Ultimate Guide to the Okavango Delta in Botswana

The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is one of the planet’s most beautiful wilderness areas. Its aquatic landscape goes through dramatic periods of flood and drought; yet an astonishing variety of animals have adapted to the changes, making this one of the best safari destinations in Africa. You can explore it on foot, in a 4×4 safari vehicle, or from the water in a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro). However you choose to experience the Okavango, a wonderland of wildlife-filled plains, forests, and waterways awaits.

The Annual Flood

The Okavango Delta is situated in the Kalahari Basin and fed by the Okavango River, the fourth longest river in Southern Africa. Throughout the rainy season, the river gets increasingly full, ultimately flooding the Okavango at the end of the season in April or May. Due to tectonic activity, the flood fans out across the Delta in different patterns every year, bringing much-needed nutrients to the sandy soil and generating a rebirth across the entire ecosystem. During peak flood season, the Delta covers over 8,500 square miles (22,000 square kilometers) of the Kalahari Desert.

A Pristine Wilderness

Because of the unpredictable nature of the floods, this vast area remains largely untouched. The only way to reach many parts of the Delta is by small aircraft, and most of the camps are high-end. The expense of a visit keeps the tourist footprint light. Camps are built with eco-friendly principles in mind, and the Delta falls under the protection of Moremi Game Reserve and 18 separate Wildlife Management and Controlled Hunting Areas. This helps keep human impact to a minimum and conserves resident wildlife.

An Abundance of Wildlife

The Okavango Delta boasts an astounding abundance and diversity of animal life, including no fewer than 160 mammal species. You can find the Big Five here (in particular, the Okavango is known for its leopard sightings). It is also home to one of the richest densities of the endangered African wild dog. Cheetah, hippos, crocodiles, zebra, and giraffe are all present, while antelope species include the red lechwe, the sable, and the vulnerable topi. The Okavango Delta is arguably the single best destination for birders in Southern Africa, with over 530 recorded species. Keep an eye out for specials like the African skimmer and the Pel’s fishing owl.

Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve is the only public reserve in the Okavango. Although relatively small, it covers some of the most pristine and ecologically diverse areas of the eastern part of the Delta. It’s renowned for its healthy leopard population and is one of the few places in Botswana where you can spot both black and white rhinos. For those planning a self-drive safari, Moremi is your gateway to the Okavango. You can search for animals from your vehicle and spend the night in some stunning public campsites. However, off-road driving and nighttime driving are forbidden. To enjoy a night drive, you’ll need to stay in a private concession.

What to Do

Trips to the Okavango focus on observing animals and reveling in the region’s natural beauty. The lagoons and waterways of the Delta make it unique, and water safaris are an unmissable experience. Many private camps are permanently surrounded by water and offer boat-based game viewing. Punting silently through the Delta on a mokoro is likely to highlight your trip and is a fantastic way to get close to animals and birds. Additionally, depending on your accommodations, you can also explore horse-back or elephant safaris, walking safaris, and conventional jeep safaris.

Fishermen can enjoy hours of casting for tilapia, bass, and bream. In some areas, fishing for the ferocious tigerfish is possible, but all fishing in the Okavango Delta is catch-and-release. To truly grasp the vastness of the Okavango, viewing it from above is essential. Prepare your camera for the charter flight in and out of camp, or consider investing in a bucket list hot air balloon flight over the Delta at dawn. Many lodges offer the opportunity to spend a night or two under canvas in a temporary camp on one of the islands, which is one of the most rewarding activities in the Okavango.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options in the Okavango Delta vary from public campsites to private tented camps and luxury lodges. Top selections in Moremi Game Reserve include Sanctuary Chief’s Camp and Camp Xakanaxa. The former is an excellent choice located on Chief’s Island, featuring a gourmet kitchen and spa. Private pavilions include their own plunge pool and a covered deck for observing passing wildlife. Camp Xakanaxa is the oldest and most iconic bush camp in Moremi, situated on the banks of the Khwai River, offering 12 Meru-style canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms, a thatched dining room, and a plunge pool.

Throughout the rest of the Delta, private concessions provide opportunities to partake in walking safaris and night drives. Some of the best lodges include luxury Khwai River Lodge (on the Khwai concession), Gunn’s Camp (on the Xaxaba concession), and Duba Plains Camp (on the Duba Plains concession). Gunn’s Camp is a water-based lodge that specializes in mokoro safaris, guided bush walks, and wilderness camping trips.

When to Go

For the best wildlife sightings, the ideal time to visit the Okavango Delta is during the May to September dry season. This period coincides with the annual flood, compelling animals to gather in higher ground areas, making them easier to spot. The weather at this time is also cooler, drier, and less humid, with plenty of sunshine during the day. During the rainy season (November to March), the floods recede, and many animals depart the Delta area to graze in the surrounding grasslands. Some lodges may not offer water-based safaris during this season, while others close. However, the green season is the best time for birding and offers lower rates.

Getting There

The easiest approach to reach the Okavango is by flying in via a charter plane from Maun Airport (MUB). You will be collected from the nearest airstrip and transferred to your lodge or camp via boat, mokoro, or 4×4. Air Botswana offers scheduled flights to Maun from the Botswanan capital, Gaborone, or from Johannesburg in South Africa. It is also possible to access the eastern part of Moremi Game Reserve by road; however, road conditions can vary depending on the season, and a 4×4 is necessary for the journey.