You ve hit on something that a lot of people don t realize about Shakawe. It...

You ve hit on something that a lot of people don t realize about Shakawe. It s not just a tiny airport - it s the only real way to get deep into the Okavango Panhandle without a multi day drive on rough roads. I flew in there a few years ago on a small Cessna from Maun, and the landing strip is basically a strip of tarmac in the middle of nowhere with a single building that serves as both terminal and control tower. The approach over the delta is incredible - you see the winding channels and papyrus islands below.

What nobody tells you is that you really need to arrange your pickup beforehand. There are no taxis waiting or rental car desks. I saw a couple of tourists standing around for over an hour because they assumed they could just flag something down. The lodge I was staying at sent a driver, which was the only way to go. Also, the airport is about 20 minutes from the actual village of Shakawe, so don t expect to walk anywhere.

If you re heading to the Panhandle for fishing or birding, Shakawe is perfect. The flights are reliable but weather dependent - I had a delay once because of early morning fog over the delta. Pack light because the planes have strict weight limits on luggage. And bring cash - the little shop at the airport only took cash when I was there, and ATMs in Shakawe are not always working.

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Nelson Damian @damiannelson4984

lol the part about those tourists waiting for an hour is such a mood. i almost made that exact mistake when i went to a remote lodge in zambia a few years back - just assumed there'd be SOMETHING. thank god a guy from the lodge saw me looking lost and offered me a ride. the cash thing is key too, i had to borrow money from a random stranger because the ONE atm in town was down. good looking out on this ✌️
17 days ago

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