Okavango Delta Safari Travel Guide
The Okavango Delta is a unique, magnificent wetland wilderness. Located in northern Botswana, this is the largest inland delta in the world. Rains in the Angolan highlands filter through into Botswana, kissing Kalahari sands, flooding grasslands, and feeding permanent swamps. The Okavango is a seasonal marvel, with the rains carving different channels through the land every year.
The Okavango Delta is protected by Moremi Game Reserve and a tortoise-shell map of community-owned and private concessions, forming part of KAZA - the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. KAZA connects five nations across the Kavango and Zambezi river basins, allowing for the cross-border movement of wildlife and uplifting communities along the way.
These pristine waterways and lagoons attract mammals in large numbers - from path-forging elephants and hippos to swimming lions and leaping lechwe. With remote camps tucked away in the papyrus to self-drive 4x4 overlanding, the Okavango holds appeal for every safari-goer and is one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world. The Okavango Delta is at the heart of every Southern African safari itinerary. From here, you're easily connected to the Chobe Waterfront and Savuti, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the silence of Namibian deserts.
Whether you are heading to the Okavango Delta for the first time or are looking to expand your experiences in this wetland wonderland, read through our guide for information, advice, and tips on how to prepare for a Botswana safari to the Okavango Delta.
Okavango Travel Tips:
What To Do in the Okavango Delta
What is Special About the Okavango Delta?
When is the Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta?
Where To Go in the Okavango Delta
What To Pack for the Okavango Delta
What to do in the Okavango Delta
For anyone who loves the world's wild places, the Okavango Delta has plenty to discover. From adventurous self-drivers to luxury safari-goers (and everything in between), there is a range of water-based and dryland activities on offer, giving you the chance to explore this incredible landscape in different ways (and an excuse to go back over and over again).
Game Drives
Game drives are one of the most popular activities in the Delta. Guided by professional safari guides and trackers, exploring on the back of an open game-viewer helps you to go the distance and search for game across the dry areas of the Okavango. Depending on your operator, game drives normally take place in the early mornings and evenings when predators are more active. Bush coffee stops and sundowners at scenic spots add to the enjoyment of every game drive.
Boat Safari
For some camps in the Okavango Delta, motorboats are the primary mode of transport as the roads are impassable by car. This is part of what makes this such an exciting and remote destination. These boating safaris will take you down main channels of the Delta and accessible waterways, with unique opportunities to see hippos and other wildlife. Exploring by boat is a must in this incredible ecosystem.
Walking Safaris
A guided bush walk is one of the best ways to explore any safari destination. On foot, you're given a unique perspective of the incredible landscapes of Delta islands and dryland areas. Without the sound and structure of the vehicle, even the potential of seeing wildlife on foot awakens the senses and watching game at a respectful distance at ground level is an unforgettable experience. It is also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about tracks and signs of the bush from your guide at a slower pace. The length and intensity of these walks again depends on your operator, but most walks last 2-3 hours and take place in the early mornings - before the heat of the day sets in. Check whether there are any fitness requirements or age limits if you are traveling with children.
Mokoro Rides
The mokoro or dugout canoe is iconic on Okavango waterways - and you shouldn't miss out on this authentic Delta activity if it is available. From floodplains to papyrus-lined channels created by hippos, drift silently through this wild, watery wonderland, poled by your guide. It is an amazing vantage point for game-viewing or simply floating along clear waters past waterlilies and the hidden fauna of the Delta.
Okavango Delta Fishing
The Okavango Delta has many fishing opportunities for passionate fishermen or intrepid first-timers - from high-octane tiger-fishing to serene casting against this extraordinary backdrop. The Okavango Delta has 71 fish species, including tigerfish, tilapia, and catfish. The barbel runs (generally running between September and December) see a frenzy of catfish and tigerfish, with exceptional fly-fishing to be had in one of the world's most unique destinations for anglers.
Okavango Horse Safari
A horse safari in the Okavango takes you into the wilderness for an exclusive safari experience that taps into the grassroots adventure spirit - often with no compromise on safari luxury. The impassable areas of the Delta are perfectly explored on horseback. Enjoy technicolor sunsets, splashing gallops, and peaceful game-viewing from the saddle.
Birdwatching
There are more than 400 recorded bird species in the Okavango Delta - a destination that expands the bird atlas of any twitcher! The incredible biodiversity of this alluvial fan means exceptional bird sightings can be had. Between wildlife spotting, even non-birders will be enthralled by the birdwatching on offer. The Okavango is also an Important Birding and Biodiversity Area, with 17 species classified as Globally Threatened. Birding on foot and by mokoro presents a great chance to view and photograph birds with relative ease.
Scenic Flights
Exploring the Okavango at ground and water level merges the land and water elements of this landscape - walls of papyrus or waterlogged roads blocking the path of game-viewers. An aerial view of the Delta adds an incredible extra dimension to the experience. From the air, witness its expansiveness, its network of channels and world-famous wild islands. Many lodges are accessible by light aircraft, so you may see the Delta from the air in transit. However, if you are on a self-drive safari of the Okavango or an air transfer doesn't form part of your itinerary, scenic flights or helicopter flips may form part of the offering of some camps - or are available from operators in Maun.
Cultural Village Tours
Alongside the magic of the Okavango Delta are the people who call this watery wilderness home. Experience Botswana's warm hospitality and learn more about the daily lives of the communities in and around the Delta, their enduring traditions, and their connection to this wild part of the world. This adds a different, meaningful dimension to any safari experience and supports communities (and so conservation, through tourism).
What is Special About the Okavango Delta?
The Okavango Delta is the world's largest, inland delta. It flows into Kalahari desert sand rather than emptying into the ocean. Seasonal flooding, fed by rains from the Angolan highlands, creates secluded lagoons and an oasis of channels and islands, drawing game in amazing numbers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a biodiversity hotspot and the setting for a completely unique safari experience.
When is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?
The Okavango Delta changes dramatically with the seasons. This means time of year will feature heavily in your safari planning. The high season in the Okavango Delta is during the dry season, when there are higher visitor numbers. Varying annual weather patterns make predicting conditions difficult, but the following serves as a general guide. Some camps do not offer water-based activities all year round, so this is an important aspect to check with your travel consultant before booking.
- Dry Season Okavango Delta: The dry season is between May and November. During the winter in Botswana, there can be very cold mornings and evenings, but the temperatures are moderate during the day. As the year progresses, from the end of September into October and November, you can expect daytime temperatures to rise and the chance of afternoon storms to increase. It's important to remember that the dry season doesn't mean the Okavango waters will be low. Rather, the flood arrives in Botswana following the rains in Angola, with water levels generally starting to subside in September or the end of the dry season. Game congregates around shrinking water sources and the weather starts to get very hot - a wildlife spectacle that changes with the seasons.
- Wet Season Okavango Delta: The wet season in the Okavango Delta is from December to April. While the main floodwaters have started to recede, stormy skies create unique photographic opportunities and migratory birds flock to the area. Peak rainfall takes place in January and February. Have a waterproof layer at the ready! Thicker vegetation and dispersed water sources can make game-viewing a little more challenging during the green season, but great sightings are plentiful with patience and perseverance (and often at a more affordable rate).
Where To Go in the Okavango Delta
Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi covers a third of the eastern Okavango Delta, with a range of diverse habitats and exquisite landscapes and lagoons. Established in 1963 by the Batawana, the reserve plays a vital role in conserving the Delta's diverse ecosystems. Moremi accommodation ranges from high-luxury and exclusivity like Chief's Camp and Mombo to rustic self-guided camping. It is also a popular mobile safari destination.
Khwai Community Concession
The Khwai Community Concession lies between Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. This is an area with abundant game and is sustainable conservation tourism in action, with the local communities benefiting from safari tourism operations in the area. Lodges and affordable camps can be found in the Khwai Community Concession, with something for every kind of safari traveler.
The Okavango Panhandle
The Okavango Panhandle refers to the 45-60 mile deep channel of the Okavango River that feeds the fan of the Delta's channels. While this is outside the Delta's prime game-viewing areas, it is a wonderful area for fishing, birdwatching, and taking in papyrus-lined landscapes. A visit to Tsodilo Hills is a must when in this part of the Delta, with a chance to view ancient cave paintings - a place of mystical and cultural significance to the San people.
Private Concessions
A network of private concessions in the Okavango Delta provides guests with perfect seclusion and exclusivity. These protected areas also support community development, while offering a premium safari experience. Leases adhere to strict environmental and social parameters for a sustainable tourism model that conserves the area and ensures the wellbeing of neighboring communities. Lodges on concessions have greater flexibility when it comes to activities - from off-road driving to night drives, walking safaris, and mokoro trips, there is greater freedom than within reserve borders.
What To Pack for the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is warm to hot, with distinct dry and wet seasons. The winters in this semi-arid destination can be very cold. We have seen people shivering on the back of open game-viewers in the early mornings (especially if there is a commute involved in reaching wildlife areas). Wind chill is a factor to keep in mind, but also proximity to water. So, while you need to prepare for up to hot midday temperatures, it is vital to be prepared for up to very cold conditions too. Follow these quick tips and click through to read our comprehensive Okavango Delta packing advice.
- Layer Up in the Right Safari Clothes. The trick to dressing for such varying conditions is to layer up. It all starts with a reliable warm layer - and this is a safari packing essential all year round. The best safari clothes offer versatility during the day. We recommend long-sleeved safari shirts in technical fabrics with roll-up sleeve tabs, as well as convertible pants so you can transform your safari outfit while you are out on game drives or walks. Add a waterproof layer for windproofing and for green season travels. Men's Safari Clothes | Women's Safari Clothes
- Luggage and Packing Light. Many remote camps are accessible by bush plane and these light aircraft have strict luggage restrictions. Hard-sided suitcases are a no-go and soft, squashable duffel bags are required for the cramped hold of these planes. The weight and dimensions of these bags are also limited, so packing strategically with lightweight, quick-drying safari clothing is a must. The same applies for many mobile operators, who transport luggage in trailers and may have restrictions. Make sure you look into the requirements prior to traveling.
- Bug Protection. No-one wants to look back on their safari and remember the bugs. From marshy wetland to on the water itself, there is a high chance of bugs in the Okavango Delta. This is also a malaria risk area - and the best defence is to avoid getting bitten in the first place. Cover up in the BUGTech+ collection of safari clothes - powered by InsectShield and regularly apply a reliable bug spray - especially during the evenings and at night. If a walking safari is part of your itinerary, be aware of ticks by wearing long pants and protect your ankles with socks and ankle gaiters.
- Sun Protection. On the back of an open game-viewer or on boats and mekoros, you can't help but be exposed to the elements on an Okavango safari. When you're on the water, your chances of getting a bad sunburn increase. At all times of the year, sun protection is going to be an important factor for comfort on your travels and the long-term health of your skin. Cover up in UPF50+ safari clothing that is lightweight and wicks moisture and take UPF50+ accessories like the Vintage Print Head&Neck Scarf and wide-brim safari hats. Always back up your defences by consistently applying a reliable sunscreen.
- Pack for Activities. Make sure you pack what you need for the activities on your Okavango itinerary. For walking safaris, this means worn-in, comfortable shoes, blister-free socks, and a pair of ankle gaiters, as well as long pants. Quick drying, UPF50+ clothing is important for boat-based activities or splashing gallops through Delta waters on horseback.
- Binoculars. High-quality binoculars are the key to great game-viewing. Blurry visuals from poor optics are frustrating - and you may as well not have binoculars at all. Pack one pair of binoculars per person for crystal clear sightings even at a distance.
- Flashlight. For nighttime safety and a personal light in off-grid camps, always pack a compact, rechargeable flashlight.
Okavango Delta Safari FAQs
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta?
The most popular time to visit the Okavango Delta is from May to October. This is the dry season, but this is not to be confused with low water levels in the Delta. This is generally the time of year when the flood waters from Angola arrive in the Delta and when conditions are relatively moderate. Waters usually start to recede and temperatures rise in September and October. Boat-based activities are more readily available. Green season in the Okavango Delta is during the rains, which typically has afternoon showers and hotter temperatures.
How Long Should I Spend in the Okavango Delta?
We recommend spending 4 nights as the very minimum in the Okavango Delta. However, this is a place that deserves time, so look at spending 5-7 nights to experience as much as possible. If you have the luxury of time, this gives you the opportunity to explore the different areas of the Delta and other attractions in Botswana.
Is it Safe to Swim in the Okavango Delta?
The presence of hippos and crocodiles makes it dangerous to swim in the waters of the Okavango Delta. Some guides may direct you to 'safe' swimming spots in shallow areas but, for the most part, rather swim in the pool at your camp or lodge.
Do I Need Malaria Pills for the Okavango Delta?
The Okavango Delta is considered a malaria risk area - especially in the rainy season and in the north. Consult your doctor and travel agent about the recommended prophylaxes and immunizations required for your trip. Back up medical precautions with a reliable bug spray and insect repellent safari clothing.
What Time of Year Does the Okavango Delta Flood?
The Okavango Delta typically floods during Botswana's dry season - from late April to August. This depends on a range of factors including the local rainfall, the height of the flood from Angolan rainfall - the main catchment area of the Okavango River.
Planning a Safari to the Okavango Delta? We're Here to Help
Whether you are exploring Botswana and Southern Africa or are concentrating your safari on Delta waters, our safari packing experts are here to help you prepare. Follow our comprehensive Okavango Delta safari packing advice or contact us for a tailored safari packing list and advice.
