Okavango Delta Travel Guide
With its unforgettable landscapes and remarkable biodiversity, the Okavango Delta
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is the story of a river that lost its way. An iconic destination for African safaris.
Of ancient tectonic plates shifting the Kavango River away from its course to the sea, diverting it to empty into the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert. But this age-old mishap of nature has created a wilderness wonderland, a watery Eden reborn each year as the seasonal floodwaters trace their sinuous path from the Angolan highlands to Botswana.
Here they support the world’s largest remaining elephant population, as well as remarkable concentrations of lion, cheetah and wild dog, and hundreds of species of birds. Between the channels, lush islands filled with wildlife are covered in grassland, waving palms and thick forest, while luxury lodges perch just above the floodwaters, offering exclusive access to this unforgettable landscape.
Though you’ll love the luxury lodges, knowledgeable guides and authentic hospitality, the highlight of the Okavango Delta is the landscape itself, and there are myriad ways to discover it.
Lodges are typically set on vast private concessions, offering daily safari drives led by skilled local guides. When the delta is in flood, game viewing in the shallow channels is likely to be by mokoro – a traditional dugout canoe – while motorized boat safaris explore the deeper waters, offer thrilling close-up encounters with elephant and hippo.
Bush walks, horseback safaris and specialist birding excursions can be arranged on request. For an unforgettable aerial perspective, book a sightseeing trip by hot-air balloon or helicopter.
First, the bad news. There’s no UberEats out in the Okavango, and you’re too far out for Deliveroo. No matter, as the talented chefs at the luxury lodges in the Okavango will gladly whip up just about anything your heart – or stomach – desires.
During your safari in the Okavango Delta you can look forward to inspired cuisine enjoyed in and around your chosen lodge. Luxury lodges pour enormous effort into creating a memorable culinary experience for guests, and that’s no mean feat given the distance to the nearest store!
But these kitchen magicians take it in their stride, offering sumptuous buffet breakfasts, creative lunches and memorable dinnertime feasts, often enjoyed al fresco, or by the fireside.
Boma nights are always a highlight, with dinner served in a dedicated outdoor area near the lodge, lit by lanterns and the bright African stars. While you dine, lodge staff entertain guests with traditional song and dance.
Dietary requirements and preferences can be catered for, please advise on reservation.
Whichever corner of the Okavango you choose to explore you’ll be spending plenty of time outdoors under the African sun, so a good sun hat is essential. Loose-fitting cotton clothing in neutral colours will keep you comfortable on safari drives and mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions. A pair of sandals that can get wet may be useful for climbing into the mokoro, while sturdy walking shoes are recommended for bush walks.
Most lodges offer a safari boutique stocking personal basics (such as sun lotion and hygiene products), branded clothing and souvenirs, but don’t forget your camera, spare memory cards and charging cables. As most lodges are located in remote areas, ensure you have sufficient prescription medication before arrival at the lodge.
Winter (May-September) is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta, with warm dry days and the Okavango Delta in full flood. Summer (Nov-March) days can be hot and extremely humid. This is also dubbed the ‘green season’, when afternoon thunderstorms bring dramatic downpours that transform the landscape into a sea of lush vegetation.
The Okavango Delta is a low-risk malaria area. That risk is even lower during the dry winter months (June-August), but anti-malarial prophylactics are recommended year-round. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure.
Need to get your bearings? Click here to discover the lodges and reserves of the Okavango Delta…
The town of Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta, with direct scheduled flights to international hubs at Cape Town (2h35m flying time) and Johannesburg (1h30m). From Maun private charter flights offer frequent departures (on a shuttle or exclusive basis) to lodges across the Okavango Delta.
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