The Okavango Delta is one of the natural wonders of Africa, a vast inland delta where the Okavango River spreads out across the Kalahari sands and brings water, and with it life, to one of the driest parts of the continent. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a maze of channels, lagoons and palm-fringed islands that changes shape every year with the flood.
The water arrives from the Angolan highlands, travels more than a thousand kilometres, and reaches the Delta between March and June, peaking from June to August, which is the dry season. Wildlife gathers on the islands and along the channels, and you can explore by mokoro (a traditional canoe), motorboat, on foot and by vehicle. Lions, leopards, wild dog, elephants, hippos and red lechwe are all easy to find, and the birding is exceptional.
The Delta is mostly protected in private concessions with small camps, so you get exclusivity, night drives and walking safaris that are not allowed in national parks. Guests normally reach their camps by short light-aircraft flights from Maun.
The Delta holds the Big Five in good numbers and is one of the best places in Africa for African wild dog and leopard. Red lechwe and sitatunga antelope live in the wetlands, hippos and crocodiles fill the channels, and herds of elephant and buffalo move across the floodplains. Lions often hunt lechwe in the shallow water, which makes for spectacular sightings.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
From the air the Delta is a patchwork of blue channels, green lagoons, golden reed beds and palm-covered islands. On the ground, the light is soft, the water is clear, and the horizon is dotted with birds. The flood changes the scenery every season, so no two visits are the same.
Activities here
The Delta is hot and wet in summer, with daytime temperatures of 32°C to 36°C and rain from November to March, and cool to cold in winter, with clear days of 25°C and nights that can drop to 5°C. Rain is rare from May to September.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33 | 20 | 100 |
| Feb | 32 | 20 | 90 |
| Mar | 32 | 19 | 70 |
| Apr | 31 | 16 | 35 |
| May | 28 | 11 | 5 |
| Jun | 25 | 7 | 0 |
| Jul | 25 | 7 | 0 |
| Aug | 28 | 10 | 0 |
| Sep | 32 | 15 | 5 |
| Oct | 35 | 19 | 25 |
| Nov | 35 | 20 | 60 |
| Dec | 34 | 20 | 90 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to October is dry. The flood reaches its peak between June and August, which gives the best water activities, while the land is dry and the animals gather around the permanent water. Early mornings are very cold, so bring a warm jacket and gloves for game drives.
November to March brings heat, thunderstorms and green landscapes, with young animals, nesting birds and migrant species. Some camps in the lowest-lying areas close, and the roads can be difficult after heavy rain, so many guests fly in.
June to October is the classic time, when the flood peaks and animals gather by the water. September and October are the hottest and driest, with concentrated game. The green season from December to March is quieter and lower priced, with excellent birding and newborn animals.
Best time to visit Jun to Oct
Almost every guest flies from Maun to a camp’s private airstrip, a journey of 20 to 45 minutes in a light aircraft, which also gives a spectacular view of the Delta. Maun has scheduled flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Windhoek. Road access to some camps is possible in the dry season, but flying saves time.
Concession and park fees are included in our safaris. Citizens of many countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and most of the EU, can enter Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days, but please check the rules for your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Light aircraft have a soft-bag limit of 20 kilograms.
The Delta lies in a malaria area, with the highest risk in the wet season from November to May, so please take medical advice before you travel. The sun is strong and the winter mornings are cold, so bring sunscreen, a hat and warm layers. Drink only bottled or filtered water.
National ParkChobe National ParkElephants by the thousand on the Chobe RiverCity & TownKasaneGateway to Chobe
National ParkMakgadikgadi PansMeerkats, salt pans and the zebra migration
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryMoremi Game ReserveBig cats on the edge of the DeltaOur take
“Our take”
Stay at least three nights, and choose a camp on a permanent channel for the best water.
Safaris from
US$3,149 per person
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