, while barbel are present from mid-September to December.
Most lodges and campsites along the panhandle can arrange fishing trips, and hire out
gear.
