Okavango Delta
At the heart of the Delta lies a secluded network of waterways and islands where life slows down
Discover the iconic Okavango Delta
Officially declared UNESCO’s 1 000th World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Okavango Delta is undeniably Botswana’s evergreen crown jewel. The largest inland delta in the world, the broad Okavango River sinks into the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert, creating a lush and waterlogged oasis with crystal clear lagoons and channels, reeded islands and fertile floodplains. Spreading over more than 15,500 km² (almost 6,000 m²), the Okavango Delta is so fragile that, if it were denied water for even a decade, it would revert to a semi-desert.
This remarkable environment constantly adapts and changes with the ebb and flow of the floodwaters that seasonally inundate large portions of the delta. Although dry for two-thirds of the year, during the winter months the rising floodwaters create a maze of marshes, small wooded islands and shallow lagoons. On the edges of the delta, where land blurs with water, breeding herds of elephant splash gently through shallow channels, the long necks of a family of giraffe materialise slowly out of the delta skyline and graceful sitatunga antelope hide in the reeds. It is a place where you can wonder at the antics of wild dog in the morning and cast a line for tiger fish in the afternoon, wake in the dappled shade of a forest and enjoy dinner beneath the boughs of a massive baobab at full moon.
Things to do in the Okavango Delta
Explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro (dugout canoe), motorised boat cruise (seasonal), on-foot, on horseback, by game drive or by helicopter.
Why we love it
An unexpected wonder
The Okavango River, which emanates from the Angolan highlands, sinks into the dry sands of the Kalahari Desert, creating a lush and waterlogged oasis. Known as ‘the river that never finds the sea’, crystal-clear channels spread over the thirstlands of the Kalahari; a bizarre and brilliant water-wonderment.
A watery wilderness
A variety of incredible water experiences is on offer in the Delta. Glide through a maze of clear channels and opaque lagoons on a traditionally-made mokoro, silently passing by unsuspecting wildlife, or cover a greater distance on a motorised boat (seasonal). Sparkling channels teem with fish and bird-life.
Iconic wildlife sightings
The Delta is home to a large number of species, including some specially-adapted semi-aquatic creatures, such as the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga antelope. Hundreds of fish, bird, frogs and insects inhabit the channels and reeded banks. Wild cat, serval and pangolin can also be spotted at night.
An abundance of space
Vast stretches of untouched, unfenced wilderness and unrivalled game viewing are what most guests love about the Okavango Delta. Leave the crowds behind, and enjoy a full-day safari exploring this pristine wetland system brimming with abundant wildlife without seeing another vehicle
Jewel of the Kalahari
A local interpretation of the Okavango Delta by Dux Mareja
Where to stay
Okavango Delta Accommodation
From charming under-canvas extravagance to elegant safari tents to magnificent nature-inspired lodges, Botswana offers travellers, from all corners of the globe, a wide variety of accommodation options well-suited to the unique safari experience they are after.
Okavango Delta Camping
Designed to keep you close to nature, complete with all your luxury-comforts, safari tented camps provide travellers with the unique opportunity of feeling as if you are part of your surrounds, but with a little more structure and support.
Okavango Delta Lodges
If you prefer to keep the wilderness at arm’s length, but still want to be part of an immersive safari experience, then our exclusive safari lodges are for you. Whether at one of our own lodges or a partners; intimate luxury is paramount.
Explore Okavango Delta sightings
Our guides and guests’ best safari moments
Frequently asked questions
Question: Where is the Okavango Delta?
Answer
The Okavango Delta is located in Botswana, in the northwestern part of the country, near the borders of Namibia and Angola.
Question: How big is the Okavango Delta?
Answer
The Okavango Delta covers an area of approximately 15,000 square kilometers (5,800 square miles) during the peak flooding season, making it one of the largest inland deltas in the world.
Question: What is unique about the Okavango Delta?
Answer
The Okavango Delta is unique for its annual flooding cycle, which transforms the arid landscape into a lush oasis, attracting a vast array of wildlife. It is also one of the few inland deltas in the world, with its waters never reaching the ocean. Learn more about why you should visit the Okavango Delta.
Question: What animals live in the Okavango Delta?
Answer
The Okavango Delta is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, various antelope species, and over 400 species of birds.
Question: When is the best time to visit the Okavango Delta?
Answer
The best time to visit the Okavango Delta is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers excellent game viewing opportunities as animals concentrate around the waterways, and the vegetation is less dense, making wildlife easier to spot.
Question: How to visit Okavango Delta?
Answer
To visit the Okavango Delta, you can fly into Maun, the gateway to the Delta, and then transfer to smaller aircraft or road transfers to reach your chosen lodge or camp within the Delta. View more about getting to and around the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Question: Where to stay in Okavango Delta?
Answer
There are various accommodation options in the Okavango Delta, ranging from luxury lodges to tented camps, offering a range of safari experiences. Some popular areas to stay include Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango private concessions, and the Delta’s outer regions.
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