Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 687 4626;
www.guma-lagoon.com
; campsite per person P124, 2-person cabins
P941)
This lovely spot at the panhandle's lower end is a fantastic place. Each of the shady
campsites has its own shower and toilet, and the tranquil setting continues with a lovely
public area where you can order drinks and also use the kitchen. Most of the chalets over-
look the water. It can also arrange all manner of excursions, from boat hire and fishing
trips to night drives and three-day
mokoro
trips. If you're driving, the trail is well signpos-
ted from Etsha 13. Transfer to or from Etsha13/Seronga costs P112/1232.
HOUSEBOATS
Okavango Houseboats $$$
Offline map
( 686 0802;
www.okavangohouseboats.com
;
houseboats P6000)
Floating down the
river in one of these houseboats, which vaguely resemble Mississippi steamboats that got
lost somewhere in Angola, gives a new, aquatic twist to the 'mobile safari' experience.
The craft depart from Seronga, and should be booked well in advance. Expect some amaz-
ing birding and riverside wildlife viewing. The boats accommodate six to 20 people. Pet-
rol and food costs extra - check the website for details.
THE ETSHA VILLAGES
During the early days of Angola's civil war, the Mbukushu people fled southwards and were granted refugee
status in Botswana. In 1969 they organised themselves into 13 groups based on the clan and social structure they
carried over from Angola. Each group proceeded to settle in a village 1km from the next, and were subsequently
named Etsha 1, Etsha 2 and so on by the Botswana government.
Etsha 6, 3km east of the main road, is the largest of the villages strung along or just off the Sehithwa-Shakawe
road. In the village you'll find the
House of the River People
(admission P10)
, a museum and cultural centre
featuring the traditions and artistry of the Bayei, Mbukushu and San people of the Okavango region. The adjacent
Okavango Basket Shop is an excellent place to buy Ngamiland baskets, pottery and carvings. Up to six daily
combis between Maun and Shakawe stop in Etsha 6.
Getting There & Away
The road between Maun and Shakawe, via Sehithwa, is sealed (if potholed in places) and
continues into Namibia. You'll need a 4WD for the tracks into most lodges and campsites;
most will arrange pickups (for a fee) from the nearest town.
