Overview
Situated like an oasis at the heart of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, the Okavango Delta is a swampy inland estuary of winding channels and lagoons bursting with extravagant wildlife. Adventures in the Okavango include exploring water channels by mokoro (traditional canoes), traversing plains on foot or game viewing in a 4-wheel drive. Seasonally 6,000–15,000 km² of water spreads across the area, evaporating or draining into Lake Ngami. Never finding the ocean, this amazing maze of water channels is also known as “the river that never finds the sea”. The lush environment attracts an array of wildlife, birdlife and boasts a variety of unique plant life. Private reserves and world-class lodges reached by charter plane, combined with excellent game viewing and expert safari guides make a visit to the Delta a breath-taking journey of exploration amidst intriguing sights of natural wonder.Why Go:
- Superb wildlife viewing
- Daytime and night game drives
- Exceptional service and hospitality
- Off-road driving allows close viewing of animals
Wildlife
Comprising such a vast area of diverse habitats, the delta provides a variety of wildlife depending on your location. Water-based camps are more focused on water-safari’s abundant in birdlife and excellent for crocodile and hippo sightings, whereas the dry season attracts a huge number of animals making for thrilling game viewing with four of the Big Five easily spotted.
More About the WildlifeScenery
The lush environment attracts an array of wildlife, birdlife and boasts a variety of unique plant life. Private reserves and world-class lodges reached by charter plane, combined with excellent game viewing and expert safari guides make a visit to the Delta a breath-taking journey of exploration amidst intriguing sights of natural wonder.
Best Time to Visit
Due to vast differences in accessibility and water levels during periods of the year, the Okavango Delta, for the most part, has seasonal wildlife viewing.
More About the Best Time to VisitWeather & Climate
Although distinct dry and wet seasons are present, the climate of the Okavango Delta is generally warm to hot with November or December rains breaking the peak of the fiercest heat. The last rain of the wet season usually falls in April.
More About the Weather and ClimateWildlife & Animals
Comprising such a vast area of diverse habitats, the delta provides a variety of wildlife depending on your location. Water-based camps are more focused on water-safari’s abundant in birdlife and excellent for crocodile and hippo sightings, whereas the dry season attracts a huge number of animals making for thrilling game viewing with four of the Big Five easily spotted. Lion, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog share the floodplains with large herds of elephant and buffalo. Both black and white rhino have been re-introduced, but sightings of these magnificent endangered giants are not always guaranteed. Carnivores such as lion, hyena, and leopard are attracted by the mass of herbivores such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe, red lechwe, various antelope and zebra. With constant water supply drawing more than 400 bird species in the delta, this is a prime birding destination. Walking safaris and mokoro trips on the water are a great way to get a close-up look at the birds, especially waders and incredible water-loving species that call the area home. Many migrant species are present during the wet season, making this an ideal time for bird-lovers to visit the delta.-
Elephant
Abundant -
Giraffe
Common -
Hippo
Abundant -
Buffalo
Common -
Zebra
Common -
Wildbeest
Common -
White Rhino
Rare -
Black Rhino
Rare -
Lion
Occasional -
Leopard
Occasional -
Cheetah
Rare -
Hyena
Occasional -
Wild dog
Occasional
Best time for wildlife viewing
Due to vast differences in accessibility and water levels during periods of the year, the Okavango Delta, for the most part, has seasonal wildlife viewing.Best Time to Visit
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April - May
The beginning of the dry season features plenty of sunshine, greenery and mostly dry, warm weather.
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June - August
Slightly cooler, but still dry, the pleasant temperature during this season makes for peak tourist visits. Early morning and evenings do however show a drop in temperature so don’t forget a
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September - October
Towards the end of the dry season temperatures average a stifling 35°C/95°F.
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November - December
Early and intermittent rains start to fall with cool and pleasant mornings.
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January - February
Powerful afternoon storms are common during this time and can disrupt game viewing activities.
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March
Mornings are still pleasantly cool as rains start to fade to intermittent afternoon showers.
April - October
- Dry Season- Ideal for visiting the delta with average temperatures between 26°C/79°F and 29°C/84°F.
November - March
- Wet Season- Afternoon thunderstorms and short showers with temperatures still warm, averaging around 31°C/88°F.