Our history
Okavango Walking Safaris is a tour operator and family-owned company based in Maun, Botswana. Our history is deeply rooted in the Okavango Delta, where we grew up and developed a passion for connecting with nature and teaching about wilderness conservation. We specialize in walking safaris in the Okavango Delta or mobile safaris all over Botswana and other parts of Southern Africa, where walking is not allowed. Our aim is to make sure our guests receive an amazing experience that translates into wonderful memories.
We believe that the best experience comes from close contact with nature in open-tented camping, with a combination of mobile and walking safari.
Okavango Walking Safaris specializes in offering highly informative walking safaris as well as educational safaris for individuals or families. From tracking to listening to nature and sensing the scents of animals, we provide the best opportunity for tracking wildlife in a safe and conscious manner. This experience will immerse you in an environment that is truly unique to Botswana and its ecosystem.
About US
Okwa Sarefo
Lead guide and owner, he was born in a small village of the Okavango Delta, Okwa Sarefo’s guiding experience was absorbed already from childhood. During that time fishing and hunting was his daily sport and he learned how to pole a mokoro (the traditional method of transport) at the age of 8.He became a full professional guide in 1996 and has more than 25 years of experience in Botswana’s safari industry. He has worked as guide and manager at some of the most expensive and high-end lodges the country has to offer and has a wealth of knowledge, experience and stories to share.Okwa has received the highest level in Guiding from Botswana’s guiding certification agency, as well as a certified tracker.
Luis Candelario
Ph.D in Wildlife Sciences from the University of Georgia, Athens.
As a child, I was always interested in wildlife and farm animals, which ultimately defined my passion for wildlife conservation in agricultural landscapes.
My ultimate goal in life is to promote the conservation of wildlife and plant species in all ecosystems. It is important for people to recognize for themselves the impact of human behavior on ecosystems and their other inhabitants. By encouraging humans to reflect on what they already know and have learned, I aim to inspire them to help secure the future of many species in peril. Additionally, I want to highlight the benefits and consequences of decision-making in wildlife conservation.
I am the main contact for Okavango Walking Safaris in the Americas and also lead several safaris each year alongside Okwa.
Onalenna Okwa
Well known as «Ona», our history is deeply connected to her roots. She was born and raised in a small village called Etsha on the edge of the beautiful Okavango Delta. She enjoyed the kitchen already at only 6 years old. Her parents encouraged her to pursue a food production qualification as a chef. After completing her qualification in Maun, she freelanced for Okavango Walking Safaris, which was founded by her father, Okwa Sarefo. She is a professional chef with many years of experience and will tailor any menu to the guest’s needs. Ona, as we call her, will delight you with tremendous breakfasts, lunch, and dinner that will make you miss her when you go back home. Her menus are simply 5-star rated, and she enjoys cooking the most memorable meals for her guests.
Being with Ona on a mobile safari is definitely an unforgettable culinary experience, and the food that she prepares with a fire kitchen will leave you amazed by her skills.
Open Mogale
Open was born in the Okavango Delta and grew up in a small village called Sekondoboro. He collected his first experiences in tourism when he joined Letaka Safari in the year 2012. Since he enjoyed working in the industry, he continued in tourism and worked from 2013-2018 as a waiter at Great Plains Conservation, a Luxury African Safari Company.
Currently, Open is our front-of-house manager. In addition to maintaining the camp and serving our delicious dinner, he also mixes you the perfect drink for your sundowners on a daily basis. Moreover, Open is friendly and always with a smile to ensure that you feel at home wherever your camp might be set up. As a result, he will make sure you are comfortable and that you achieve a high level of satisfaction while on safari.
Open is our front-of-house manager. In addition to maintaining the camp and serving our delicious dinner, he also mixes you the perfect drink for your sundowners on a daily basis. Furthermore, Open is friendly and always with a smile to ensure that you feel at home wherever your camp might be set up. Consequently, he will make sure you are comfortable and that you achieve a high level of satisfaction while on safari.
