Their love for adventure led John and Erica Schwikkard to Maun, Botswana in 1995 where they offered a unique 16 day mobile camping safari tour around northern Botswana. John and Erica immersed themselves in the safari industry working at different lodges and camps within the Okavango Delta, before moving back to Maun where their dream of Miss Elly was made a reality.
The design and building of Miss Elly, a live-aboard, aluminum Swamp Cruiser, built locally here in Maun by Aliboats, started in 2018.
Miss Elly is a 8.5 meter long aluminum boat with an upper deck housing 2 clam-shell type tents. The boat sleeps four guests sharing with skipper and one crew accommodated on two bunks in the hull. The boat is entirely self-sufficient. Powered by two 60 hp engines and sufficient fuel in two built in aluminum fuel tanks provides the boat with a week of cruising. Canvas sides roll down to completely waterproof the boat in the event of increment weather, and the roof top tents are 100% waterproof.
The upper deck offers a higher view above the reeds for game viewing or watching the sunset – always extra special when seen from the water.
John personally accompanies all tours, skippering the boat, navigating the channels, preparing the food, pouring a G&T, being a deck hand and guide.
With more than 25 years boating experience in the Okavango and many more on Lake Malawi, Kariba in Zimbabwe and deep sea on the Natal East coast of South Africa. You’ll be in great hands.