Okavango Delta

A Tapestry of Oxbow Lakes, Meandering Waterways, and Palm-Dotted Islands

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Highlights

Why Visit

World’s biggest inland wetland
Rare species like Pel’s fishing owl and sitatunga
Mekoro rides through pristine channels
We offset the carbon emissions for every night of your safari booked with us

Famous For

Being the world’s largest inland delta. What makes it even more remarkable is that its 16 000km² / 10 000mi² of oxbow lakes, meandering waterways and islands dotted with ilala palms is adjacent to the semi-desert of the Kalahari. Botswana’s lack of mountains or valleys allows the Okavango to be flooded by rivers that originate in faraway Angola.

Permanent water in the Panhandle. Although less visited than the more seasonal floodplains of the Delta itself, the Panhandle offers experienced safari goers a unique experience. African fish eagles and rare Pel’s fishing owls abound here while boating activities from secluded lodges are possible year-round. You may be lucky enough to see a shy sitatunga antelope, which are uniquely adapted to swamp habitats.

Outstanding wildlife sightings. Because of plentiful water and good grazing for large parts of the year, the Delta boasts an incredible array of game, especially breeding herds of elephants, large dazzles of zebra and sprightly herds of red lechwe. And where there are herbivores, carnivores follow. Lion, leopard, hyena and even growing numbers of wild dog can all be found stalking the grasslands, woodlands and riparian forest.

When to Visit

High-water season: July to October

The floodwaters generally arrive as a gentle trickle in about July, causing water levels to slowly rise. As they do, activities such as mekoro (traditional dugout canoes) rides and boating become possible. A trip on a mokoro offers a completely different perspective on the Delta as you are poled through glades of reeds teeming with tiny painted reed frogs, iridescent dragonflies and a plethora of water birds.

October is considered the hottest and driest month in Botswana, and time on the water gives a welcome respite from the heat. July to October is the peak season when the Okavango has the greatest number of safari visitors.

Low-water season: November to June

By November, an interesting conundrum occurs: the floodwaters start receding as the first summer rains arrive. The rain makes some areas impassable as they become too muddy for game-drive vehicles – these are often places best reached by mekoro or boat in the dry season. The rain also encourages the grass to grow tall and trees to blossom: great baobabs that have been leafless all winter exuberantly spring to life.

Until about April, migrant birds are present and ungulates like impala drop their young, often resulting in heart-stopping predator action.

Low-water season generally overlaps with the green season in Botswana. It may seem counterintuitive that a delta is lowest in the rainy season and highest in dry season but the Okavango, like the Victoria Falls between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is dependent on green season rainfall to fill up.

Experience The Okavango Delta

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Safaris to inspire you

Here are our favourite Okavango Delta safaris to inspire you. All of our itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.

Best of Botswana

Okavango Delta | Linyanti | Makgadikgadi
DURATION: 12 NIGHTS

Secret Gems

Selinda | Duba Plains
DURATION: 8 NIGHTS

Northern Highlights

Chobe | Khwai | Okavango Delta
DURATION: 6 NIGHTS

Accommodation To Inspire You

Here are our favourite Okavango Delta Lodges & Camps to inspire you. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

Premium accommodation

Camps and lodges that surpass the bar when it comes to unusual activities, extra-special amenities and stand-out design.

Jao Camp

PREMIUM

An architectural marvel lying in pristine wetlands

Sitatunga Private Island Camp

PREMIUM

Complete privacy and indulgence in an intimate permanent water camp

Vumbura Plains

PREMIUM

A premier retreat in the Okavango Delta offering breathtaking wildlife encounters and panoramic views across diverse habitats

Duba Plains Camp

PREMIUM

Experience the thrill of the Okavango Delta at this exclusive safari lodge, renowned for its extraordinary wildlife encounters

Xigera Safari Lodge

PREMIUM

Redefining luxury in the heart of the Okavango Delta, with bespoke experiences in an unparalleled wilderness setting

Luxury accommodation

Exemplary accommodation that offers welcome touches that are a step up and provide an extra level of indulgence.

Kwetsani

LUXURY

Gorgeous treehouses under a fringe of ilala palms…

Qorokwe Camp

LUXURY

Enjoy family-friendly fun bordering game-rich Moremi

Okavango Explorers

LUXURY

Venture into the heart of the Delta with expert guides, experiencing the ultimate in adventure and pristine natural beauty

Little Vumbura

LUXURY

A secluded gem in the Okavango Delta, offering intimate wildlife experiences and luxurious accommodations in a stunning aquatic setting

Chitabe Camp

LUXURY

Nestled on an island in the Okavango Delta, this camp is a wildlife enthusiast's dream, surrounded by diverse ecosystems and abundant sightings

Gomoti Plains Camp

LUXURY

Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Okavango Delta, where luxurious tents overlook vibrant floodplains teeming with wildlife

Shinde Camp

LUXURY

A secluded haven nestled in the heart of the Okavango Delta, offering intimate wildlife experiences and serene waterway explorations

Kanana Camp

LUXURY

Discover a hidden jewel within the Okavango Delta, where serene waters meet abundant wildlife in an intimate setting

Kwara Camp

LUXURY

Experience the untouched beauty of the Okavango Delta with exclusive wildlife sightings and luxurious tented accommodations

Comfortable accommodation

Very congenial surroundings with everything you need for an enjoyable safari grounded in tried-and-tested camps and lodges.

Pom Pom Camp

COMFORTABLE

A firm favourite with safari veterans, down-to-earth and unfussy Pom Pom overlooks a thriving lagoon on the Xudum River.

Mma Dinare

COMFORTABLE

Set along the Gomoti River, this camp offers an immersive safari experience, surrounded by the dynamic Okavango Delta ecosystem

Oddball's Camp

COMFORTABLE

Embrace the spirit of adventure with rustic charm in this authentic delta camp, where nature's wonders are at your doorstep

Moremi Crossing

COMFORTABLE

A eco-friendly camp on a picturesque island, offering panoramic Delta views and wildlife-rich explorations by mokoro or foot

Xugana Island Lodge

COMFORTABLE

A tranquil oasis on the pristine waters of the Delta, offering an exclusive escape into Botswana's untouched wildernessA tranquil oasis on the pristine waters of the Delta, offering an exclusive escape into Botswana's untouched wilderness

Rra Dinare

COMFORTABLE

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Okavango Delta, this camp offers exclusive encounters with nature's untamed beauty

Experience The Okavango Delta

Want more detailed information or advice about visiting the Okavango Delta?

Start Planning Now

Explore The Okavango Delta

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