From May 13–15, the vibrant halls of the Durban ICC were filled with fresh energy, new ideas, and meaningful connections – and we were proud to stand among Africa’s finest at INDABA 2025.

For Untouched Safaris, this year’s event was more than a showcase. It was a celebration of where we’ve come from – and a glimpse of where we’re going next.

Introducing the Okavango Endeavour: A new way to explore the Delta

At the heart of our stand stood something quietly spectacular – a hand-crafted scale model of the Okavango Endeavour, our newest safari houseboat experience, launching in June 2026.

Like her sister vessel Ngwesi, the Okavango Endeavour will be based in Seronga, on the remote northeastern fringe of the Okavango Delta. From this untamed corner, guests will venture into the lesser-travelled waterways and floodplains of the Delta – where wildlife still moves undisturbed, and the wilderness feels truly wild.

Designed with a balance of comfort, sustainability, and soulful experience in mind, the Okavango Endeavour will feature:

• 10 spacious en-suite cabins: 8 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Superior Cabins with extra space and elevated views

• A central dining area for shared meals and quiet moments

• A sun deck for wildlife watching and stargazing

• A small plunge pool to cool off during warm Delta afternoons

• And most importantly: 100% solar-powered systems for the onboard electronics

This is not just a safari. It’s slow travel with purpose – where the journey itself becomes part of the story.

“It’s not just about cruising the river – it’s about immersing yourself in the Okavango Delta as a living, breathing wilderness. The Endeavour will bring guests closer to its heartbeat – with the lightest possible touch.”

Soulful connections and shared vision

Throughout the three days of INDABA 2025, we connected with travel professionals, storytellers, conservation partners, and fellow safari lovers – all drawn by a common passion: meaningful, sustainable, experience-rich travel in Africa.

The Okavango Endeavour was a highlight – not only for its unique design, but for the deeper story it tells: of slow exploration, thoughtful luxury, and genuine connection to place.

We also presented our trusted lodge collection in Namibia and Botswana, and our mobile safaris, which continue to resonate with guests seeking real moments in wild places – always with warm, personal hosting.

Looking forward

As we prepare for the launch of the Okavango Endeavour, INDABA 2025 marked a powerful beginning. This new chapter brings together everything we value – community-based experiences and a deep respect for the Okavango Delta.

Because this isn’t just a destination. It’s a way of life – and a place we’re proud to share.

What INDABA means for African travel

INDABA is not just a trade show. It is the annual gathering point for African tourism – a place where operators, lodges, tour agents, and conservationists from across the continent come together to shape the future of travel. For a company like Untouched Safaris, still building its identity and reputation in a competitive market, being present and visible at INDABA carries real significance. It is a statement of intent: we are here, we are serious, and what we have to offer is exceptional.

The conversations we had at INDABA 2025 confirmed something we already believed: there is a growing appetite among travellers for exactly what we offer – smaller scale, more personal, more purposeful safaris. People are less interested in ticking off lodges from a list and more interested in understanding the places they visit, the wildlife they encounter, and the communities their travel supports. The Okavango Endeavour fits perfectly into this shift.

What to expect on board the Okavango Endeavour

Beyond the specifications – 10 cabins, solar power, plunge pool, sun deck – what we wanted to communicate at INDABA was the experience of being on board. Life on a houseboat in the Okavango Delta has a pace and a quality that is unlike any other safari format. You wake up to absolute stillness. The only sounds are the call of birds, the slap of water against the hull, and perhaps the distant splash of a hippo surfacing nearby.

Mornings begin with a boat safari through channels that are accessible only from the water – where elephants wade in to drink at eye level and painted reed frogs cling to lily stems in the early light. Afternoons settle into the gentle rhythm of the Delta: watching, listening, and simply being present in one of the world’s great wild places. Evenings bring sundowners on the upper deck as the sky turns amber and the Delta quietens into night.

This is what we previewed at INDABA. This is what launches in June 2026. If you would like to be among the first to experience it, reach out to us now – availability for the first season is already filling.