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Okavango Delta
🇧🇼 Botswana

Okavango Delta

Africa's most beautiful inland delta featuring pristine waterways, exceptional wildlife, and low-density tourism in a vast wilderness oasis.

reserve

About Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's most remarkable and pristine wilderness areas, representing a unique inland delta system that creates a vast watery wonderland in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. This extraordinary ecosystem spans approximately 15,000 square kilometers and is characterized by shifting channels, reed-shrouded natural canals, shape-changing islands, and extensive marshes that support an incredible diversity of wildlife. The Delta's landscape is dramatically different from the surrounding arid landscape, with water flowing from the Angolan highlands creating a lush oasis that attracts massive concentrations of animals, particularly during the dry season when wildlife gathers around the remaining water sources. The region is renowned for exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, with abundant populations of elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, and numerous antelope species including the wetland-adapted sitatunga and red lechwe. The Delta is also home to endangered African wild dogs and supports over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The Okavango Delta is accessible through various means including guided game drives, mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions through narrow channels, walking safaris, and night drives, offering visitors multiple perspectives of this magical landscape. The region includes important protected areas such as Moremi Game Reserve and various private concessions, each offering exclusive wildlife viewing experiences. The Delta's low-density tourism approach ensures that visitors experience genuine wilderness with minimal crowds, contributing to its reputation as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled safari destinations on the African continent.

Wildlife to See

African elephants
Lions
Leopards
Cheetahs
African buffalo
Giraffes
Hippos
Crocodiles
Zebras
Wildebeest
Sitatunga
Red lechwe
African wild dogs
Warthogs
Various antelope species
Over 400 bird species

Flora & Vegetation

Papyrus reeds
Water lilies
Acacia trees
Mopane trees
Palm trees
Riverine vegetation
Marsh grasses

Activities & Experiences

Game drives
Mokoro (canoe) safaris
Walking safaris
Night drives
Bird watching
Photography
Water-based wildlife viewing
Guided tours
Self-drive safaris

Landscape & Terrain

Vast inland delta with shifting waterways, reed-lined channels, papyrus swamps, lily-covered lagoons, and numerous islands. Surrounded by dry savanna and Kalahari desert. Unique combination of water world and arid landscape.

Conservation Efforts

The Okavango Delta is managed under a low-impact, high-quality tourism model prioritizing conservation. Moremi Game Reserve protects core areas. Private concessions operate under strict environmental guidelines. Wildlife populations are monitored and protected. Sustainable tourism practices minimize environmental impact. Conservation initiatives focus on protecting endangered species and maintaining ecosystem integrity.

Local Communities

The Okavango Delta region is home to various communities including the San people (Bushmen) who have traditional knowledge of the area. Local guides and staff are integral to safari operations. Some tours include cultural interactions and visits to San communities in nearby areas like the Kalahari.

Photography Tips

Best photography during early morning and late afternoon when light is optimal. Dry season offers clearer skies and better visibility. Aerial photography from small planes captures stunning delta patterns. Bring telephoto lenses for wildlife. Water reflections create unique photographic opportunities. Polarizing filters help with water glare.

Safari Packages (29)

9-Days Ultimate Zambia Big Five Explorer

9-Days Ultimate Zambia Big Five Explorer

mid range
group
9 days
By Savanna Wilderness Tours
From
3,150
9-Days Nine-Day Zambian Big Five Explorer

9-Days Nine-Day Zambian Big Five Explorer

mid range
group
9 days
By Great Safaris
From
3,150
9-Days Botswana's Big Five Explorer Safari

9-Days Botswana's Big Five Explorer Safari

luxury
private
9 days
By Baobab Royal Tours
From
6,810
7-Days Botswana's Best: 7-Day Wildlife Expedition

7-Days Botswana's Best: 7-Day Wildlife Expedition

luxury
private
7 days
By Baobab Royal Tours
From
7,150
7-Days Okavango Delta Explorer: Budget Safari Adventure

7-Days Okavango Delta Explorer: Budget Safari Adventure

budget
group
7 days
By Baobab Royal Tours
From
390
7-Days Botswana's Best: Chobe & Okavango Explorer

7-Days Botswana's Best: Chobe & Okavango Explorer

budget
group
7 days
By Baobab Royal Tours
From
3,920
3-Days Okavango Delta Wilderness: 3-Day Explorer

3-Days Okavango Delta Wilderness: 3-Day Explorer

mid range luxury
private
3 days
By Baobab Royal Tours
From
2,750
7-Days Ultimate Botswana Safari: Delta & Kalahari

7-Days Ultimate Botswana Safari: Delta & Kalahari

luxury
private
7 days
By Bush Adventure Co.
From
7,260
14-Days Botswana's Wild Heart: 14-Day Safari Adventure

14-Days Botswana's Wild Heart: 14-Day Safari Adventure

mid range
shared
14 days
By Bush Adventure Co.
From
2,640
10-Days Ultimate Botswana Safari: 10-Day Adventure

10-Days Ultimate Botswana Safari: 10-Day Adventure

luxury
private
10 days
By Bush Adventure Co.
From
8,680
7-Days Ultimate Botswana Family Adventure Safari

7-Days Ultimate Botswana Family Adventure Safari

budget
private
7 days
By Wilderness Tours
From
6,600
10-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Explorer

10-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Explorer

luxury
private
10 days
By Wilderness Tours
From
8,680
14-Days 14-Day Botswana Explorer: Wildlife & Wonder

14-Days 14-Day Botswana Explorer: Wildlife & Wonder

budget
shared
14 days
By Maasai Tours
From
2,640
3-Days Okavango Delta Wildlife Immersion Safari

3-Days Okavango Delta Wildlife Immersion Safari

mid range luxury
private
3 days
By Maasai Tours
From
3,080
7-Days Botswana's Untamed Beauty: 7-Day Luxury Safari

7-Days Botswana's Untamed Beauty: 7-Day Luxury Safari

luxury
private
7 days
By Maasai Tours
From
880
9-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Explorer - 9 Days

9-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Explorer - 9 Days

mid range luxury
private
9 days
By Maasai Tours
From
6,810
10-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Explorer

10-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Explorer

luxury
private
10 days
By Bush Safaris
From
8,680
7-Days Ultimate Okavango Delta Bush Safari

7-Days Ultimate Okavango Delta Bush Safari

budget
shared
7 days
By Bush Safaris
From
390
9-Days Ultimate 9-Day Botswana Wildlife Adventure

9-Days Ultimate 9-Day Botswana Wildlife Adventure

luxury
private
9 days
By Bush Safaris
From
6,810
2-Days Intimate Moremi Delta Discovery Safari

2-Days Intimate Moremi Delta Discovery Safari

budget
shared
2 days
By Bush Safaris
From
890
7-Days Chobe & Okavango: Wildlife Wonder Week

7-Days Chobe & Okavango: Wildlife Wonder Week

mid range
shared
7 days
By Regal Roams Africa
From
3,920
7-Days Botswana's Golden Circle Safari Experience

7-Days Botswana's Golden Circle Safari Experience

luxury
private
7 days
By Regal Roams Africa
From
7,480
3-Days Okavango Delta Wilderness: 3-Day Escape

3-Days Okavango Delta Wilderness: 3-Day Escape

mid range luxury
private
3 days
By Regal Roams Africa
From
1,650
9-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Explorer - 9 Days

9-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Explorer - 9 Days

mid range luxury
private
9 days
By Regal Roams Africa
From
6,810
10-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Expedition

10-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Expedition

luxury
private
10 days
By Regal Roams Africa
From
8,680
7-Days Botswana Family Safari: Budget Adventure Essentials

7-Days Botswana Family Safari: Budget Adventure Essentials

budget
private
7 days
By Adventure Safari Experts
From
6,600
14-Days Botswana's Ultimate Wildlife Explorer

14-Days Botswana's Ultimate Wildlife Explorer

budget
shared
14 days
By Adventure Safari Experts
From
2,640
3-Days Okavango Delta Wildlife Immersion Safari

3-Days Okavango Delta Wildlife Immersion Safari

mid range luxury
private
3 days
By Adventure Safari Experts
From
3,140
9-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Explorer Safari

9-Days Ultimate Botswana Wildlife Explorer Safari

mid range luxury
private
9 days
By Adventure Safari Experts
From
6,810

Quick Information

Established

1963

📏

Size

15,000 km²

⛰️

Elevation

900 meters

Recommended Duration

5 days

💰

Average Cost/Day

$125 USD

Best Time to Visit

July to October offers the best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources during the dry season. Weather is clear, temperatures are pleasant, and visibility is excellent. June can be slightly cheaper. December to May is the wet season with lush vegetation but animals are more dispersed and harder to spot.

Getting There

Fly into Maun International Airport from Johannesburg, Cape Town, or other major African cities. From Maun, access the Delta via small aircraft (most common for northern areas) or 4WD vehicles (for southern areas). Budget safaris typically use road access from Maun.

Nearest Airport: Maun International Airport (MUB)

Nearest Town: Maun

Accommodation Options

Luxury tented camps
Mid-range lodges
Budget camping
Mobile camps
Guest houses
Safari tents with en-suite bathrooms
Basic camping with shared facilities

Conservation Status

Protected through Moremi Game Reserve and private concessions; managed for low-impact, sustainable tourism with emphasis on conservation and wildlife protection

Start Planning Your Visit

Compare packages from verified operators and find the perfect safari experience