The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a watery paradise filled with great diversity: islands, tree-lines, river bends and waterholes created the evolution of this dynamic ecosystem. The Delta is a wildlife stronghold as the changing seasonal water levels attract a huge range of species from kilometres around. All this in a truly peaceful country that is working hard to conserve one of the most pristine and beautiful wildlife areas on the planet.

A diverse watery paradise

The Okavango Delta is 10,000 square miles of watery paradise filled with great diversity: islands, tree-lines, river bends and waterholes created the evolution of this dynamic ecosystem. The Delta is a wildlife stronghold as the changing seasonal water levels attract a huge range of species from kilometres around: elephant, wild dog, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, hippo, red lechwe, giraffe and so much more. All this in a politically stable and truly peaceful country that is working hard to conserve one of the most pristine and beautiful wildlife areas on the planet.

Understanding the Delta

Because in June to September everywhere else is dry from lack of rainfall, animals are attracted to the Delta from miles around so the game viewing is phenomenal here. When the Delta is in full flood, the animals are even more concentrated as land pockets are smaller, resulting in saturated and easy wildlife viewing. The flood level does not deter gamedrives: vehicles are built especially to drive through water and you will find land safaris to be exciting and action-packed.

Because in June to September everywhere else is dry from lack of rainfall, animals are attracted to the Delta from miles around so the game viewing is phenomenal here. When the Delta is in full flood, the animals are even more concentrated as land pockets are smaller, resulting in saturated and easy wildlife viewing. The flood level does not deter gamedrives – vehicles are built especially to drive through water and you will find land safaris to be exciting and action-packed.

Once the Delta has peaked, it begins to slowly evaporate from September/October as Botswana becomes hotter and hotter. In April/May and October/November/early December, the Delta is still a very attractive option as the camp rates are reduced and the wildlife still fantastic.

What makes the Okavango Delta extraordinary?

Private concessions

Aside from Moremi Game Reserve in the centre, the Delta is sub-divided into a mosaic of unfenced private concessions each with its own superlative camp or lodge offering exclusive safari time in unspoilt wildlife country. Exclusivity is the name of the game in the Delta, allowing you to enjoy unbelievable wildlife sightings uninterrupted and all to yourselves.

Unique experiences

Private concessions as opposed to national parks means the Okavango Delta provides flexibility in activities without strict regulations. Boating is a huge part of the Delta experience, and in some cases near the “pan handle” this is the only way to get from A to B when it is in full flood. The traditional dug out Mekoro is another way to safari, and one which is unique to the Delta. Without the buzz of a safari vehicle or motor boat, a Mekoro trip focuses simply on immersing yourself in the watery, wild surroundings.

Walking safaris are also a wonderful way to fully immerse oneself into nature. With a focus on botany, tracks and the often-overlooked smaller animals, plants, insects and flora which preserve this beautiful eco-system year after year, experiencing the Delta by foot provides incredible insight. If you are seeking an even more adventurous safari, horse riding can also be enjoyed in the Delta, Kalahari or Mashatu Reserve. However, to ride in amongst the big five you must be an experienced rider.

Varied and condensed wildlife

As well as the big five in abundance, the Okavango Delta is rich with other mammals; lechwe, hippos, topi, wildebeest, giraffe, crocodile, cheetah, brown and spotted hyena, zebra, warthog, baboon and everything in between. The huge variety of and sheer volume of animals makes the Delta an exceptional first time safari destination, as well as a must-see for old safari hats.

Importantly, the Delta has seen a steady rise in rhino since the Rhino Translocation Programme began in Botswana in the early 2000’s. The Delta is also home to over 500 species of bird, and 85 recorded types of fish. Combine the excellent rhino viewing opportunities with rich birdlife, varied mammals and prowling predators and you have one of the finest game viewing areas in Africa.

Explore Botswana

Botswana is a veritable Land of Plenty but also a country of contrasts: from the lush greens and blues of the Okavango Delta, with its thick vegetation and gleamingly healthy wildlife, to the haunting and eerie Kalahari desert, home to bushmen. With the right itinerary design, game viewing in Botswana can be outstanding.