Packing for March trip in the Okavango
Jan 14th, 2007, 06:48 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Packing for March trip in the Okavango
Hello, everyone:
Well, our trip is nearly here! We leave for South Africa (hluhluwe), and the Okavango in nine weeks! Thanks so much to all of you who helped sort out our itinerary; I have learned so much from all of your experiences and advice.
I've been reading thethreads on packing, but one question that I am still struggling with is this: How chilly is it in the mornings and evenings in the Okavango in late March? Does anyone have any suggestions as to a packing list for this particular time of year? Any advice would be so appreciated.
Thank you.
Lisa
Well, our trip is nearly here! We leave for South Africa (hluhluwe), and the Okavango in nine weeks! Thanks so much to all of you who helped sort out our itinerary; I have learned so much from all of your experiences and advice.
I've been reading thethreads on packing, but one question that I am still struggling with is this: How chilly is it in the mornings and evenings in the Okavango in late March? Does anyone have any suggestions as to a packing list for this particular time of year? Any advice would be so appreciated.
Thank you.
Lisa
Jan 14th, 2007, 09:45 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Lisa,
It wont be cold by any stretch......just take a light sweater/sweatshirt and you will be ok. They will have ponchos and stuff....if it gets rainy/windy/bit chilly. The real cold would not set in until perhaps, May or june, sometimes April. You should be ok in March.
Hari
It wont be cold by any stretch......just take a light sweater/sweatshirt and you will be ok. They will have ponchos and stuff....if it gets rainy/windy/bit chilly. The real cold would not set in until perhaps, May or june, sometimes April. You should be ok in March.
Hari
Jan 15th, 2007, 03:05 PM
#4
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Lisa, glad your trip time is nearing, that is very exciting!
I was in Botswana last March which was a bit of a freak year for rain but we did end up with a lot of wet clothing and it was a little chilly on two days where we had a lot of rain. I think you should definitely pack one fleece that will give you warmth under the rain poncho the camp will provide. I actually had no dry clothes left and bought a fleece at our camp (Kwando Lebala) which I now cherish for being my one dry, warm piece of clothing at that time. As Hari says typically that time of year should not be very chilly and I'm sure you will have better weather but pack one fleece just in case.
I was in Botswana last March which was a bit of a freak year for rain but we did end up with a lot of wet clothing and it was a little chilly on two days where we had a lot of rain. I think you should definitely pack one fleece that will give you warmth under the rain poncho the camp will provide. I actually had no dry clothes left and bought a fleece at our camp (Kwando Lebala) which I now cherish for being my one dry, warm piece of clothing at that time. As Hari says typically that time of year should not be very chilly and I'm sure you will have better weather but pack one fleece just in case.
Jan 16th, 2007, 07:30 AM
#6
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lisa, it depends on the camp. Many of them have permanent canopies that are just a heavy fabric stretched over some bars that serve to keep the sun from beating down on you. They do help a lot with the rain but with the open side and water dripping down from the top it does not keep you totally dry. Many vehicles do not have a canopy and are completely exposed with no option for a top.
Jan 16th, 2007, 12:37 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, Pred.
We have made our final choices, and we'll be staying three nights each at Chitabe Trails and Vumbura Plains. Actually, we had boked Little Vumbura; however, just aweek ago, we learned we've been upgraded to VP as LV is closing for the month of March. I'm guessing it's for renovations or maintenance? No matter,...we are pleased to be still on the Vumbura concession, and the accommodations ought to be fun. Have you stayed at either of these camps? If so, do you have any recommendations as to guides or tents? I did put in a request for Newman at Chitabe, based on the rave reviews he has received here on the boards, but I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Lisa
We have made our final choices, and we'll be staying three nights each at Chitabe Trails and Vumbura Plains. Actually, we had boked Little Vumbura; however, just aweek ago, we learned we've been upgraded to VP as LV is closing for the month of March. I'm guessing it's for renovations or maintenance? No matter,...we are pleased to be still on the Vumbura concession, and the accommodations ought to be fun. Have you stayed at either of these camps? If so, do you have any recommendations as to guides or tents? I did put in a request for Newman at Chitabe, based on the rave reviews he has received here on the boards, but I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Lisa
Jan 16th, 2007, 02:26 PM
#9
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lisa: I'm sorry to say I have not stayed at either of those two camps but they are in my top three for camps I want to stay at next in Botswana. I think they will be great for you.
Based on Gaurang's report Newman is the guide you want at Chitabe Trails, especially since he has proven ability for interpreting the meaning of sounds. I only know one guide in the Vumbura concession, his name is Katembo and he was my guide at Duba Plains. I liked him a lot as he is a very nice man and his guide skills were good but nothing over the top. Atravelynn and I think NapaMatt were both there recently so they may have a guide to recommend. If no one chimes in I would have your agent email ahead and let them know that you want a guide with a keen knowledge of the sounds and smells of the bush and the ability to interpret them and they can determine the most suitable guide.
I will be very excited to read your trip report and get the experience from your unique perspective.
Based on Gaurang's report Newman is the guide you want at Chitabe Trails, especially since he has proven ability for interpreting the meaning of sounds. I only know one guide in the Vumbura concession, his name is Katembo and he was my guide at Duba Plains. I liked him a lot as he is a very nice man and his guide skills were good but nothing over the top. Atravelynn and I think NapaMatt were both there recently so they may have a guide to recommend. If no one chimes in I would have your agent email ahead and let them know that you want a guide with a keen knowledge of the sounds and smells of the bush and the ability to interpret them and they can determine the most suitable guide.
I will be very excited to read your trip report and get the experience from your unique perspective.
