Wilderness Pelo

AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife

The Delta experience is magical at Wilderness Pelo (especially so during the flood season from May to September) and the birdlife is spectacular. From the deck at Pelo you gaze out over a wetland eco-system of channels and floodplains interspersed with palm islands and larger wooded islands. Being so wet, the area is not brilliant for big game, though you will see lots of red lechwe and the area is also home to hippo, crocs and elephant. You also have chances to see the rarer species such as sitatunga, spotted-necked otter and Pel’s fishing owl (the latter of which can sometimes be seen in camp). The name ‘Pelo’ comes from the local Setswana language and means ‘heart’, an apt name when you see the shape of the island from the air!

Activities

Wilderness Pelo is a true water camp and activities are focused around mekoro excursions and boat cruises. During the flood period (May to August) boating is completely unlimited and you can travel good distances through this stunning concession. Walking on the islands is also possible, with longer walks (which should ideally be pre booked) being led by armed walking guides, whilst short birding walks on very small islands may not be led by armed guides. Fishing is also possible on a relaxed catch and release basis.

Seasons
Wilderness Pelo is open March to November but is best visited when the Okavango is in flood, usually from May through to September. Fishing is not possible in February and March.

CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY

Wilderness Safaris established the Children in the Wilderness programme (CITW) focusing on the children from villages close to the remote areas in which they operate, educating them in environmental awareness and training them in the life skills needed to care for and nurture their natural environment. Some of these programmes include operating annual camps for up to 30 children at a time in their lodges, running regular Eco-Clubs in rural schools, Youth Environmental Stewardship (YES) which mentors particular children who have shown a strong interest in their environment and scholarship programmes for primary, secondary and tertiary education.

The Wilderness Wildlife Trust is involved in conservation, anti-poaching, community empowerment and education. The Trust has many projects throughout Botswana (Wildlife Research Increasing Capacity), Namibia (Desert Dwelling Giraffe Study), Zimbabwe (Hwange Elephant Movement Study), Zambia (Zambian Carnivore Program), Malawi (Mobile Response Unit) and Rwanda (Shoebill Arial Survey).

A project localised to Wilderness Pelo includes a committee formed by the Jao concession and University of Botswana (Tubu Joint Management Committee) which aims to restrict poaching and over-fishing on the concession.