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Okavango Delta

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 Wildlife

Scenery

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 Visit

Weather & 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 Climate

Wildlife & 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.
Abundant Common Occasional Rare None
  • Elephant

    Elephant

    Abundant
  • Giraffe

    Giraffe

    Common
  • Hippo

    Hippo

    Abundant
  • Buffalo

    Buffalo

    Common
  • Zebra

    Zebra

    Common
  • Wildbeest

    Wildbeest

    Common
  • White Rhino

    White Rhino

    Rare
  • Black Rhino

    Black Rhino

    Rare
  • Lion

    Lion

    Occasional
  • Leopard

    Leopard

    Occasional
  • Cheetah

    Cheetah

    Rare
  • Hyena

    Hyena

    Occasional
  • Wild dog

    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

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. Produced by seasonal flooding, the Okavango River drains the summer rainfall from the Angola highlands with the surge flowing across the area of the delta over the next four months (March–June). The flood peaks between June and August, during Botswana’s dry winter months, when the delta swells to three times its permanent size, attracting animals from kilometres around and creating one of Africa’s greatest concentrations of wildlife. Due to this influx of wildlife, the best time to visit is in the dry months, from April to October. This time is also best for mokoro trips at ideal water levels. During the wet months, from January to March, many areas become inaccessible, and some lodges close down. The Okavango Delta is excellent for bird watching throughout the year, but the ideal time is in the wet season however, storms and lower water levels can limit activities. Low season rates generally apply from November to May with extremely hot and sometimes uncomfortable weather peaking in October. July to September is high season months, most ideal for an adventure in the magnificent Okavango Delta.
  • April - May

    The beginning of the dry season features plenty of sunshine, greenery and mostly dry, warm weather.

  • 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

  • September - October

    Towards the end of the dry season temperatures average a stifling 35°C/95°F.

  • November - December

    Early and intermittent rains start to fall with cool and pleasant mornings.

  • January - February

    Powerful afternoon storms are common during this time and can disrupt game viewing activities.

  • 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.

Weather & 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.  See our month-by-month climate guide below:
Climate Chart
- -

Getting There

Although accessible on a fairly long road trip from Chobe, the easiest, safest and quickest way to reach your lodge destination in the delta is by way of chartered flight from Maun Airport. As there are no scheduled flights to the Okavango Delta, it is customary for your tour operator to take care of charter flight bookings between parks as part of your tour package. The eastern part of the delta can also be accessed directly from Maun by 4x4, without the need for a chartered flight. To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure the best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.

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