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Botswana's Okavango Waterways

Okavango Delta

Explore The Magic Of The World's Largest Inland Delta, Teeming With Wildlife

The reason most people visit Botswana in the first place is to experience all that is the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With her crystal clear waters and spectacular game viewing and birdlife safaris, her range of safari activities and of course, all those stunning safari lodges and camps. Known as the "Jewel of the Kalahari Desert", one of Africa's most sought-after safari destinations, and for a good reason, it is utterly amazing.

The Okavango Delta is a vast inland river delta in northern Botswana. The Okavango River flows into the desert and then starts to slow down, creating one of the largest oases in the world. The result is an amazing wetland ecosystem teeming with wildlife.

There are few places on earth where you can see such a concentration of wildlife. The Moremi Game Reserve and Okavango Delta is home to elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, red lechwe, hippos and many more. It is also a birding paradise with over 500 species of bird species.

Activities on the countless islands and lagoons include game drives, mokoro (dugout canoe) trips, walking safaris and boat cruises. You can also combine a safari here with a visit to Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Moremi Game Reserve for the ultimate Botswana safari experience.

General Facts And Information

  • Size: 15 000km²
  • When to visit the park: Year-round, most of the lodges and camps offer activities as per water levels
  • Climate: Summers are hot with rainstorms, and winters are mild are dry
  • Rainfall: 525mm per annum varying
  • Altitude: 930m - 1000m above sea level
  • Location: meandering waterways in the Northwestern region of Botswana near Maun
  • Accommodation: Lodges In The Okavango Delta

Where is Okavango Delta located?

The far northwestern region of Botswana is home to the famed Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. The source of the Okavango lies within Angola, and her waters pass through both Angola and Namibia to get into Botswana's Kalahari Desert basin. Moremi Game Reserve is found within the Okavango to the southeast.

To view the Okavango from HERE Maps, click here: HERE Maps

Information On The Okavango Delta

A magical water world set in a lush environment, the Okavango Delta, in the midst of the Kalahari, is Africa's largest and most spectacular inland delta.

Game viewing sightings and safaris are nothing short of fantastic; one has the chance to spot elephant, hippopotamus, red lechwe, Cape buffalo, wildebeest, kudu, sable, roan and impala, to mention but a few. These dense concentrations of game are closely accompanied by lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, and African wild dog.

Bird species are everywhere, from the majestic fish eagles, exotic herons, brightly coloured bee-eaters and even rarities like the slaty egrets and Pel's fishing owl.

Inhabiting the waters of the Delta are an estimated 35 million fish of almost 80 species.

One of the most unique places in the world, and is a popular destination for safari enthusiasts. There are many safari lodges and safari camps located in the delta, each with its own unique character and offerings.

The Okavango Delta is one of the most popular destinations for safari enthusiasts, and there are a number of different activities available in the area. Some of the most popular include game drives, water-based excursions (boat cruises and mokoro trips), and walking safaris.

Game drives allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of Africa's most iconic animals. Water-based excursions are also popular in the area, and there are a number of different ways to explore the waterways. Options include traditional canoe safaris, mokoro rides (a type of dugout canoe), and even fishing trips.

Walking safaris are another great way to explore the Okavango Delta. These guided tours allow visitors to get off the beaten track and really experience the African bush. During a walking safari, you'll have the opportunity to see a variety of different animals up close, as well as stunning views of the Delta itself.

Best Time to Visit The Okavango Delta?

This question is as tricky as it gets, and in our opinion, it will depend on how you react to heat and what your expectations would be when visiting the Okavango. Summer days are hot with rain showers, while winter days are mild to warm with no rainfall.

In the summer months, the waters of the delta are at their lowest, while in the winter months, the waters of the delta are at their highest. So the question one has to ask is what do you, our client want when visiting the Okavango Delta? Is it purely water-based safari activities, is it purely land-based safari activities, or would you prefer a combination of both?

There are a lot of safari lodges and camps in the delta that offer activities based on the levels of the water, while in summer, they can only do game drives, but come winter and the rising waters of the Okavango, game drives fall away, and the only activities available are water-based.

We would suggest that the Delta is a year-round safari destination and leave you to advise us on what you are looking for when in the Okavango region; like we mentioned before, it is a tricky question to answer.

Main Attractions And Activities

  • Poling in a dugout canoe (mokoro) through lagoons crammed with water lilies, hippos and wildlife
  • Fishing safaris for the prized Tigerfish and Bream
  • Game Drives when the water levels are low
  • Exceptional game viewing and birdlife safaris
  • Moremi Game Reserve
  • Being so remote and far away from human settlements
  • The town of Maun is an interesting visit
  • A range of lodges and camps across all budgets
  • And if you have the budget, a few days (or more) on 'Chief's Island'

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most beautiful and unique areas in Africa, famed for its fantastic game viewing sightings. The best time to visit depends on what you're looking for, but the area is a year-round destination with something to offer everyone.

Whether you're looking for an amazing safari experience or just want to relax in a lush environment, the Okavango Delta is the perfect place for you.

Botswana Attractions
Makgadikgadi Pans
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Moremi Game Reserve
Mashatu Game Reserve
Chobe National Park
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Popular Botswana Lodges
  • Shinde Camp
    Shinde Camp

    Shinde Camp is one of the most enchanting safari destinations in the Okavango Delta. Nestled on a lush, palm-studded island in the heart of this pristine wilderness, it offers an exclusive and intimate experience.

    Shinde consists of 8 beautifully appointed twin-bedded safari tents, each thoughtfully designed to blend traditional charm with modern comfort. Surrounded by breathtaking views and teeming with wildlife and birdlife, this is a haven for nature enthusiasts.

    Shinde Camp
  • Chobe Game Lodge
    Chobe Game Lodge

    Chobe Game Lodge has 47 Suites facing the Chobe River while offering up the greatest concentration of Elephants in Africa part and parcel of your stay, the only permanent game lodge situated within the Park.

    Whether you're watching elephants gather by the riverbank or catching a glimpse of a lion on the prowl, Chobe Game Lodge offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of Africa's wild beauty.

    Chobe Game Lodge
  • Camp Kalahari
    Camp Kalahari

    Camp Kalahari offers guests an affordable and yet amazing option and base from which to explore the surrounding Kalahari Desert and Makgadikgadi Pans while on a famed Botswana Safari.

    If you're looking for a truly unique safari experience, look no further than Camp Kalahari. Located in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, this camp offers guests an affordable and convenient base from which to explore all that the region has to offer. Whether you're interested in game viewing, history, culture, or simply getting away from it all, Camp Kalahari is sure to please.

    Camp Kalahari
  • Gomoti Plains Camp
    Gomoti Plains Camp

    Gomoti Plains Camp is a true hidden gem, nestled on the edge of the pristine Gomoti river system in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Accessible only by air charter, followed by a thrilling 30-minute game drive, this remote retreat offers an unparalleled sense of exclusivity and adventure.

    The location immerses guests in untouched wilderness, where the sights and sounds of the Delta can be fully enjoyed. Blending luxury with nature, Gomoti Plains Camp offers a safari experience that’s truly unforgettable.

    Gomoti Plains Camp
  • Duke's Camp
    Duke's Camp

    Duke's Camp is a luxurious safari lodge located in the heart of Botswana's Okavango Delta, providing guests with an ultimate African experience. This exclusive camp is named after Sarefo 'Duke' Sarefo and consists of eight lavish safari suites set among raised wooden decks beneath a canopy of ebony and leadwood trees.

    Expert safari guides will take you on exciting game drives and mokoro cruises through the Okavango Delta to uncover its hidden secrets and explore its abundant wildlife.

    Duke's Camp
  • Selinda Explorers Camp
    Selinda Explorers Camp

    Located on the remote banks of Botswana's Selinda Spillway, Selinda Explorers Camp offers a unique safari experience. This intimate, eco-friendly camp combines vintage charm with modern comfort, bringing guests closer to Africa's wildlife.

    Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures or tranquil moments immersed in nature, Selinda Explorers Camp promises an unmatched escape into the heart of the wild.

    Selinda Explorers Camp

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