Operated by Helicopter Horizons, guests may choose either a 45-minute helicopter flip or “go the whole way” and experience a once-in-a-lifetime speed boat / helicopter combination. The trip begins with an awe-inspiring airlift over one of the main tributaries - exposing the high concentrations of hippo and crocodiles hidden amongst the islands near Chao and the Xo flats. 

As the widening floodplains restrict the movement of game to limited dry areas, a swing east of the Boronyane Channel offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of abundant elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, tsesebe and red lechwe, and if you are vigilant and lucky enough, guests may spot the odd predator – including leopard. 

An elegant champagne brunch at the Fallen Fig Island rounds off the first stage of the excursion. After brunch, guests return in a motor boat, exploring at water level the Delta’s pristine waterways, rich with bird and wildlife. 

Commenting on the popularity and success of this year’s excursions, General Manager of Orient-Express Safaris, Karl Parkinson said, ‘Since launching these trips this August an exceptional number of guests have embarked on the experience, with some groups going more than once. In September alone, 71 guests opted for the helicopter excursion. On every trip most plains-game have been seen, whilst on two separate occasions guests enjoyed sightings of leopard. ’ 

As Eagle Island Camp is the only operator in the region to offer scenic helicopter flights over the Delta, these outings provide a completely unique safari experience and guests’ word-of-mouth to the sister camps of Khwai River Lodge and Savute Elephant Camp is ensuring a consistent busy flight schedule.

Due to seasonal fluctuations in water-levels, the ‘Source of the Delta Helicopter Excursions’ are available only from June to October each year. They are currently priced at US$266 per person, for a minimum of two persons, and US$133 per person for a party of four.

Orient-Express Safaris owns and operates three luxury camps in Northern Botswana – namely Khwai River Lodge, Eagle Island Camp and Savute Elephant Camp. Each is located in a unique and diverse ecosystem, thus offering guests a wide variety of exhilarating wildlife experiences.  

New services for 2005 include private charters from Johannesburg’s Lanseria Airport direct to Khwai River Lodge’s private airstrip, as well as private charters to all camps from Livingstone Airport near the world famous Victoria Falls.  It is now also possible to fly direct from Cape Town to Maun (the gateway to the Okavango Delta), with Air Botswana.

To book a tailor-made package to Orient-Express Safaris call (011) 274 1800 or email reservations@orient-express-safaris.co.za. For more information on Orient-Express Safaris visit www.orient-express-safaris.co.za