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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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Okavango Delta Lodges Map
Popular Botswana Lodges
  • Kwetsani Camp
    Kwetsani Camp

    Kwetsani offers just five spacious, tree-house thatch chalets, each designed to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. These elevated chalets provide breathtaking views of a vast Okavango floodplain, which is home to an array of wildlife, including herds of Lechwe and Wildebeest.

    The area is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, boasting some of the most remarkable birdlife in Botswana. Whether you’re seeking tranquility or adventure, Kwetsani offers an intimate and unforgettable safari experience in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

    Kwetsani Camp
  • Elephant Valley Lodge
    Elephant Valley Lodge

    Elephant Valley Lodge is one of the most popular accommodation choices when exploring the northern Chobe National Park region in Botswana. Nestled in a stunning natural setting, this lodge offers guests an unforgettable safari experience surrounded by incredible wildlife.

    Elephant Valley’s warm hospitality, cozy accommodations, and convenient location make it an excellent choice for both first-time and seasoned safari-goers.

    Elephant Valley Lodge
  • Savute Elephant Lodge
    Savute Elephant Lodge

    Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge has 12 luxurious safari suites on raised wooden decks overlooking the Savuti Channel, one of the most popular lodges in the Chobe National Park that we offer, and for a good reason.

    Depending on the flood levels, safari activities at Savute Elephant Lodge include; game drives (morning and afternoon) as well as tours to the nearby rock paintings.

    Savute Elephant Lodge
  • Moremi Crossing
    Moremi Crossing

    Moremi Crossing is a hidden gem on a scenic, palm-fringed island near Botswana's wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve. It's an ideal spot for exploring the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Okavango Delta.

    The camp is a recent addition to the area, featuring 16 beautifully designed tented suites. Each suite offers stunning views of the Okavango's tranquil waters, creating a serene experience for guests. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted to ensure comfort and luxury.

    Moremi Crossing
  • Koro Island Camp
    Koro Island Camp

    Koro Island Camp is situated on the Central Tuli Block of Botswana and is only accessible by an intricate suspension bridge over the Limpopo River.

    It is a classic safari camp, offering only four en-suite Meru safari tents for guests to experience the true African wilderness in comfort.

    Guests can partake in various activities such as game drives, bird watching and walking trails, perfect for small groups of explorers.

    Experience the wonders of nature in an unforgettable escape at Koro Island Camp!

    Koro Island Camp
  • Okavango Explorers Camp
    Okavango Explorers Camp

    Set in Botswana's wilderness, Okavango Explorers Camp brings the spirit of 1920s safari exploration to life. Located in the Okavango Delta, this exclusive camp offers a blend of adventure, tranquillity, and intimacy.

    Whether you're seeking thrilling wildlife encounters or peaceful moments in nature, the camp provides an authentic connection to Africa's extraordinary landscapes.

    Okavango Explorers Camp

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