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The Okavango Delta is a unique wetland area in the northern part of Botswana, and contains 95% of all of Botswana's surface water.
Fed by the Okavango River, the river starts is journey from its source in the Angolian highlands over a thousand kilometres away, flowing down through the Caprivi Strip and the Popa Falls in Namibia, and finally spreading itself throughout the waterways and channels of the Delta, before dispersing into the dryness of the surrounding desert areas.
The Delta is home to a massive concentration of animals and birdlife. Thousands of elephant and buffalo roam the area, often in large herds, while several thousands hippos navigate their way through the existing channels, or create new ones.
There is an abundance of antelope, including the shy sitatunga, creeping through the thickets. Such a mass of herbivores encourages large numbers of predators - from big lion prides and noisy family packs of hyena, to the ever cunning crocodile.
Cheetah and wild dog are a common sight on the larger grasslands while leopard are often seen stalking through the dense bush or lazing on a riverine tree.
Activities
There is a permanent network of rivers and channels winding through the Delta throughout the year, but the overall water level of the entire region depends on both the flood waters that come down from the Angolan highlands and the rainfall that falls in Botswana too.
The Okavango Delta experiences its highest water levels from May to September every year, and during these months, water based activities become the primary activity at most lodges.
Exploring the waterways in a mokoro is one of the main and unique attractions of a safari in the Delta during this time.
Traditionally hand-carved from an ebony or sausage tree log, these shallow canoes are perfect for gliding through the reeds and calm waters in search of wildlife.
A 'poler' stands at one end of the canoe, and guides it silently through the channels, while up to 2 guests sit comfortably at the front and wait eagerly for the animals or birds to show themselves.
The water levels start to recede around late October and November, at which point, water based activities are still available in some camps but primarily only at those located by the main water channels. Activities then available from the other camps will include game drives in 4x4 vehicles, fishing, and guided walks.
When to Go
The best time for game viewing is during the dry season (May to October), as most of the vegetation has dried out and most of the animal life is concentrated to the flooded waterways.
The wet season (November to April), however, is the best time for birding and vegetation as the plants are begin to grow and flower and the migrant birds are returning.
Getting There
For most guests to this area, visiting the Delta will require a scheduled flight to Maun, where you will then be met and transferred to your lodge. Depending on the time of year and the lodge's location in the Delta, some lodges can be reached by road, with a journey time of anything from 2 – 4 hours in a 4x4 vehicle, but other lodges can only be reached by private air charter.
Special Offers
Stanley's Camp: Stay 5 nights for the price of 4Valid for travel from 1 January 2012 to 30 June 2012
view all Okavango Delta special offers
Suggested Holiday Itinerary
7 day itinerary.
*Prices are per person and are based on today's exchange rates. Exchange rates are subject to change and are updated daily.
Prices exclude international flights - ask us if you would like to include these.
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Moremi Crossing, Chief's Island
Safari Lodge
The luxury accommodation in in 16 new-style large and airy en-suite meru safari tents, each with its own private wooden deck and magical views over the Boro River on to Chief’s Island. The main guest areas are home to a large open plan deck that has spectacular far reaching views over the Boro River onto Chief’s Island.
Kwara Camp, Kwara Concession
Safari Lodge
The 8 luxury safari-style tents are built on raised decks, within a grove of huge and ancient African ebony trees. Resident hippos will generally serenade you year round from the water on the floodplain in front of the camp.
Xugana Island Lodge, Xugana Private Concession
Safari Lodge
The lodge accommodates just 16 guests in large raised reed and thatch chalets, situated on the shaded fringe of the island, each with a lagoon view through the lagoon-side vegetation. The chalets all have en-suite facilities, overhead fans, and private decks, which are ideal for bird watching.
Camp Moremi, Xaxanaka Region
Safari Lodge
The main guest area is an elegant elevated thatch and timber structure, consisting of a main lounge, wildlife reference library, dining room and cocktail bar. Other facilities include a secluded swimming pool with sun deck and a thatched boma, where brunch and high tea is served.
Camp Okavango, Nxaragha Island
Safari Lodge
Camp Okavango accommodates only 24 guests in intimate exclusivity in East African-style safari tents, individually situated on raised teak platforms with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks. For those who demand the ultimate in exclusivity, Camp Okavango boasts the “Okavango Suite”, a thatched cottage offering complete privacy - ideal for honeymooners.
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Contact Details
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