Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most famous destinations. There are several private reserves in the delta, as well as Moremi Game Reserve. It offers a true wilderness experience, excellent wildlife viewing and stunning scenery. Walking safaris and mokoro (dugout canoe) trips are a great addition to the usual game drives.

Pros & Cons

Excellent wildlife viewing with four of the Big Five easily spotted

Off-road driving is permitted, which facilitates quality sightings

Great birding destination, especially for waterbirds

Game drives, night drives, walking safaris and mokoro trips are available

A large choice of small, exclusive camps

The Okavango is an expensive destination

Widlife viewing is limited in the water-based camps

The Okavango Delta attracts a huge number of herbivores in the Dry season, which attracts the carnivores as well. Wildlife viewing is superb, especially in Moremi GR. Four of the Big Five are easily seen. Both black and white rhino have been re-introduced, but sightings are still hit-and-miss. Elephant and buffalo are often spotted on land and from the water

Wildlife Highlights

The Okavango has good general wildlife, but the most common swamp-adapted animal is the rare red lechwe that can be seen wading through water in big herds. The semi-aquatic sitatunga is harder to find. Other unusual antelope include tsessebe, sable and roan. The Okavango is a prime area for wild dog, which are most easily observed while denning.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Okavango Delta has seasonal wildlife viewing. The best time to visit is in the dry months, from July to October, as there is an influx of animals gathering at the delta. During the wet months, from January to March, many areas become inaccessible, and some lodges close down.

More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the delta. With a constant water presence, this is a prime birding destination, especially for waders and other water-loving species. Birding tends to be productive because walking is one of the main activities in the delta, and the guides are knowledgeable. Sliding through the channels in a mokoro (dugout canoe) is a great way to get close to many species, such as malachite kingfisher and African jacana.

Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders

Best Time for Bird Watching

The Okavango Delta is excellent for bird watching throughout the year, but the ideal time is in the Wet season, from November to April, when summer migrants swoop into the delta. April might be the best compromise, as from January to March many areas become inaccessible. Otherwise, it is essential to choose your lodge within the delta carefully. Wildlife viewing is better during the dry months from July to October.

A visit to the Okavango Delta is rewarding any time of the year, but the best time for wildlife viewing is from July to October. The wet months, from January to March, are less ideal because some areas become inaccessible. Due to the time it takes for the water to reach the delta, the flooding is highest in the dry months, which is ideal for mokoro (dugout canoe) trips.

Best Time July to October (Best wildlife viewing)

High Season July to October (High season rates may apply, small exclusive lodges never get busy)

Low Season November to June (Low-season rates may apply)

Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day)

Worst Weather October (It gets extremely hot)

April to October –Dry Season

Wildlife viewing is better as the Dry season progresses
Water levels are highest – good for mokoro trips
July to October are high season months, and lodges charge higher rates
September and October are very hot

November to March –Wet Season

A lot of wildlife remains in the heart of the delta, which has permanent water
There are plenty of baby animals, which attract predators
Best bird watching time as migrants are present
There is less wildlife in the delta
Water levels in the delta can drop too low for mokoro trips
It is very hot
Afternoon rainstorms can interfere with delta activities
Parts of the delta can become inaccessible
Some lodges close from January to March

The Okavango Delta has a climate that is warm to hot, and it experiences distinct Dry and Wet seasons. The rains break the build-up of heat in November or December (their exact timing is unpredictable) and come as a relief. The last rain of the Wet season usually falls in April.

Dry season–April to October

June and July is the coolest time of year, but temperatures begin to increase in August, and they peak in October. Remember to bring warm clothing for early morning game drives and boat trips.

April & May – This is the beginning of the Dry season. The vegetation in the delta is still green. There is plenty of sunshine and conditions are mostly dry. Afternoon temperatures average 29°C/84°F, making the days feel very warm.
June, July & August – It is very dry and somewhat cooler now – afternoon temperatures climb to a pleasant 26°C/79°F on average. However, early mornings are very cold at about 7°C/45°F.
September & October – It gets hotter and hotter at the end of the Dry season before the rains bring relief from the oppressive heat. October is stifling, with average temperatures of 35°C/95°F. Nights and early mornings are pleasant.

Wet season–November to March

The arrival of the rains cools things down, and the dust settles. Afternoon thunderstorms and short showers become normal. It stays pretty hot through the Wet season – afternoon temperatures are about 31°C/88°F. Mornings are a very nice time to be active.

November & December – It only rains every now and then, mostly it’s hot and sunny. The rain comes as a relief because temperatures build beforehand and drop after. With average temperatures of about 19°C/65°F, early mornings are the most comfortable time.
January & February – These months receive the most rainfall. It rains many afternoons, but it is typically finished after a few hours. Powerful storms are common.
March – The rains are diminishing in March. It still rains every couple of days though, usually in the form of a storm. Mornings are a little bit cooler at 18°C/64°F, on average.

The easiest way to visit the Okavango Delta is by charter plane from Maun Airport (MUB). This is also the country’s most common point of entry for people visiting this part of Botswana. The eastern part of the delta can also be accessed directly from Maun by 4x4, without the need for a chartered flight.

If you’re on a road trip in Botswana, it is possible to drive from Chobe National Park. The distance is about 600km/370mi and the driving time is at least seven hours.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner, or for multiple-destination flights check Expedia, to see which airlines can take you Maun Airport (MUB), and what tickets would cost.

Domestic Flights

It is customary for your tour operator to take care of charter flight bookings between parks as part of your tour package. There are no scheduled flights to the Okavango Delta.

Safety

As there is minimal crime in Botswana, the Okavango Delta is safe to visit in our opinion.

Chartered flights from lodge to lodge are the safest, quickest and most efficient way of doing a safari. Guided mobile safaris are also a very safe option, as you will be looked after by the tour company and your guide.

Botswana is a popular self-drive destination but careful trip planning is essential as the Okavango Delta is a remote destination.

Several vaccinations are required before coming to Botswana in general and your travel clinic or local doctor will advise on your specific needs. The Okavango Delta lies in a high-risk malaria zone, which is at its riskiest in the Wet season, and it is advisable to take antimalarial medication. Extra safety measures include applying insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evening to cover up any exposed skin.

Botswana is in our opinion a very safe and politically stable country. If you are traveling on an organized trip and staying at lodges and camps, safety problems are very rare. As is the case all over the world, most crime occurs in the cities, and basic safety precautions (such as locking away your valuables at your accommodation) is advisable.

Below are tips on staying safe in Botswana.

Staying Safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities

To stay safe on safari, just follow your safari guide’s instructions. When on a self-drive safari, get familiar with the rules of the parks and reserves, never approach animals too close and don’t leave your car outside designated safe areas. For additional tips:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Staying Safe in Cities and Towns

Although crime is rare in Botswana, there are incidents of petty theft and pickpocketing in the cities. You are mostly sheltered from any risk on guided activities. When going out in the city unguided, you can easily avoid problems by following simple safety precautions: seek advice from your hotel before heading out; only take the money you need with you and never wear any valuables; take a taxi after dark. For more safety tips that apply to African cities in general:

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

Other Tips on Staying Safe

Please read the pages below regarding malaria and vaccination information for Botswana and general travel safety precautions.

• Botswana: Malaria & Vaccinations

• General Travel Safety Precautions

Malaria – Botswana

The information on this page is just a brief guide and should not be used to replace a consultation with your travel doctor

Malaria Risk

High risk in central and northern Botswana and low risk in the rest of the country. The highest risk of transition is in the rainy season, from November to June

Wildlife viewing is generally very safe in our opinion. A professional guide will ensure your safety on a guided safari. Self-drive safaris are safe as well, as long as you treat animals with respect and follow all park rules. It is extremely rare for incidents to occur. Below are some general safety guidelines and tips.

Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines
Always keep your voice down when close to animals
Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out
Don't stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof
Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari and back off if the animals seem disturbed
Don’t drive between elephants in a herd, especially females and their young
Stay together as a group close to your guide on a walking safari and always walk in single file
Never run or jog in a wildlife area as it entices predators to attack
Never walk between a hippo and water; it may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked
Never leave food in your tent; it will attract wildlife
Cover your arms and legs in the evening and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes
Wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water
Don't wear bright and colorful clothes or too much perfume – especially on walking safaris
In tsetse-fly areas it is recommended not to wear dark-colored clothing – such as black or dark blue – since it attracts these stinging flies
Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles

African safaris are generally safe in our opinion. Especially if your visit is primarily an organized tour. Your tour operator and guide will ensure your safety at all times. Self-drive safaris are generally safe as well, but it is recommended to seek advice about the safety of the areas you intend to visit. Below are some general safety tips:

Buy good travel and health insurance
Check the passport and visa requirements for your destination
Get all the required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and insect repellent (those containing DEET are most effective)
Lock all your travel bags and keep all valuables in your hand luggage
Make duplicates of important travel documents or keep copies online
Bring appropriate clothing to protect against the sun, mosquitoes and to stay warm on open vehicle game drives
Check luggage restrictions on all your flights (including domestic flights)
Don't drive at night
Put your valuables in the safety deposit box of the hotel
Always be polite and respectful to police officers and military personnel. In the rare instance that you might get asked for a bribe (on a self-drive safari only), a light attitude and a joke might well get you off the hook.

Travel in Africa is generally safe in our opinion. Especially if on an organized tour or safari. However, as is the case all over the world, there is an increased risk of crime in large cities and urban areas. Visitors on guided activities are mostly shielded from these risks and their guide will ensure their safety. When unguided, normal safety precautions and common sense should keep you safe. Below are some general tips:

Ask at your hotel if it is safe to walk around the local area; when new in a place it’s always good to seek local advice on safety issues
Don’t wear jewelry when walking in cities and leave all valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel
Avoid walking alone in a large, unfamiliar city
Don’t walk around at night; take a taxi
Avoid getting engaged with people approaching you in the street
Be careful when drawing money from an ATM; go elsewhere if you suspect people hanging around
Always lock your car doors and close windows when driving in busy towns
Never leave a car unattended with valuables or luggage visible