Shinde: Diamond in the Delta

It is a measure of the scale of wildlife in the Okavango Delta that, on arrival at Shinde camp, you’ll be asked not just which animals you have already seen but which others you’d like to see.

That was the question put to Safari Online guests Tim and Angelka by their guide at the airstrip once they had finished their covid-protocols – temperature check, mask and sanitise – and were on their way to camp. Having spent a few days in the Savute region of the Chobe Park, they had already seen plenty of wildlife but – since you ask – hippos and cheetah would be nice.

Well, they saw a couple of cheetah before they arrived at camp. And that was just the start of it.

Aerial view of Shinde location

Set next to a hippo-filled lagoon, Shinde has permanent access to water for activities such as motor-boat safaris, catch-&-release fishing & canoe adventures.

There are, of course, great safari camps and lodges all across the Okavango Delta but Shinde occupies a special place. A flat, open landscape with year-round water and studded with islands of savannah, this part of the northern delta is known for its abundant resident wildlife. Tim takes up the story:

“We find a lion who has killed a zebra. It has hauled the dead weight a couple of hundred metres to hide it within a bush. Clearly exhausted, he guards his bounty between snoozing.”

Things get even more interesting after a couple of days:

“The lion, the zebra and the bush, a wildlife novella, is still playing out. Hyenas and jackals are circling. Despite a huge call to arms by a hyena, they are only four strong. There needs to be ten to mount a sustainable challenge. The lion is joined by one of his sons for a feast while he sits back in honour guard!”

Lion close up at Shinde camp

Shinde’s savannah landscape is perfect hunting ground for lions but Safari Online guests Tim & Angelka saw cheetah & leopard as well.

Part of the experienced Ker & Downey portfolio, Shinde is a long-established lodge that was completely rebuilt in 2020 to become a 5-Star safari accommodation. Its location within a privately-run conservation area rather than in a national park means guests have more activities to choose from. There are always morning and afternoon game drives available – with only four guests per vehicle – but unlike in a national park you can also go on night-drives with a spotlight to illuminate the characters of the teeming night. You’ll be on the lookout for bush-babies, porcupines and eagle-owls but perhaps the best part of a night-drive is summed up by Tim:

“We had a surreal but serene moment when we killed the engine, listened to the animal chatter, pointed out the brilliant constellations above our heads … very special.”

Another activity exclusive to these private concessions is a walking safari – on foot with an armed guide – but it was on the water that Tim and Angelka discovered the true allure of the Okavango Delta. A motor boat carried them onto the dark waters of Shinde Lagoon where hippos were, to use Tim’s words, “snorting, pluming and clanging their tusks against one another’s in mock play flights” while a dug-out canoe, called a mokoro, took them down a series of natural canals and backwaters so complex and mesmerising that Tim and Angelka wondered why they’d never heard of the term ‘Venice of Africa’ to describe the delta landscape.

Mokoro safari at Shinde

Exploring by traditional canoe – a mokoro – was one of the highlights for our guests: guided by a local expert, the mokoro allows for an up-close view of the delta.

Thanks to the permanent water of the Shinde area they even managed to find time for a spot of catch-and-release fishing but there’s no need to fish for one’s supper at Shinde. It may be a dawn wake-up call but if you want it with a flat white and homemade biscuits then you’ve got it; the food throughout the day is inevitably delicious with al fresco meals appearing seemingly every few hours: breakfast, lunch, high tea and supper – “You can opt out of a meal” says Tim “but why would you?!”

Brunch with a view at Shinde

Meals at Shinde are served in a variety of locations both at camp & out in the bush but one thing is for sure: you’ll always have a view.

The rooms are great too and have all the mod cons from private bathrooms and solar-powered lights to USB ports and yoga mats. Shinde sleeps a maximum of sixteen guests in ‘Out of Africa’ tented suites and takes children from the age of seven; there is also a smaller sister camp – Shinde Enclave – with only three suites and designed for complete exclusivity.

Shinde accommodation

Shinde’s suites are light-filled & roomy with enough luxury to be comfortable but without ostentatious indulgence.

The wildlife sightings continued for Tim and Angelka – a magnificent female leopard, herds of trumpeting elephants and more cheetah (“I’m sure they recognised us!” jokes Tim) and they began to pick up the smaller details of the delta – the rainbow flash of a malachite kingfisher, animal tracks on a sandy path, the alarm call of baboons – but it was the distinctive sound of a light aeroplane approaching that heralded their departure from Shinde. A last drive back to the airstrip and another round of covid protocols before boarding and then the Okavango is beneath them, its water glinting and flashing in the sun, like a diamond.

Hands-on Expertise

  • We’re based in Africa
  • Consultants Travel in Africa
  • Knowledgeable team
  • Expect great customer service

Accredited & Bonded

  • SATSA – Bonded Membership (2061)
  • Travel Save Compliant Certificate
  • Fully Independent & Owner Run
  • Travel Support from Start to Finish

Reviews

Professional, patient, efficient and responsive. Met all our travel needs and requirements spot on

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

Neena
An incredibly well organised tour with no hassles whatsoever.

Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

Gwen (AU)
Safari Online were extremely efficient and absolutely charming to work with.

Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!

Ann and Mario (Canada)
It was a safari of a lifetime and exceeded all of our expectations!

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

Heather (USA)
Karina was absolutely instrumental to our safari success.

Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Chris (USA)
Walter has always been an excellent communicator and has supported us fully

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Roger (UK)
Professional, quick and top of the edge service!!!

From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

Lukas (Germany)
Safari Online made our fantastic family holiday dream come true!!

Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

Penni (AU)
Very helpful good suggestions for holiday ideas always available for questions good organising

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Lorraine (UK)
Best trip I have ever been on. Highly recommend.

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.