Aerial view over the waterways of the Okavango Delta

Okavango Delta

A river that disappears into the desert, countless channels and islands, and wildlife encounters shaped by water: the Okavango Delta is one of Africa's most extraordinary safari landscapes. Here, every day feels different - by mokoro, by boat, on foot, from the air or on a classic game drive.

Mokoro in the channels of the Okavango Delta
Boat safari at sunset in the Okavango Delta
Elephant in the water of the Okavango Delta
Hippo in the wetlands of the Okavango Delta
Leopard resting in a tree
Water lilies in the Okavango Delta
Mokoro safari Mokoro safari
May - October May - October
High price level High price level
3 - 5 days 3 - 5 days

The Okavango Delta is one of Botswana’s great natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Instead of flowing into the sea, the Okavango River spreads into the sands of the Kalahari and creates a vast inland delta of lagoons, floodplains, reed beds, islands and seasonal channels.

The annual flood usually reaches the delta during the dry season, when many other regions become increasingly arid. This contrast creates exceptional safari conditions: animals gather around water, birds fill the wetlands and the landscape shifts between green islands and open plains.

A safari in the Okavango Delta is especially varied. You can glide silently through narrow channels in a traditional mokoro, watch elephants crossing shallow water, search for big cats on dry islands or see the entire mosaic from above on a scenic flight.

animals-okavango-delta

Wildlife in the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is famous for its rich wildlife and the special way animals move through a landscape shaped by water. Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, red lechwe and many antelope species are regularly seen on the islands and floodplains.

Lions, leopards and spotted hyenas thrive in the delta, while wild dogs are among the most exciting sightings in some private concessions. Hippos and crocodiles dominate the permanent channels, and birdlife is outstanding throughout the year.

Because habitats change from dry woodland to flooded grassland within short distances, every safari activity reveals a different side of the ecosystem.

Highlights

  • 01

    Inland delta in the Kalahari

    The Okavango River fans out into the desert and creates a unique wetland system of channels, islands and floodplains.

  • 02

    Mokoro experiences

    A mokoro safari is quiet and intimate. It is ideal for observing reeds, birds, frogs and smaller details that are easily missed from a vehicle.

  • 03

    Scenic flights

    From the air, the delta reveals its full scale: winding waterways, palm islands and animal tracks crossing the floodplains.

  • 04

    Exclusive safari camps

    Many lodges are located in remote concessions, making the Okavango Delta a superb region for highly personal, low-density safaris.

Activities

Mokoro Safari

Glide through narrow channels and experience the delta from water level.

Mokoro safari in the Okavango Delta

Game Drive

Search for elephants, lions, leopards and antelopes on the dry islands.

Game drive in the Okavango Delta

Boat Safari

Explore permanent waterways by boat, especially in water-rich areas.

Boat safari at sunset

Scenic Flight

See the channels and floodplains of the Okavango Delta from above.

Scenic flight over the Okavango Delta

Getting there

By car

By car

Some gateway areas can be reached by road from Maun, but many camps in the delta are not accessible by standard vehicle.

By plane

By plane

Most safari camps are reached by light aircraft from Maun or Kasane, followed by a short transfer by vehicle or boat.

Are you ready for your adventure?

Whether you want to glide through the Okavango Delta by mokoro, follow elephants along the Chobe River or experience the silence of the Kalahari - we will help you plan the right Botswana safari.

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