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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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5 Best Lodges In The Chobe National Park
How Much Does It Cost to Go on a Safari in Botswana?
10 Best Lodges In Okavango Delta
10 Reasons To Visit Moremi Game Reserve
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Okavango Delta Lodges Map
Popular Botswana Lodges
  • Eagle Island Lodge
    Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

    There's a reason why Belmond Eagle Island Lodge has been called the "most beautiful lodge in the world."

    From its prime location on a private island in the heart of Botswana's pristine wetlands to its luxurious accommodations and attentive service, Belmond Eagle Island is simply unforgettable.

    Whether you're canoeing through the papyrus-lined channels of the Delta or watching elephants roam from your own private plunge pool, a stay at Eagle Island Lodge is an experience you'll never forget.

    Eagle Island Lodge
  • Camp Moremi
    Camp Moremi

    Camp Moremi has 11 classic tented safari suites that offer fantastic morning and afternoon wildlife drives using an open 4x4 safari vehicle within this amazing wildlife reserve and haven perfect for photographers.

    Of all the Moremi Game Reserve accommodation options, Camp Moremi is in our top 5 for most popular, and for good reason.

    Camp Moremi
  • Zarafa Camp
    Zarafa Camp

    Zarafa Camp, Botswana's first Relais & Châteaux camp has, in all honesty, no equal in our opinion. Located in the far North of Botswana in the 130 000 hectare Selinda Reserve, one of the more isolated areas in Africa.

    One of the most beautiful and luxurious safari camps in the whole of Botswana offers game viewing on a completely different level.

    Zarafa Camp
  • Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
    Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp

    Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp is set amidst a 272 500 hectare private concession in the Okavango Delta, a destination for those that are seeking wildlife, numerous safari activities to participate in and, of course a degree of luxury and privacy.

    Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp offers fantastic game viewing and birding opportunities, in this area of Botswana's Okavango Delta.

    Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
  • Mashatu Euphorbia Villas
    Mashatu Euphorbia Villas

    Mashatu Euphorbia Villas is a luxurious oasis in Botswana's world-renowned Mashatu Game Reserve.

    This luxurious safari lodge consists of just eight secluded villas crafted from local raw materials, offering guests an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning beauty of the Botswana bushveld.

    The lodge has implemented state-of-the-art solar energy and water treatment systems in keeping with its commitment to sustainability.

    Enjoy captivating safari activities or relax in the tranquillity of this remote hideaway for a truly unique experience.

    Mashatu Euphorbia Villas
  • andBeyond Savute Under Canvas
    &Beyond Savute Under Canvas

    &Beyond Savute Under Canvas is an extraordinary mobile camping experience set in the heart of Botswana's untamed wilderness. Offering a perfect blend of rugged adventure and refined comfort, this exclusive camp is ideal for those seeking the raw beauty of the Savute region.

    Its strategic location near the enigmatic Savute Channel and Marsh ensures unparalleled access to some of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife encounters, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and safari lovers alike.

    andBeyond Savute Under Canvas

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