Shakawe

16 Kilometres south of the Mohembo Border Post you'll find the bustling village of Shakawe. Locals here earn their income fishing in the Okavango River and working in the shops which supply overland travellers and the surrounding lodges.

Here, the Okavango River flows fast and deep. Every year anglers arrive from far and wide to try their hand at tiger fishing during the annual Barbel (catfish) Run, an event unique to the Panhandle. As the waters arriving from Angola subside, the levels in the northern part of the panhandle begin to lower which means less space for the fish. Simultaneously, concentrations of smaller fish species increase. The barbel, which hunt in packs, smack their tails on the water and against the reeds, to stun and confuse these smaller fish. Ever-opportunistic tiger fish follow in their wake, accompanied by water birds like herons, storks, egrets and fish eagles. The event takes place some time between August and October every year, the exact start and end dates depend on the rainfall in Angola.

For birders, the area is a paradise too with the opportunity to spot specials such as Brown Fire Finch, White Backed Night Heron, Brown-throated Weaver, Greater Swamp-Warbler and Pel's Fishing Owl. Shakawe is ideally situated to visit Tsodilo Hills, Botswana's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Mahangu Core Area of the Bwabwata National Park in Namibia.

Although the town doesn't offer much in terms of accommodation, most overland travellers in the region will pass through Shakawe to refuel and stock up on supplies before heading to their accommodation, or boarding a houseboat for a few nights of relaxation on the Okavango River.

There's a Botswana Defence Force Base in town and their vehicles can often be seen on the road. Just south of town you'll find the new Shakawe Police Station.

FUEL:
There are two fuel stations in town, they occasionally both run dry.

HEALTHCARE:
There is a Shakawe Primary Hospital in the town. There is a clinic in Shakawe: +267 687 5016.

MECHANICAL REPAIRS:
There are 'bush mechanics' and backyard workshops if you're in dire need of mechanical repairs, but you have to ask around in town.

SHOPS:
Choppies Supermarket sells a wide range of products and you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables from villagers at street stalls.

TYRES:
Zaib Motors, diagonally across the road from Choppies, offers tyre and minor mechanical repairs.

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