Shinde ♥
Shinde Camp is situated on the edge of an area of deep water and lagoons in the heart of the Okavango Delta. It’s a well-established camp in a private reserve just to the north of the Moremi Game Reserve. Its wide-open floodplains sit alongside some very pretty waterways, allowing for a mixture of both land and water activities.
When guests arrive at Shinde don’t be surprised to be met by singing staff with enormous smiles and a very warm welcome.
The main area at Shinde has a wonderful tree-house feel, with a thick canopy of ebony, mangosteen and water-fig trees sheltering a split-level series of polished teak platforms. Linked together by staircases and ramps, these houses the reception, lounge and dining room. An unusual ‘wagon-style’ canvas roof lends an airy feel and an atmosphere of relaxed opulence.
At the front of camp you’ll find an open reception area, where armchairs overlook a semi-circular deck with a firepit and comfortable canvas chairs. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks are usually served here, and guests are welcome to help themselves from the fridge, which is discreetly hidden behind a screen. Behind a second screen is a small desk with a laptop which guests can use to access the internet.
A gradual ramp leads up to the lounge area, tastefully decorated in soft shades of grey, beige and pale blue. There is plenty of comfortable seating, a bookshelf with a good selection of bird, mammal and reptile books, a few board games and a display of baskets. At night, guests may make use of the very retro spotlight to view any animals visiting the camp, notably hyena and genet. On our most recent visit, we did not have the opportunity to experience the spotlight, but we have seen it in use on previous visits.
Continuing up the ramp brings you to the dining room, where the views over the permanent waters of the Delta are spectacular. Paths of sand lead away from Shinde’s main area to the rooms, and the swimming pool. Set on a low rise and surrounded on three sides by a wooden fence, this has fantastic views over the floodplains in front of camp. Although you should always proceed with caution, don’t be alarmed if an elephant amble past the pool to browse on the nearby trees and shrubs.
Shinde has eight spacious tented camps. We would not describe them as luxurious, but rather spacious, private, smart and comfortable for a traditional safari camp.
*For a full list of available activities, the best time of the year to visit, and any other relevant enquiries, please contact a Sister Hippo Travel Consultant!