Seronga (GPS: SERONG) is a sizable village at the base of the Panhandle. It's the regional centre for a number of small settlements to the east of it, along the northern edge of the Delta, as well as a focus for the people who still live in the northern areas of the Delta.

Where to stay

There's only one option here – but it's one of the best budget options in the Delta; the base for a local co-operative of polers in the area:

Mbiroba Camp
(5 chalets plus rondavels and camping) The Okavango Polers Trust, PO Box 24, Seronga; tel: 676861; fax: 676939; email: mbiroba@okavango.co.bw; web: www.mokoro.org (this may change to www.okavango.co.bw – and neither was working when I last tried!)
This is one of the region's more established community ventures which is succeeding by offering a simple, good-value product to travellers who are not expecting five-star luxury. Despite this, there's still a bar and a curio shop!

The camp's five chalets are simple, double-storey constructions with solar-powered lighting, and solar-heated water for the outdoor shower. All are of traditional Meru-style design, set on wooden decks, with up to four beds and an en-suite bathroom.

Alternatively, there's a campsite and a few simple rondavels, which share ablutions and can sleep up to three people. Limited numbers of tents and other camping equipment can be hired here; expect to pay about P25 for a two-person tent, and P10 for a folding mattress and sleeping bag.

What to see and do

Mbiroba Camp is used as a base from which to take mokoro trips into the Delta with a poler. You need to bring all your food and equipment; you'll be camping 'rough' without any facilities. That said, if you're prepared this is a lovely way to see the Delta.

Current costs for this are P165 per mokoro (seats two) per day, plus a one-off charge of P55 for transfers, and P25 for 'service' – but I'd expect these to change more rapidly than most camp's costs.