What To Pack for a Safari to the Okavango Delta

When it comes to packing for the Okavango Delta, packing the right clothing and accessories will ensure you're comfortable and ready for every element of your Botswana safari. You'll be exploring the wild wetland systems of the Delta, which lies at the heart of the Kalahari Desert. From water-based activities to long game drives or walking safaris, prepare with what you wear and ensure your bag is filled with the best essentials. Find out what to pack for the Okavango Delta with advice from our seasoned safari packing experts.

Packing for the Okavango Delta:

Okavango Safari Clothing Advice
Okavango Safari Luggage Advice
Okavango Safari Accessories Advice
Okavango Safari Packing FAQs
Okavango Safari Packing Checklist

Okavango Safari Clothing Advice

Safari Clothing for the Climate in the Okavango Delta: The Okavango Delta has distinct wet and dry seasons, with rainfall flowing into the Delta from elsewhere even after the rains have stopped in Botswana. The seasons can be broken down as follows:

• The dry season runs from April to October, with June and July being a couple of the coolest months during this period. Winter can see temperatures plunge to very cold, with daytime temperatures that rise into the high 80s.
• It starts to get very hot from September to October until the rainy season brings relief. 
• The wet season lasts from November to March. The weather during this time is typically very hot and humid, with dramatic thunder storms and lower tourist numbers.

The climate is the backdrop for every Okavango safari. Follow these safari clothing tips to make sure you are dressed for the conditions.

• Pack Light. Transfers by light aircraft run regularly in the Delta, getting guests to remote camps and exclusive concessions. There are also many mobile operators in the Okavango, who may restrict the weight and dimensions of your luggage (we'll pick up on this again below). This is the most important reason to pack light. Packing quick-drying safari clothing like BUGTech+ also ensures you have clothing on rotation as you need it every day on safari.
• Wind and Water Chill. It can get almost unbelievably cold in the Delta. On a self-drive safari, the mercury plunged to about 20 degrees Farenheit. A good warm layer is essential all year round, but taking an extra-warm outer layer is a must for winter travel and early morning starts on or around water. If you are being driven from outlying areas into parks for game drives, don't underestimate the wind chill factor on the back of open game viewers. Many operators supply you with lined ponchos and hot water bottles, but it is always best to go prepared. Top tip: add a beanie and windproofing accessories like the Vintage Print Head&Neck Scarf as an extra buffer to the cold.
• Dress in Layers. The conditions can shift from very cold to very hot during the day on safari. The trick is to dress in layers, so you can adapt as the day heats up and cools. Make sure you have a warm, insulating jacket like our Primaloft Puffer as your outer layer. Our long-sleeved safari shirts have roll-up sleeve tabs to convert into short-sleeved shirts, but are light enough to cover up for sun protection as the day heats up. Similarly, convertible pants are the best choice for safari because they allow you to start the day in longs and zip off the legs to become shorts when it gets hot. Shop Men's Safari Clothes | Shop Women's Safari Clothes
• Prioritize Sun Protection. When the sun heats up, there is nowhere to hide on the back of open game-viewers, on boats and mekoros. The heat intensifies on water, so go prepared. Avoid sunburn by covering up for sun protection. BUGTech+ safari clothes have built-in UPF50+ sun protection in lightweight technical fabric, so you can comfortably cover up when it gets hot. A wide-brimmed hat is also an Okavango safari packing essential. Our range of wide-brim hats provide UPF50+ sun protection, with a brim that doesn't hinder game-viewing (and looks really stylish in the bush too). Add the Vintage Print Head&Neck Scarf, which is also made from a fabric with UPF50+ sun protection, to protect the face and neck. Apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day, even when it's overcast.
• Beat the Bugs. The Okavango is in a high-risk malaria zone. Consult your doctor before traveling to find out about anti-malarial precautions. The best way to avoid malaria is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Apply and regularly reapply a reliable bug spray and cover up in BUGTech+ safari clothing during the day and in the evenings. Wetlands and marsh conditions are notorious for bugs, so the combination of BUGTech+ and bug spray will help you to enjoy your adventure without the bugs.
• Choose Wicking Clothing for Cooling. Wicking is a fabric's ability to draw moisture away from the body and dry quickly. While many websites recommend cotton and linen, technical fabrics vastly out-perform these materials for wicking. Our BUGTech+ collection wicks moisture effectively for active cooling in warm-weather conditions.
• Pack Safari Colors. The best colors for safari are neutral hues of khaki and green that blend into the environment. This can impact the quality of your game-viewing and there is nothing better than watching the natural behavior of Africa's iconic wildlife. It is also said that dark colors attract insects, while white can get very dirty on the dusty tracks on game drives, so these colors are simply more practical.
• What to Wear for Safari Activities. There are many activities on offer in the Okavango, so packing practical clothing is a must to suck the marrow from the experience. Whether you are on game drives only, do a flip in a helicopter, or plan to go on walking or horse safaris, comfortable, safari-friendly clothing is the order of the day. Make sure you choose clothing in designs that allow for ease of motion for climbing into game viewers or boats. For boat-based activities and fishing, sun and bug protection will be especially important. For walking and safaris, make sure you have comfortable walking shoes that have been worn in, as well as anti-blister socks and ankle gaiters so you're ready for wonderful wild off-trail walks.
• Safari Shoes. Even if you aren't planning a walking safari, you need to take a pair of closed, comfortable walking shoes for navigating sometimes uneven terrain and for safety from snakes, scorpions, and insects. Pack a pair of sandals or open shoes for relaxing around the lodge between game drives, but note that we recommend closed camp shoes at night around camp.
• Clothing to Avoid. Leave camouflage clothing at home - and remember to dress conservatively for village and cultural tours. Avoid bright colors, black, blue, and white for safari activities.

Okavango Delta Luggage Advice

Many lodges rely on light aircraft transfers to ferry guests to remote camps and lodges and private concessions in and around the Okavango Delta. This is an exciting part of the trip! Light aircraft have small cargo compartments, which is why airlines impose safari luggage restrictions. These requirements are strictly imposed and failure to comply may mean you have to pay to store your bags in Maun, added luggage, or for an extra seat on the aircraft. Make sure you find out the luggage restrictions before you pack. 

• Safari Luggage Type. Soft-sided bags and no hard-sided suitcases or bags with rigid frames. 
• Safari Luggage Weight. While the restrictions may differ depending on the airline, as a general rule weight is limited to 44lbs including hand luggage and cameras.
• Safari Luggage Dimensions. There are also limitations around the dimensions of the bag, but our duffel bags have been designed to meet the requirements of safari travel - and squashable bags are only as full as you fill them.
• Mobile Safari Luggage. These requirements apply to many mobile operators too, who will have limited space on the vehicle or trailer. This requires lightweight, compact, soft bags.
• Take a Day Pack. Whether you are planning a walking safari or are going to be on the boat or game viewer for most of the day, make sure you have a good day pack. This ensures you keep your essentials - like binoculars, sun and bug spray - at hand every step of the way.
• Dry Bags. Water-based activities are sure to feature on your Okavango safari. A dry bag is useful to protect your belongings on mokoro trips, boat-based safaris, and fishing excursions. 

Okavango Delta Safari Accessories Advice

• The Best Binoculars for Safari. Our number one safari essential is a pair of high-quality binoculars per person. You don't want to miss the action of distant sightings and having your own binoculars ensures uninterrupted, detailed viewing. Don't be fooled - quality matters. Having poor quality optics is like having no binoculars at all.
• Bug Spray. Mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and midges. Biting, buzzing, stinging bugs are a reality in the wild marshes and wetlands of the Okavango Delta. Make sure you pack a reliable bug spray - and enough to reapply regularly - to complement your insect repellent safari clothing.
• Sunscreen. A bad sunburn is a real downer - and protection from the sometimes fierce sun in the Delta will be important. Back up your UPF50+ safari clothing and accessories with a trusted sunscreen - and reapply regularly to exposed skin during the day.
• A Beanie. Prepare for plummeting temperatures - particularly in the early morning and evening - with snug accessories like a beanie in safari-suitable colors.
• A Tubular Head&Neck Scarf. This is one of the most versatile safari clothing accessories. Our UPF50+ Head&Neck Scarves are made from UPF50+ nanoweave fabric, which is also windproof and really handy in dusty conditions. With eight ways to wear it, it's truly practical and compact enough to tuck into any bag.
• Flashlight. A compact, rechargeable flashlight is one of the top safari essentials for nighttime safety on safari. Many luxury lodges will send you back to your accommodation with an escort and a lantern every night, but we recommend having a flashlight of your own - even if only to shine around your tent or to find something in the corner of your bag.
• Walking Safari Essentials. If a guided walk is on your itinerary, make sure you're ready to walk with comfortable closed shoes, blister-free socks, and ankle gaiters. 

Okavango Safari Packing FAQs

Do you need malaria tablets for the Okavango Delta?

The Okavango Delta is in a high-risk malaria zone in northern Botswana. Consult your doctor before you travel to find out more about precautions and prophylaxis. 

What not to pack for a safari to the Okavango Delta

• Camo clothing. Military-style clothing is not the best choice for safari.
• Hard-sided suitcases. For light aircraft and mobile safari transfers, only take soft-sided duffels with no rigid frames.
• Bright colors, white, and black. These colors stand out in the bush.
• Heavy fabrics. Denim and other heavy fabrics are not the best choice for warm-weather destinations like the Okavango Delta. Instead, choose technical fabrics that are more effective at wicking moisture and allow you to comfortably cover up in the heat of the day. 
• Drones. Drones are generally banned in Botswana's national parks and protected areas. The penalty includes fines and confiscation. If you would like to fly a drone, you'll need to apply for special permits and permissions. With helicopter flips and scenic flights over the Delta on offer, there are alternatives to see this incredible wildlife area from the air. 

Can I wear shorts on safari in Botswana?

Yes, it's fine to wear shorts on safari in Botswana. There are a few instances when long pants would be preferable. This includes:

• When the day heats up, we recommend long pants in UPF50+ technical fabrics to cover up for sun protection. Choosing convertible pants gives you the option of shorts and longs in one garment.
• Long pants are also a good idea to cover up for bug protection at night.
• Walking safaris. Long pants protect your legs from the sun, thorns and long grasses, as well as ticks and insects.
• Long pants are more socially acceptable in rural villages and cultural tours if these activities form part of your itinerary. 

What is the 3-3-3 rule for safari outfits?

Some websites talk about the 3-3-3 rule for designing your safari wardrobe. This includes three tops, three pairs of pants, and three pairs of shoes. Our advice differs slightly. If you do not use our safari packing checklist according to the length of your safari, we recommend using the 3-2-1-1 rule. This is three shirts, two pairs of pants, one warm layer, and one safari hat. With lightweight packing in mind, our quick-drying BUGTech+ fabric is ideal for rotating garments - and many camps will have laundry facilities. We also think you can get away with one pair of closed shoes and one pair of sandals. 

Okavango Delta Safari Packing Checklist

Use the safari packing list below for a list of items to pack for your Okavango safari. Alternatively, use our detailed safari packing checklist according to the length of your safari. If you're in a hurry, use the 3-2-1-1 safari packing rule as a guide for safari clothing (3 long-sleeved safari shirts, 2 pairs of pants, 1 hat, and 1 warm layer).

Safari Clothing for the Okavango Delta

• 3x Long-Sleeved Anti-Bug, UPF50+ Safari Shirts
• 2x Safari Pants
• 1x Wide-Brimmed Safari Hat
• 1x Warm Layer
• 1x Closed, Comfortable Walking Shoes
• 1x Sandals or Closed Camp Shoes (note: at nighttime, it is better to wear closed camp shoes)
• 2x Pairs of Anti-Blister Socks
• 1x Beanie
• 1x Head&Neck Scarf

Safari Clothing Extras for the Okavango Delta

• 2x Non-Technical Shirts in Safari-Suitable Colors
• 2x Non-Technical Pants/Shorts
• 2x Casual T-Shirts
• Underwear (ladies, a sports bra is a good addition for some of the very bumpy roads)
• Pajamas
• Swimsuit (if your lodge or safari camp has a pool)

Safari Accessories for the Okavango Delta

• 1x High-Quality Binoculars Per Person
• Ankle Gaiters for Walking Safaris
• Rechargeable Flashlight
• 2x Bug Spray
• 2x Sunscreen
• 1x Lip Balm
• 1x Sunglasses
• 1x Reusable Water Bottle (supplied at some camps, but it's always good to have your own)

Cameras and Electronics

Off-grid camps may have charging stations available for items like cameras, phones, and laptops. Check with your camp before packing things like hairdryers to find out more about the power availability before you travel.

• Cameras and Lenses
• Extra Camera Batteries
• 1x Travel Adapter
• 1x Power Pack
• Charging Cables

Safari Bags and Luggage

• 1x Large Safari Duffel Bag
• 1x Day Pack, Satchel, or Backpack
• 1x Toiletry Bag
• 1x Dry Bag for Rainy Season or Water-Based Safaris

Toiletries and Medications

• Reading glasses and hard glasses case
• Contact lenses and fluid
• Prescription medications
• Shaving kit or razor
• Malaria prophylaxis for malaria areas
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Moisturizer
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
• Brush/comb
• Ladies' hygiene supplies
• Emery board, tweezers, etc.
• Anti-histamines for allergic reactions
• Motion sickness pills
• Deodorant

Travel Documents

• Passport with any required visas.
• Health card and insurance details - let your insurer know you are traveling to Africa. Find out about required vaccinations and health advice in advance of your departure.
• Air tickets and vouchers.
• Money pouch with some cash in it. 

Have Any Questions About What To Pack for Your Okavango Delta Safari?

Our team of packing experts are here to help. Contact us and we will help with personalized advice and customized packing lists for you and your family.