Shinde (Okavango Delta) – Botswana Luxury Safari

Nestled on a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Ker & Downey Shinde is an iconic 5-star camp. One of the first in Botswana and loved by many. Located on the edge of the Shinde Lagoon, the area simply teems with animal and bird life.

Shinde takes advantage of the water features of the Delta. The camps unique main area is in a “tree house style”. It comprises lounges, dining areas (indoor and outdoor) and a fire deck. The swimming pool overlooks the permanent Shinde Lagoon. The camp is now 100% solar powered and has Green Plus Eco-Tourism Certificate.

An overview of what to expect when staying at Shinde in the Okavango Delta

Skip to Shinde Rates

Shinde Accommodation

Each of the 7 x tents comprises of a large bedroom, en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower. There is the choice of either a double or twin bed configuration on comfortable three-quarter, extra length or king-sized beds. With every possible comfort. From full solar electricity, standing and ceiling fans through to yoga mats and hair dryers!

Well spaced tents afford privacy while remaining within comfortable distance from the main camp area.

Families are accommodated in a custom build two bedroom shared en-suite bathroom family tent. These sleep a maximum of 5 people. Specialised family guides are available.

Shinde Enclave

Shinde Enclave is an exclusive ‘camp within a camp’ catering for a maximum of eight guests. It offers the ultimate in personal service and an indelible wilderness experience. Shinde Enclave has a private main area with a private waiter and housekeeper. As well as personal professional guide and game drive vehicle.

The main area has a bar, lounge, dining room, mini library, outside fire deck and sun lounger area. It is the perfect retreat after a day’s activities. Shinde Enclave offers an exclusive hideaway for guests who want exclusivity. Your rooms are still at Shinde but all activities and dining are private. It is the perfect location from which a family or small group of friends can explore the Okavango Delta. Cost per night is $500 in 2023 and $550 in 2024.

Shinde Enclave - exclusive-use camp — Shinde Enclave

Shinde Activities

Things to do at Shinde

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 and a healthy population of leopards.

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. When out on game drives the window seat guarantee ensures no more than four guests per vehicle and individual use of a camera mount.

Shinde is situated on a private concession which allows guided walks, Mokoro excursions and night drives in addition to game drives and motorboat trips.

Okavango Delta walking safari — Walking safari – Lechwe and Warthogs

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. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy motorboat trips to some of the Okavango Deltaʼs best fishing spots.

Wildlife and Birds

Year round resident wildlife includes Sitatunga, Kudu, Bushbuck, Lechwe, Reedbuck, Tsessebe and the ubiquitous Impala. The waterways have Hippo and Crocodile in abundance. There are also a couple of adjoining Leopard territories which are generally occupied. As well as Hyena, Jackal, African Wild Cat and other small predators and prey. There is a patchwork of Lion territories that extend into the Moremi Game Reserve and adjoining concessions. This means that Lions are regular visitors/residents through the year. On occasions, there are sighting of Cheetah (more regular at Shinde Footsteps) and Wild dog . Leopard have made the Shinde concession their home for many a generation. And show placid traits when it comes to sightings and the presence of the game drive vehicles. The concessions location means that it is a dry season grazing resource for Elephant, Buffalo and Zebra and Wildebeest. Roan antelope and Eland are also occasionally seen.

Most of the normal Delta bird species are represented. With the Pels Fishing Owl being a reasonably regular “tick”.

Helicopter Over the Delta

Moments after departing camp you’ll enjoy the breathtaking views seen only from a helicopter. Experience the crystal clear water channels meandering their way through lagoons. Journey deep into the lush green flood plains. Exploring some of the many animal species of the Okavango region.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that must not be missed. The doors are removed on scenic flights for unrestricted views which offers great photographic opportunities.

Scenic flights Rates per person	2023	2024
30 minutes	$325	$345
45 minutes	$490	$520
60 minutes	$640	$680

There is an option to extend this to include a champagne stop on a private island for an extra $50 per person in 2023 and 2024. Or a 2 hour Floodplains to Panhandle experience. This scenic flight explores the Okavango Delta including a private island picnic stop. This costs $990 in 2023 and $1350 in 2024.

Helicopter over the Okavango Delta — Scenic helicopter flights over Okavango Delta

Scenic flights are available at any time of day. Keen photographers prefer early morning or late afternoon. Others prefer flying in the siesta period, so activities are not missed.

Shinde Dedicated Specialist Guides

Would you prefer a Specialist Guide to accompany you for the duration of your stay? The Specialist Guides are well versed in all aspects of guiding including walking safaris, or photography, and family safaris.
Cost of $500 in 2023 and $550 in 2024 per night includes the guides accommodation and flights between the Ker & Downey Botswana camps.

Maximum of six guests per Specialist Guide.
Depending on number of guests a private vehicle may be required.
Cost includes the guides accommodation and flights between the Ker & Downey Botswana camps.

Walking Safari – Options are available to walk between Shinde and Footsteps.
Ker & Downey Botswana offers dedicated walking guides from Shinde, Kanana, Dinaka and Footsteps.

The Specialist family safari also includes:
A specially designed program which offers families the opportunity to discover the wonders of the African wilderness.
The emphasis is on providing the family with engaging, age-appropriate activities. On a flexible schedule while creating shared family memories to last a lifetime. On completion of the safari, children receive a gift pack including a shirt, cap, water bottle and certificate.

Private Safari Vehicle

A private vehicle may be booked for guests requiring three or less people per vehicle. The cost for this is $500 in 2023 and $550 in 2024 per vehicle per night. This also secures private activities as offered by the camp.

Shinde Accommodation Rates

Ker & Downey Botswana offers discounted rates for longer stays. So, combine your stay at Shinde with their other camps in the Delta. These include:
Kanana
Okuti
Shinde Footsteps Camp

Or, in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve at Dinaka

2023 Fully Inclusive Rates in US Dollars		1 to 3 nights	4 to 5 nights	6 to 7 nights	8+ nights
Low: Jan, Feb, Mar & Dec
	Per Person Sharing	583	496	466	437
	Single Supplement*	175	149	140	131
	Child**	350	298	280	262
Shoulder: Apr to Jun & Nov
	Per Person Sharing	979	930	881	832
	Single Supplement*	294	279	264	250
	Child**	587	558	529	499
High: July to Oct
	Per Person Sharing	1342	1275	1208	1141
	Single Supplement*	403	382	362	342
	Child**	805	765	725	685

2024 Shinde Accommodation Rates

2024 Fully Inclusive Rates in US Dollars		1 to 3 nights	4 to 5 nights	6 to 7 nights	8+ nights
Low: Jan, and Feb
	Per Person Sharing	650	553	520	488
	Single Supplement*	228	193	182	171
	Child**	390	332	312	293
Shoulder: Mar to May & Nov to Dec
	Per Person Sharing	1115	1059	1004	948
	Single Supplement*	390	371	351	332
	Child**	669	635	602	569
High: June to Oct
	Per Person Sharing	1490	1416	1341	1267
	Single Supplement*	522	495	469	443
	Child**	894	850	805	760

* Single Supplement. Applicable in Low and Shoulder season for three or more singles per booking.
**Child. Applicable in Low and Shoulder season when a child is sharing with one or two full-paying adults in a twin, triple, or family tent.
During High season, the Child rate is only available when booked into the family tent(s) with two sharing adults.
Child rate applies to children 7 to 15 years of age. Adult rate applies to 16-year-olds and above.

Stays with Ker & Downey Botswana are on a fully inclusive basis. This means that the nightly rate at each of the camps covers the following:
Accommodation.
Game activities conducted by professional guides.
All meals and snacks.
Selected alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.
All taxes, park entrance fees and service charges.
Daily laundry service.
Emergency evacuation insurance (to a regional medical facility).

In keeping with the child friendly policy, Ker & Downey Botswana long stay rates include a contribution to Bana Ba Letsatsi. This is Ker & Downey Botswana’s social responsibility program.

Okavango Delta Accommodation